I am thankful, blessed, fortunate, lucky, and down right giddy that throughout this election cycle, I did not reside in a battleground state. The term gets its name from a state that is too close to call for either candidate so myriad amounts of money are spent on political ads and events to the citizens ad nauseam.

I have reached my limit on mudslinging and false promises. Right now I’d choose a root canal over one more mindless debate. If politicians could be described in one word, it would have to be panderer. I say this because one of the candidates said we southerners cling to our guns and religion. My answer is, “so, what’s your point?” Yet a few weeks later the same candidate spoke in a church and talked about reconciliation and harmony.

I laugh at the old story of two politicians that argued over religion and politics. In a fit of anger one said, “I bet $50 that you’re so dumb you don’t even know the Lord’s Prayer.” The opposing candidate said, “you’re on”. He then began to recite, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Before he finished, the first candidate reached in his pocket for the money and said, “Rats, I didn’t think you knew it.”

I don’t want my candidate to be all things to all people. I want him to have convictions rooted in the Constitution. I want a candidate that has honesty as his moral compass, and I want one who fears his Creator. I can respect an individual like that. Oh, and it would be a nice change if they exhibited more common sense and restraint than a five year old with a ten dollar bill in a candy store.

One thing I can never get used to is this; The White House has five full-time chefs, the kitchen is able to serve dinner to as many as 140 guests at the drop of a hat. The First Family has at their immediate disposal a posh resort called Camp David, a helicopter to get there to avoid traffic and the White House grounds sports a variety of facilities including a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and a bowling lane. And this is all for one family.

With this in mind, Mr. President to be, please don’t tell those of us who are living pay check to pay check that you feel our pain. It comes across a little insincere when you are eating a truffle at your weekly galas.

Election Day is one of the greatest privileges you have as an American. Please go and make your vote count. And don’t complain, it doesn’t matter if our only choice is the evil of two lessers.