Incoherent Scribblings

Smoke and Mirrors

“Smoke and Mirrors” is a phrase that is used in English to denote that something is not real; that it is lacking substance, or is only there to create an illusion. The origin of this phrase comes from the fact that magicians often use smoke and mirrors to create illusions and obscure your vision as a bit of trickery. A person who is using “smoke and mirrors” is creating an illusion.

Therefore, one reason that I rarely write about politics and/or politicians is because I feel that it is all smoke and mirrors. While one side has Bruce Springsteen come to a rally, the other thumps on the Bible and proudly proclaims he is endorsed by God. These tactics merely obscure the real issues at hand and don’t really mean anything. Once you get past the smoke and mirrors it is easy to see why recent elections have always been so close: there is really no difference between the two parties or the person that has been chosen to represent the party.

However, for me this smoke and mirror act does little more than aggravate me. I am familiar with the issues. I know both sides of the issues and I have a personal opinion on them. No matter what John Kerry, George Bush, or anyone else says or does, it is highly unlikely that I will change my stance on them. It offends me to my very core when people try to change my opinion so that it conforms to their own: I don’t care if it is my neighbor, my father, or some stiff running for public office. I don’t try to change their opinion, so what gives them the right to not only try and change mine, but indicate that because mine doesn’t mesh with theirs that I am somehow deficient?

It is with these thoughts that I face November 2, 2004. Not because I hope to see George W. Bush voted out of the White House (though I do), but because I am so sick of this smoke and mirror act day in and day out, that no matter who wins I will be glad to see the whole thing subside!

P.S. Happy Halloween!