Final Election Observations
As luck would have it, my Tuesday column falls on Presidential Election Day and elections for several other national, state and local candidates so it was necessary to have some absolutely final final thoughts.
Tuesday I expect to be monitoring at the polls so any comments on my comments would likely be received and reviewed later. Here goes.
The State of the Country. State here is taken in its meaning as condition not state as in 50 states. After the election, regardless who is elected, based on the rhetoric, it is unlikely that we will be sitting around the campfire singing Kumbaya together any time soon. That is unfortunate. I also think it was unnecessary. The Republican party had a number of good candidates in the primary – Jeb Bush and John Kasich come to mind. It will be interesting to see whether, in the future, candidates will be encouraged to rehearse to become more like reality TV stars so they can entertain an audience or if they will return to discussing issues. I remember my experience as a high school teacher and later as an adjunct college professor thinking there needed to be some entertainment factor but nothing like in this election.
Facts took an incredible hit. “Thousands” of people are said to be doing various things and “some people think” or “some people say” became a common expression.
Chester County has been a place where moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans have often worked together without major dispute although there are some separating issues that make a difference to both parties. The County is moving more D than R with new residents although we have been a Republican stronghold for some time now. We are discussed in the media as part of the “collar” counties circling Philadelphia and it is good to think that our votes, even on a national level are considered important. The issues of women, jobs, migrants, the economy are all important here. We are fortunate to have a prosperous economy where there are other parts of the State that do not.
I do think we value our peace and, after the election is over are more likely than some areas to settle into a sense of normalcy while still recognizing our differences. I could not fail to recognize that Carolyn Comitta, the Mayor of West Chester’s entry into the race for State Representative in this area has raised interest in West Chester for her work in the Borough especially although Dan Truitt has served in this position for some time now.
On a National Level… The electorate is exhausted. It reminds you of a boxing match where both fighters are wearing themselves down waiting for the final bell. Still it is necessary to vote. With all the polls taken and everything done to this point, it all would be meaningless if people do not come out and vote.
The trove of misinformation is inexhaustible. A few days ago I received at home a packet in the mail from CAFT. On researching Google I found Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade and Commercial Automated Funds Transfer. Obviously it was none of these. Chinese Americans for Trump was wrong on both counts although I figured that, since my daughter is Chinese, someone may have figured I was also and sent a mailer for Trump.
The Supreme Court… With 4 Supreme Court Justices leaning to and/or actual Republicans and 4 Justices leaning to and/or actual Democrats, the potential for tie votes now is high. Why does this matter? A personal observation. If there is a tie in the Supreme Court, the decisions of the lower Court (that is the Circuit Courts throughout the country) would stand and the Supreme Court’s rulings would be less relevant. So, it would be possible to have one rule of the land in say California and another in Pennsylvania.
Not just abortion and right to choose but also Citizens United, campaign finance, and others would be under consideration. Some Republicans have stated if Hillary Clinton is elected they will not proceed on any nomination for a ninth Supreme Court justice. Garland Merrick, the Obama nominee, has waited for months. I wonder for how long. This is where the difference between Toomey and McGinty would come in for U.S. Senate since the Senate votes for or against the nominee.
About the Author Janet Colliton
Esquire, Colliton Law Associates, P.C. Janet Colliton has practiced law for over 38 years, 37 of them in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia. Her practice, Colliton Law Associates, PC, is limited to elder law, Medicaid, including advice, applications and appeals, and other benefits planning including Veterans benefits, life care and special needs planning, guardianships, retirement, and estate planning and administration.