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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last week we celebrated Halloween, a day on which little people seeking goodies dress up and pretend to be things they really aren’t, like superheroes and villains.
In the adult world, we call that Election Day.
As you might have noticed from that remark, it’s easy — too easy — to get cynical after these endless months of politicking and campaigning. Even worse, there’s reason to fear that in an election as close as this one, the wrangling may continue or even intensify after final votes are cast today, with judges, lawyers and courtrooms trying to resolve what voters and ballots could not.
So in this moment of relative sanity and calm, in these few hours in the eye of storm in which all we can do is wait, let’s talk about better, more important things. Because as I was reminded again last week, there is no better antidote to cynicism than a gap-toothed little five-year-old standing on your doorstep, bag held open and a hopeful look upon her face.
Delightful in its own right, it brings back a flood of recollection for all or most of us. I still have dimming memories of being a young boy in costume, the paper bag clutched in my fists growing ever heavier from doorstep to doorstep. It seemed miraculous that we lived in a world in which people I did not even know kept giving me candy for no apparent reason. And though I don’t recall it directly, I know that somewhere back in the autumn shadows, my mother and father were hovering, keeping a warm, parental eye on us as we made the rounds.
In more recent Halloween memories, I have become that young father hovering in the background, watching as my own children toddle up the walkway in costume to knock on the door. And one part I remember vividly about those years were the older couples who would come to the door and coo and chuckle, charmed by the few minutes they got to share with children.
This year, with our children up and grown, we have in turn become that older couple, happy to see wide-eyed little ones on our doorstep. I can look at the child and see myself there, and look at the smiling parent and see myself there as well. Every Halloween we play out the same scene, with the same stock characters. But unlike the Bill Murray character in “Groundhog Day,” who is doomed to play the same role day after day, the passage of time gives us the chance to play every role in that tableau, to experience the tradition from every perspective.
Professional actors and actresses lucky enough to have long careers know that phenomenon well. They often find themselves playing different roles in the same classic plays, from the ingenue to the young mother to the matron to the grandmother. But it’s true in real life as well. As Shakespeare reminded us:
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.”
Time allows you to experience life in the round, to see it and know it from every perspective. If time does bring wisdom, that is its source.
In the rest of that famous speech quoted above, Shakespeare writes of the seven ages of man, beginning with childhood and concluding in oldest age, when we turn again to childishness. It is a cycle, like so many other cycles, like the cycle of the seasons from late summer to fall to winter, and yes, even presidential election cycles. The end of one is the beginning of another.
And if that doesn’t frighten you, nothing will.
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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
468 comments Add your comment
RW-(the original)
November 6th, 2012
11:22 am
Hispanics caused France to go socialist?
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?
/That’s just an unknown to Jeopardy contestants movie line for any of you potential Jeopardy contestants in the audience
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 6th, 2012
11:24 am
Hispanics caused France to go socialist?
Best to stay away from The Bridge then, as Fernando Torres and Juan Mata are Spaniards.
Wouldn’t want you to catch that highly contagious “socialism”.
paulo977
November 6th, 2012
11:24 am
Love it …..
paulo977
November 6th, 2012
11:26 am
OOPS
USinUK – not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
7:46 am
I think we can all agree on one thing … dog shaming
__________________________________
Love it!!!
flagboy?
November 6th, 2012
11:27 am
John Terry keeps the Spaniards in check.
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
11:28 am
IF the NYTimes now owns the rights to “Five Thirty Eight Blog”
AND Nate is wrong
THEN his next enterprise should be called…
but the polls could all be wrong so screw it
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
11:28 am
RW — “He must be playing one handed poker”
Is that not how Hoyle calculates hand probabilities? Drawing from a single deck, nothing wild, no replacements and only one hand drawn?
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:29 am
Paolo –
if you loved that one, be prepared to pee yourself watching this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZnMAFSNiUg
best dog shaming EVER
Brosephus™
November 6th, 2012
11:29 am
JHM played the Bojinka card @ 10:48…
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 6th, 2012
11:30 am
John Terry keeps the Spaniards in check.
Saying this as a True Blue fan: JT is a wanker.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
11:31 am
“Yo quiero SOSHULIZUM”
–The Taco Bell Chihuahua
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 6th, 2012
11:31 am
USinUK… dog shaming is just another name for poor parenting.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:33 am
“Saying this as a True Blue fan: JT is a wanker.”
word.
wish he’d get the permanent boot
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
11:33 am
JHM, RW, this from one of the commenters over at Nate’s, for what it’s worth:
4 in 47 for an inside straight (eliminating the dicarded card) and I wonder whether other evidence on or at the table affects the odds further.
Ok, you may now crank this up real loud:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZEdDMQZaCU
Lee
November 6th, 2012
11:34 am
Doggone…you have an issue with facts? Typical Democrat.
DebbieDoRight - Plantation Liberal (In Good Standing)
November 6th, 2012
11:34 am
In keeping with TP’s humorous theme at 8:49, (i hope you guys are still being humorous and haven’t devolved yet), here’s one that’s from the last election cycle that’s still relevant today, (seeing as how Tag owns voting machines…..)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aBaX9GPSaQ
Brosephus™
November 6th, 2012
11:35 am
red party is becoming DIVERSE and when it does blue party will be needing their diapers changed
Hittin’ the sauce a wee bit early, ain’t we??
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:35 am
“dog shaming is just another name for poor parenting”
I’d agree … except that my dog is the hairy hoover – she’ll eat ANYthing when she’s out for a walk (most things don’t bear thinking about)
gm
November 6th, 2012
11:36 am
kayaker 71
I can understand black America voting for Bozo the first time
What I dont understand why would whites voted for W a second time after he allowed 3500 Americans to die 911 on his watch.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 6th, 2012
11:36 am
Hittin’ the sauce a wee bit early, ain’t we??
The sun’s over the yardarm, somewhere.
RB from Gwinnett
November 6th, 2012
11:37 am
RW, I had a 25 year old tell me yesterday they had a teacher named “Wormer”, so I asked if they were by chance the Dean. Blank stare…
gm
November 6th, 2012
11:38 am
Latinos, and all non conservatives white males, we can show the world what America really looks like after today, continue your record turn out””””””
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 6th, 2012
11:38 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVJiwa9LHiw
USinUK… this training clip may help. Don’t mind her funny accent, she’s not originally from GA but she does go to the Northpoint Starbucks
Brosephus™
November 6th, 2012
11:40 am
gm
I’d just leave kayaker alone about that. His melanin envy causes the synapses in his medula oblongata to misfire from time to time. You just have to say, “Bless his heart” when he goes on those melanin-fueled rants and continue reading the next post. Responding to that crap only gives him the impression that he’s actually right about something.
flagboy?
November 6th, 2012
11:40 am
The best Chelsea player of all time was Zola.
And Terry is just misunderstood i’m sure. .. .. .. . . . . . . .
DannyX
November 6th, 2012
11:40 am
Vote for Obama!
Do it for Seamus!!
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
11:40 am
” teacher named Wormer”
“The kids today ain’t got no cultchah!”
Jerome Horwitz
November 6th, 2012
11:41 am
The rest of this is all inconsequential –
John Terry is an embarassment to the EPL and the English National Team. He should have the boot up his bum.
Glory Glory
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
11:41 am
Brosephus™
November 6th, 2012
11:15 am
Agreed…we will continue to get screwed until we get system fixed…
PAUL
Not sure if GOP is more guilty of exaggeration…I think I could argue both sides..
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:41 am
“red party is becoming DIVERSE”
yep – they’ve got both kinds of music … country AND western!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSZfUnCK5qk
Janney
November 6th, 2012
11:41 am
Just sent this blog to two of my adult sons. This was such a beautiful and thoughtful piece about the cycle of life.
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:41 am
“Doggone…you have an issue with facts? Typical Democrat.”
Nope, but I do have a problem with people who’s reading comprehension is non-existent
RW-(the original)
November 6th, 2012
11:43 am
Is that not how Hoyle calculates hand probabilities? Drawing from a single deck, nothing wild, no replacements and only one hand drawn?
Could be, but if you think that way at the table you’re going to find yourself prematurely felted.
JKL2
November 6th, 2012
11:44 am
united- When Romney loses today, what will be your rhetoric? Are you angry before the results come out…calm down baby.
I’ve for months that the 47%ers and party of handouts would rule the day. Doesn’t mean I should get a lobotomy so I could join you.
The only back obama has is his and his own. I’m guessing you’re not in the clique. Be careful what you wish for.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:45 am
“I had a 25 year old tell me yesterday they had a teacher named “Wormer”, so I asked if they were by chance the Dean. Blank stare…”
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:46 am
““I had a 25 year old tell me yesterday they had a teacher named “Wormer”, so I asked if they were by chance the Dean. Blank stare…”
Well…I’m 61 and you’d have got the same from me
RW-(the original)
November 6th, 2012
11:47 am
RB,
The reason I made the Jeopardy reference was that a question, or answer if you will, came up last night about charachter names in a movie and you had to name the movie. The clue was Wormer and somebody else I can’t remember. The three contestants had the same look as the 25 year old you mention.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
11:48 am
Doggone – you’re on double-secret probation, then…
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
11:49 am
Been doing some nosing aroung the whole electoral college origins…I’m finding that contrary to popular belief, it appears to be an adjustment pushed by Madison to adjust for the levels of slavery in the south…the whole embassing in current times, 3/5’s concept..fun facts to know and share..of course I’m probably last to know this..
paulo977
November 6th, 2012
11:49 am
RB….from Gwinnett ….re; 40% Hispanics ?
________________________________________________
“The world is its own magic.”
SHUNRYU SUZUKI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBe-vrSwKFw
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:49 am
“Doggone – you’re on double-secret probation, then”
How can it be a secret if you tell me about it?
St Simons
November 6th, 2012
11:50 am
oh, the unhinged are beginning to bubble up to the surface
i hope the FBI is ready
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
11:50 am
RW — “Could be, but if you think that way at the table you’re going to find yourself prematurely felted.”
I don’t gamble. I’m just well-versed in statistics.
JKL2
November 6th, 2012
11:50 am
mick- the next decade needs to focus on getting the ship back on a correct course, it can be done…
Agreed. The first step is to elect a leader and get the joke out of the White House. Next will be to drain the swamp so we can get Congress functional again. (another thing obama has proven to be incapable of doing)
United We Stand...Divided We Fall
November 6th, 2012
11:51 am
JKL2
November 6th, 2012
11:44 am
Who is Mitt Romney?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxch-yi14BE
If I knew who and what he stands for, I might consider voting for him…He is too much of a flip flopper.
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:52 am
“(another thing obama has proven to be incapable of doing)”
And if you were in his place, what would YOU do to “get Congress functional”? And specifics please, no platitudes or bumper sticker slogans.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
11:52 am
“Next will be to drain the swamp so we can get Congress functional again.”
JKL2 – what does the phrase “drain the swamp” mean in this context?”
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
11:53 am
GETALIFE
BTW, you are correct, by what appears to be your definition, I will never be accused of possessing common sense and for that I’m eternally grateful…
Peadawg
November 6th, 2012
11:53 am
“(another thing obama has proven to be incapable of doing)”
House Republicans being a bunch of female-dogs is Obama’s fault? Is he their babysitter now?
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:54 am
“JKL2 – what does the phrase “drain the swamp” mean in this context?”
Everyone ELSE should vote for a new Congress critter?
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
11:54 am
News flash — Spokesman for GOP’s new Hispanic outreach program named:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frito_Bandito
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 6th, 2012
11:55 am
The best Chelsea player of all time was Zola.
Before my time as a fan.
I’m partial to Drogba, myself.
His propensity for diving notwithstanding.
JKL2
November 6th, 2012
11:56 am
united- If I knew who and what he stands for, I might consider voting for him…He is too much of a flip flopper
This should help you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsa4uLmTw0M
Tealiban Party
November 6th, 2012
11:57 am
Jeff
November 6th, 2012
9:41 am
I just can not agree with the money being wasted by our government on programs that have failed. Democrats only know one thing, Throw tax payers money at the problem, when in fact that may be the worst thing you can do. People in the top bracket I feel would pay the proper amount of taxes if it meant something, But in the end you have to cut spending several times more than any tax increases to make a dent in the debt.
Kind of like Obama proposing $10 in cuts to every $1 in raised taxes? But the Republican congress threw a temper tantrum at that proposal….
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 6th, 2012
11:57 am
His propensity for diving notwithstanding.
http://www.ridethepine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Screen-Shot-2012-08-11-at-10.29.14-PM.png
which is why I love the Olympics – and why professional footballers make me absolutely insane
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become older, I have put away childish things
November 6th, 2012
11:57 am
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.”
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
11:58 am
“He is too much of a flip flopper”
Something just occured to me. I think he’s more like a game piece in the game of Reversi. He doesn’t just flip/flop…he constantly changes back and forth in response to whatever happens at the moment.
Lee
November 6th, 2012
11:59 am
You guys in Georgia that voted for Obama do realize that your vote is not going to count right?
Doggone/GA
November 6th, 2012
12:00 pm
“You guys in Georgia that voted for Obama do realize that your vote is not going to count right?”
Where you been Rip Van Winkle? Are you JUST waking up to that?
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
12:00 pm
You guys in Georgia that voted for Obama do realize that your vote is not going to count right?
you mean it doesn’t go into the big ol’ Popular Vote pile and elect us a president that way?
oh my stars.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
November 6th, 2012
12:01 pm
…and why professional footballers make me absolutely insane
You go to the pitch with the players you have, not the players you wish you have.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
12:01 pm
“You guys in Georgia that voted for Obama do realize that your vote is not going to count right?”
It will count as much as anyone’s, will it not? And it will be interesting to see if we can “purple” the state a bit…
flagboy?
November 6th, 2012
12:02 pm
Never was a huge Drogba fan, but he came up big in the Champions League.
Zola’s back heel goal off a corner is one of the best goals i’ve ever seen.
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
12:02 pm
Lee @ 11.59, I just realized, perhaps you should go to Staten Island and tell some of the NYC cops and firefighters who live there that their Romney votes don’t count, so they shouldn’t bother.
I’m sure they’ll react well to that, particularly in light of recent events.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
12:02 pm
Lee — “You guys in Georgia that voted for Obama do realize that your vote is not going to count right?”
So Republicans in California, New York, all of New England and a whole bunch of other states shouldn’t even bother to vote, right?
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:03 pm
Regnad….HAHAHAHA OMG really?
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
12:04 pm
And it will be interesting to see if we can “purple” the state a bit…
Lately things just don’t seem the same. Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why.
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:04 pm
Joe….Actually it is all going to come down to Ohio and Florida.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
12:06 pm
“Regnad….HAHAHAHA OMG really?”
Sure – if you play at all, play to win! Just because something is difficult, doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying!
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:07 pm
Regnad….Two words for ya. Electorial College.
Aquagirl
November 6th, 2012
12:07 pm
HAHAHAHA OMG really?
I didn’t realize election day was also a school holiday.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
12:08 pm
“Lately things just don’t seem the same. Actin’ funny, but I don’t know why.”
Thanks. sfd – I needed that.
DannyX
November 6th, 2012
12:09 pm
My election prediction…
The first Drudge Report screaming headline claiming “Exit Polls show Romney Wins Ohio, Florida, Virgina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania” will occur at 5:32 pm est.
Regnad Kcin
November 6th, 2012
12:09 pm
“Joe….Actually it is all going to come down to Ohio and Florida.”
Not too many ways fro Rimney to win without Virginia, too. Just saying.
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
12:09 pm
STANDS
I agree that opposition votes in the states that are guaranteed for one candidate or another can be categorized as not counting…except perhaps in the few states that allocate electoral vote..
The only thing I’m real interested in voting on is the Charter Schools thingy..don’t like that concept much..
Brosephus™
November 6th, 2012
12:09 pm
Stevie Ray: Agreed…we will continue to get screwed until we get system fixed…
The problem is that WE are the system. Until we hit rock bottom and begin our 12 step recovery plan, we will continue to screw ourselves. In the hyper-partisaned, instant gratification world we live in, I see very little hope in that 12 step program beginning anytime soon.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
November 6th, 2012
12:12 pm
the next decade needs to focus on getting the ship back on a correct course
yes, that is what we started with the election of 2008.
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
12:13 pm
AQUAGIRL
It’s worse than you think…I have two of my teenage daughters at the house with several friends..needless to say, I’m at office…
williebkind
November 6th, 2012
12:14 pm
I went and cast my democratic vote for “WILLIE B KIND”!
mm
November 6th, 2012
12:14 pm
“The first step is to elect a leader and get the joke out of the White House. Next will be to drain the swamp so we can get Congress functional again. (another thing obama has proven to be incapable of doing)”
This is your brain on Fox.
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:15 pm
Regnad….If Romney takes Ohio and Florida it is over.
Peter
November 6th, 2012
12:15 pm
gm
November 6th, 2012
11:38 am
Latinos, and all non conservatives white males, we can show the world what America really looks like after today, continue your record turn out””””””
Today’s vote is also to see if Women in America understand the rights the Republican’s want to take from them….. Hopefully they understand !
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
12:16 pm
Lee — “Joe….Actually it is all going to come down to Ohio and Florida.”
Yup. I’ve been saying that since the spring. Romney *needs* both to win; he can win without *one* of them, but if he only takes one, then he’s pretty much got to run the table on every other tossup state. If he loses both, he’s out.
There are many more ways to 270 for Obama than there are for Romney.
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:17 pm
Joe….I agree with you. Right now exit polling is putting Romney ahead in Ohio and no data from Florida yet.
Peter
November 6th, 2012
12:18 pm
The Latinos and the Georgia farmers know what a Republican means….. The Georgia farmers lost millions because their crops were not picked and rotted on the vine or plant……
But we shall see if they have awoken to the truth ?
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
12:18 pm
R. Kcin — “Thanks. sfd – I needed that.”
S’cuse me
While I eat this fly
Peter
November 6th, 2012
12:19 pm
DannyX My election prediction… Yup..and War begins very soon after that………
Joe Hussein Mama
November 6th, 2012
12:21 pm
Lee — “Regnad….If Romney takes Ohio and Florida it is over.”
No. Having both of those states would be a great help to Romney, but taking them both is no guarantee of a win for Romney.
http://www.electoral-vote.com
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
12:21 pm
BRO
Step one is toughest…that we are powerless over much of what is wrong..I do disagree with you on one aspect, whether we decide to vote for those elected who claim to change the money train, as well intentioned as they are…once they get to DC, they have no choice but to spend 30% of time raising cash…doling out favors…
From that perspective, it’s the perfect system as it protects itself from challenge by manipulation of cashflow to whomever….not sure what we can do about it…only good idea I’ve heard is from Lessig…
Or we could emulate the Tea party and OWS’s tactics as this has to be one issue that we all can agree on…
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:21 pm
Peter…..which country do you predict….Iran?
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:22 pm
Joe….actually it is. If you look at the swing states versus the red and blue states the easiest way for Romney to take it is for Ohio AND Florida to go red.
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
12:23 pm
BRO
I think a good analogy is say….eubola virus…feeds on itself so as to always win by attrition..IMO
DannyX
November 6th, 2012
12:24 pm
“Right now exit polling is putting Romney ahead in Ohio and no data from Florida yet.”
Lee what is your source for the Ohio exit polls?
STEVIE RAY
November 6th, 2012
12:25 pm
JOE
Good play on Hendrix…here’s a question:
Who scribed and sang the following lyrics:
“I couldn’t say where she’s coming from but I just met a lady called dynamo hum….she strolled on over said look here bum I got a $40 dollar bill that you can’t make me….”
?? No googling..
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
12:26 pm
don’t like that concept much..
I don’t like the sound of these ‘ere Boncentration Bamps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzCND3tlZTo
Aquagirl
November 6th, 2012
12:26 pm
I have two of my teenage daughters at the house with several friends..needless to say, I’m at office…
Smart man, stay outta the way!
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:26 pm
DannyX…Drudge, Gallup and Rasmuassen.
Lee
November 6th, 2012
12:27 pm
We will not know the winner of this election for atleast a week I bet.
stands for decibels
November 6th, 2012
12:27 pm
SR @ 12.25, I know but I’m not telling.
(probably haven’t actually *heard* that in several decades.)
Welcome to the Occupation
November 6th, 2012
12:28 pm
No disrespect, but I have to say, I find these “contemplative” posts we typically get on holidays by far the most boring ones of all. How about instead just post a graphic of a monk with hands pressed together in prayer?