Look, I know the old saying that there are two things you don’t talk about in polite company: religion and politics. I used to think that most people understood this maxim and the reasons why. But with the advent of Facebook and other social media, it has become abundantly clear that the opposite is true. Everyone wants to share a popular meme, or share their own views on religion and politics, or voice their concern about a story in the news, or the latest Supreme Court decision. Maybe it’s not everyone. But at times it sure seems that way.
I’m not going to start talking politics on this blog, don’t worry. I’m not looking for all that drama. Besides, I have a whole other site devoted to politics. So if you’re up for the debate, please head over there and have at it. But my book is about politics and government, and it is about characters coming to grips with very political concepts. So there will be times when some of that will bleed onto the pages of this blog. Let this be a warning to those who are easily agitated: this is one of those times.
Here is a snippet of dialogue from one of my characters. He is Carlos Galvarone, the first Hispanic President of the United States:
My friends, I share your frustration. Many of you elected me looking for that change, and I will deliver on my promise to give it to you. The salvation of our country does not lie within the platform of any political party, or in the hands of any politician or bureaucrat. Our salvation lies in our ability to rely upon ourselves to solve our own problems. Each of us is responsible for our own safety and our own prosperity. The entire political process is merely a distraction from this, and loyalty to parties is simply an obstacle to achieving our full potential as a nation. We must abandon our preoccupation with party politics, and move in an entirely new direction.
I am very curious to see how people react to this.