Election 2024

Volume 56. October 28, 2024

Perhaps the legendary American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan was thinking of Donald Trump when he sang sardonically, “Patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings.” 

After three consecutive presidential elections, most Americans like Bob Dylan know the score on that dishonest, anti-democratic demagogue and 34-time convicted felon Donald Trump. 

But lest we forget what a second Trump administration would look like, let’s keep in mind the chaos of the first. 

The Washington Post kept a running count of the lies Trump told during his White House tenure. His total tally of false claims amounted to 30,573. That’s 21 lies per day everyday for four years. 

Does anyone really want to be misled like that again? 

Perhaps Bob Dylan was thinking of the bedlam of a second Trump administration when he added: “Freedom just around the corner for you. But with truth so far off, what good would it do?”

America is the home of the free. Here we are free to play football. Well, Election 2024 is analogous to a football game. 

Before the game, the field is at peace. We behold green grass. Silent seats. Tranquility. Harmony. Unity. Nirvana.

During the game, there is polarity, division and contention. 

Two opposing teams clash, advance the ball through enemy territory and fight for touchdowns. All the while, thunderous fans roar like jet engines for a victory over enemies. Samsara. 

After the game, the peace returns. 

As we suit up for Election Day 2024, we need to put on the helmet of right thoughts. We need to turn samsara into nirvana. 

How so? Practice morality, meditation and wisdom.

Our goal should not be victory over enemies. 

Our goal should be the path of peace.

American Buddhist Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) once wrote: “In a swirling storm of emotions, different goals and opposing lives,    the solution is obvious: Take the goalless path of the Buddha.” 

That’s sound advice. 

With inescapable advertising, constant news coverage, and incessant bombardments of balderdash, our minds are unable to contemplate clearly the complete beauty of the Dharmakaya. 

Now is the time to meditate. Now is the time to show compassion. Now is the time to realize that all people are equally loved, all people are equally empty and all people are becoming Buddhas. 

Patriotism might be the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings. 

But peace is the path to which a Buddha clings. 

There’s a beautiful world out there. 

Slow down. Breathe. Enjoy it.

See you on the path of peace.