No, I am not flouncing from our OS community and am resolved in allowing myself to feel *safe* here from an even bigger flounce.

This last weekend, after returning from vacationing in Mexico, my husband and I spent hours sharing feelings and beliefs about the condition of our government and our country.  This was not a feel good conversation.

We both spent hours on line reading the definitions, history, objectives and goals of the party system, each party within this out-dated system and searched our minds and hearts about leaving the party system all together.

It turns out that we do not need to be affiliated with any party or definition of any group in order to vote, both in the general election or the state primaries.  A bit surprised over the latter, we looked at one another and knew, in that moment, we would be denouncing our registered party affiliation, long in coming and join the ranks of the undecided, unlabeled, undefined, unaffiliated, dissatisfied citizens. 

It was liberating, not to be confused with liberal.  It is quasi-conservative in nature as we do not plan to start a riot, rally, demonstration or political chat room over this decision.  This is it.  Right here.  Right now.

Simple as pie, we went to the post office and picked up our voter registration change cards.  No fuss, no muss.  Easy peasy.  Quick and done.

And after listening to a major news station defining "Independents" as the new mass of voters who are essentially the "elephant in the room," not to be confused with "the right," having a profound new presence in determining future elections.  It could be another changing of the tides.

Whatever...After all their political blathering and fumbling about with this notion of unaffiliated voters or Independents, we were certain not to check that box on the card, either.  You can check nothing and still vote! 

 Happy days!  No more water cooler snide remarks about our former party affiliation, no more dinner party conversation and avoidance of politico-party talk, false comraderie and political  back slapping "BS."  We're done!  Caput!  Adios!  We're nobodies and it feels sooooo gooood!

Can't wait to start deleting all the party nonsense and sending it to spam hell, where it belongs.  Can't wait to unsubscribe from each and every party self involved, delusional site, trying to sell me on the latest book about how to save the world, one war at a time.  Thanks, but no thanks!

Don't get me wrong, please.  We are still Americans fighting for the survival of our country and our own, as US citizens.  I can no longer say, "I'm proud to be an American," like I once was, but I am determined to find my way back to being as proud as I once felt, "many moons ago" (an old Native American expression), however, without any party slogans to guide me.  It's a whole new ball game now.

I cannot in good conscience, fathom how I would explain to my grown children or grand children, how to be a part of a party system which has failed us miserably.  It will not come from me.  It will be their choice and I am happy to bow out of this one.

Knowing or believing and hoping for what is right, will need to come from a different place now and without the railing of disjointed party feuding and dissidence.  It needs to come from some place deeper within and with plenty of research and understanding of what is most likely to heal this ailing country and which groups of people or specific candidates are most worthy and capable of effecting real and lasting change for the good of all.

Case by case, year by year.  One election at a time.  One issue at a time, each on it's own merit.  I will remain open and unfettered by either or all parties who will continue to spew their propaganda and divisive ideologies.   A tall order, yes.  A new beginning, most importantly for us.  A departure from bitterness, divisiveness and name calling.  We are supposed to be grownups and know better.  Maybe now, we can.  A new day, a new vow. Man and wife, walking a new walk, together. 

A bit melancholy?  You could say so.  At least for me, it will make room for more freedom of thought and a deeper appreciation for looking at the whole, without party prejudice. 

It is hard enough just knowing that we live in a country with a very fractured government which struggles to redefine what it is continually, along with a culture of greed and over indulgence on every level of our existence.

It was quite a talk we had.  Not your usual weather outlook or bill paying discussion.   A realization of the change that is needed and that it has to start with us.  It's never too late and it feels good.