When Elections Seemed Easier – Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

When Elections Seemed Easier – Dr. Ed Iannuccilli

I have been looking forward to quiet time after this chaotic election period. We must return to thoughtfulness and sensibility after the tumultuous season, one that has insinuated itself on us for the past five years. As I remember, it was not so unsettling those years ago.

In 1952, when I was twelve, I first learned something of a presidential election. I knew the candidates were Dwight Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. I knew the Republicans had an elephant for a logo, and the Democrats a donkey. I had an “I like Ike” button. Otherwise, elections meant little except for the bonuses of relishing a day out of school and traipsing about the polling sites.

I listened to my bedside radio late into the evening that year, and it was clear that General Eisenhower was winning by a wide margin. I did not give the results much thought. I liked him.

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Dad loved politics. I understood he voted for Adlai Stevenson because of the kitchen conversations I overheard between him and my mother.  When he heard the results of that election, he was disappointed, not because his man lost, but because he lost by so much. There was no resentment, just acceptance. Dad said, “Ike was a great general, he is a good man, and I think he will be a good President.” That was it. He did not dwell on it; no one seemed to.  No rancor, no riots, life went on. The loser was gracious. The winner, The President, was a gentleman.

The day after, at school, I told my friends that I believed my Dad was disappointed because his man, Stevenson, did not win. They chimed in with the same about their parents; a neighborhood of Democrats. Sure, perhaps we were too young for a meaningful discussion, but that was the end of it. And I heard nothing more among the adults. No arguing, no name calling, no red/blue colors. It all seemed good, neutral, and fair (to me). Honor and decency were the rule of the day. Off we went to pitch cards.

These are difficult days with the all-consuming issue of a epidemic upon us. There is no better time than now to abide by the principles of honesty and integrity. We need frankness, sincerity, openness by leaders to allay our fears. To adhere to those principles during a time of crisis is obligatory for those in positions of leadership, be they government or not.

What would my Dad say about the bitter election we have tolerated?  He might say something like, “Don’t worry too much, Ed. I have confidence in the people. This country has been through a lot before and survived. It will survive again.”

I wish he were here, pouring his innate wisdom that we will survive and continue to prosper. Setting examples. There is decency inherent in this country. Democracy will continue on its upward path. The future will be exciting.

But . . . would that we could return, just a little bit, to that election of 1952.

Dr. Ed Iannuccilli is the author of three popular memoirs, “Growing up Italian; Grandfather’s Fig Tree and Other Stories”, “What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner” and “My Story Continues: From Neighborhood to Junior High.”  Learn more here.