DAVID RAUSCHENBERGER
My first column back was well-received, if my email inbox is any indication. Positive comments came from a retired local judge, a retired professor of mine from Stetson and the wife of one of my favorite clients. He was a chef. We had the same birthday. His name was Brian. I’ll miss him every birthday.
His wife’s email pointed me to where I need to go in this column. I’ve found the real “drama” of life is close to home. I’m less worried about the big picture now. National politics will certainly be my focus, but I have a different perspective. I’ve told many of my friends and family that my world is shrinking.
I lost Dad in 2021. Mom died exactly a year later. Four of my closest friends have died. A lady that was as close as a parent to me died. My world is much smaller because of their deaths. I’m reminded of my father telling me, “All my friends are gone” just weeks before his passing. I was at the funeral of one of my favorite clients ever on Saturday the 19th. The lady at my dry cleaner always makes a face when I bring my suit to be cleaned. She knows I only wear a suit at weddings and funerals. Nearly every time it’s a funeral.
The loss of my loved ones caused me to reflect on my life and my future going forward. The Biden administration just happened in my life, while some of the most important people in my life left this world. Thank God I believe in him, Jesus his son and the Holy Spirit that surrounds us in this world. I’d be in a bad place otherwise. Bitter.
I watched and read the news, just like always. Democrats and their Trump Derangement, while they controlled everything, bothered me very little. I had bigger fish to fry. Not one time did I consider “demonstrating” to voice my displeasure with the political reality that Joe Biden and Democrats had unseated President Trump. That’s just “drama.”
What I’ve learned is that results in political cycles are just a distraction for most American voters. It’s like an NFL, MLB, NHL, Premier League, or NBA championship. It’s dramatic, but it passes. The rearview mirror is a wonderful thing. But time, as I age, seems to clip past faster and faster.
So, I’ll tell all of you I can’t understand the political drama anymore. Real life isn’t about politics and power. “Politics” is just a sport. You have a favorite team and you’re not ever going to change, no matter how good or how bad your “team” is.
The “league” I’m playing in here at The Beacon is just a two-team league. The entirety of our media is possessed by the drama. The next professional sports championship is always just months away. The 2026 midterm election is less than two years away.
The fans on the short end of the stick right now are Democrats. They’re still watching reruns of their loss. They can’t let it go. I’m a Pittsburgh fan. I know your pain.
Just remember, life isn’t about politics every minute of every day. I’m glad I now understand that. Put away the bullhorn and the signs. The game is over. Time to move on to the next season.
Think…
— Rauschenberger, an accountant, lives in Orange City. Send email to drausch@bellsouth.net or info@beacononlinenews.com.
