Read between the lines

Gene Siskel would end each interview with the question, “What do you know for sure?” In today’s world, we seem not to be sure of anything.

Now that the presidential tickets are in place, I asked my grandkids, this being their first general election, if they are interested, well-read and energized to cast their vote. Only a few short years ago, they didn’t know what they didn’t know and happily accepted that thought process. Today, however, assuming their general fund of knowledge increased over time, I expected a well-informed debate to ensue. And, it did.

During our exchanges, I reminded my grandkids that their super power was their ability to detect those unsaid words delivered by each party and the media. Everyone has a line. Their job, I suggested, was to read between them, understand and find the hidden meanings.

So much of life is believing it can happen. One needs to “believe,” as in the beloved children’s movie, “Polar Express.” Young adults want and need to be heard, seen and understood. I reminded them that the youth vote today is an important demographic in this election and those that follow.

Collectively, we went on to agree that a past promise fulfilled can be an important variable in the selection process.

I provided a baseball metaphor in explanation: Two players converge on a pop fly ball, each yelling, “I got it.” Sadly, the ball falls untouched between them. The parallel message to be delivered on Nov. 5 is which party will make the catch while measuring up to our societal needs and expectations.

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Hopefully, following the election, a majority of us will be able to apply this Dr. Seuss sentiment as words by which we can live by.

Bob Simmons

Arlington Heights