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We’re a smidgen past half-way through yet another year here on Earth – adding one more to the 4.5 billion years behind us (give or take a few).

This year once again brings with it the celebration of life and the guaranteed stress of knowing that life will remain extremely complicated, enhanced by the few and limited by the many. There will be war, death and sadness, but it’s not beyond human possibility (hope) that there could be the birth of love and peace for there is always hope (possibility).

What I have written above is made clear by words, words give us the ability to touch and understand life.

On the simple side of life, most words have a singularity about them – words like table, night and day. Single words strung together give us a vision of life – word strings like “a walk in the rain” or “she’s jumping with joy” – perhaps the most precious: “I love you.”

Words, especially those found married to music, allow us to understand who we are and haunt us of what we should be. On the other end of “words of singularity” are found words of deep complexity and endless meaning. Perhaps none more obvious than the word “distance.” Obvious it is that much of life can be measured by distance.

Is not the purpose of human life found in touching those within our reach with compassion, mercy and, when possible, love? Is it not true that what allows you to touch another is the elimination of distance?

Human distances are many, not just a measurement of physical separation, but most often found in anger, prejudice and illiteracy. Perhaps what most enhances distance is indeed being without knowledge (illiterate), I have found that being illiterate is most often a personal choice. As distance increases our ability to communicate decreases; it’s obvious that we humans are gripped by a “failure to communicate.”

Failure to communicate is underlined by failed education, a failed sense of self and limited acceptance of the importance of others – this failure has help. History teaches us this absolute fact: there is no greater “creator of distance” than politics.

I don’t believe most of what is said by politicians, for has it not been proven most care about their own success and not the success of those they represent. What greater creator of distance is there than government?

We are approaching a time to vote both here in Troup and soon as a great republic. It’s both a privilege and a sign of great hope that we can select those who serve, but that selection should never be made in the shadow of illiteracy or separation.

You have the absolute right and privilege to vote for those you support, but with that right is the responsibility to understand the choice. It’s not a time to be a “Republican” or “Democrat,” a ‘liberal’ or “conservative,” or a “party” member (be it tea or coffee).

This great nation of ours is deeply in trouble, and we are the only road out of harm’s way. This is the time to know the purpose, direction and perhaps, most importantly, the history (which will require you read and research) of those who are seeking your support. Vote. Vote with literacy, vote with the purpose of ending separation, vote with the purpose of eliminating distance.

Thomas H. Hunkele of Troup County is a certified fitness trainer and president of Lakeside Fitness.