We live in interesting times, to say the least.

There will be many pundits on all the TV talk shows and cable networks as well as reams of editorials and opinions pieces telling us what we should think about the election results. All of these people have a much better pedigree than I do. 

What this article is about is an average citizen’s thoughts in comparing recent elections in Virginia, California and New Mexico. Having lived in all three states it gives me a unique perspective on what is happening.

Virginia: Lived in northern part of the state for a short period of time. My neighbors were, for the most part, government employees working in D.C. This would explain the huge percentage of Democrat votes. The livelihood of most of my neighbors depend on an ever-growing government. The bigger the government, the more jobs, more promotions, etc. Imagine all of your peer group being government employees! 

Lessons learned from the Virginia election:

“Don’t mess with my kids.” If you do, you are gone. 

“Enough is enough.” The policies enforced by the present politicians have greatly hurt the average Virginian. Ideology takes second place.

The American people will get out of their comfort zone and do something to correct wrongs.

With Virginia in mind, it begs the question: Why didn’t the citizens of California and New Mexico go for the status quo? Are their lives not affected by the rising gas prices, food prices, crime, violence, homelessness, etc.? Actually, they are, in fact, to a far greater extent than in Virginia.

California: Lived and worked in California most of my adult life. It saddens me to see this great state become what it has become. My family left the state simply because it became unlivable. It is apparent that we were not alone. Basically, the middle class is leaving the state in huge numbers. What is left behind is a “Feudal society.”

Yet, Gavin Newsom beat the recall election by 14 points. Conservatives are quick to point out their favorite bogey man, mail-in ballots. Did this have an effect, yes, but not 14 points.

Anyone who can explain, in an understandable way, the mind set of those who voted to retain Gavin Newsom are a lot smarter than me.

New Mexico: Here we have a mixed message. The huge win of Mayor Keller confuses me. Four years ago, he ran on correcting the crime problem. This year he ran on the same issue because the crime in Albuquerque is out of control and far worse than it was when he ran the first time. It seems that words are more important to the voters than actions.

The school board races had a different outcome with more traditional citizens elected to the school board. This is a clear message that the citizens who send their kids to Albuquerque public schools are tired of being last or next to last in education.

“Don’t mess with my kids”.

There also seems to be a shift in the City Council to members with more traditional views. While it’s hard to understand the re-election of a mayor who has created worse problems than he’s corrected, the City Council may be able to put a check on his policies over the next four years.

“Enough is enough.”

The movement among traditional citizens is gaining momentum. People are starting to get out of their comfort zones and get involved.

The election of the Governor and State Legislature in 2022 will determine if New Mexico is going to become California East! 

Tom Vaillancourt is a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran. He is a retired small business owner and is married with two children and two grandchildren.