Alvar Aalto designed a chair that was built by Artek, a company he helped begin. In 1936 his “Armchair 400” won a design competition in Milan. The armchair was a brilliant fun design. It became commonly known as a “Tank Chair” as the armrests were shaped somewhat like tank tracks. They were delightful for any child as they were hugely fun. The Tank Chair had the ability to bounce in as the armrests also served as springs.

In 1976 I was living in the old house, heated with a wood stove and entertainment provided by a radio. For boredom I would buy the Sunday New York Times. Lots to read in that paper. It was huge. My meals were mostly beans and rice, sometimes I would add catchup. I was going to New England College. I lived almost a most a monk like existence. Although the old house had been been the sumer family home for generations, nobody had lived there full time for over 50 years. I moved into town and registered to vote as a Republican. Although I was a New York Liberal I was aware the town was 98% Republican. No need to make waves.

My nearest neighbor was a half mile away. He was a retired upholsterer that had an early 60’s Chrysler Imperial in his driveway. It was a magnificent automobile, though the New England winters had taken a toll on the machine. He preferred it to anything newer though. He still did reupholstery in his garage if you needed some done.

In 1976 I was old enough to vote. That would be my 1st presidential election. My next door neighbor invited me to watch the presidential debate on TV. Furthermore he said he would not add commentary, he believed they should speak for themselves. I was a bit surprised that he did not offer his opinion. He thought it was more important for me to see the candidates. When my brother and I were young his wife used to baby sit us. That was when we would bounce in the Tank Chairs. Do you still have the Tank Chairs I asked? Yes he replied, OK I responded. I was to see Gerald Ford debate Jimmy Carter on who would be a better president.

I guessed my neighbor Jack was a Republican, wasn’t everyone in this town? He never did say though. I liked Jimmy Carter, he was both a farmer and a nuclear scientist. We were both very polite. The serious old man and the long haired college hippie. The only thing I remember from the debate was a fly landing on Jimmy Carter, he did not brush it away. I thought that was unusual, I would have swatted it away. I might of even mentioned it at the time. Much of debate was over my head. I sincerely thanked Jack for his kindness. I had a lot to learn.

A lot has happened in 48 years. Soon there will be a presidential debate between two people that were and are actually presidents. That is a first. When I watched with Jack, one candidate was a non elected vice president, the other a governor. Nether had been president. This time both people have been president for four years. Other than that similarity, the candidates could not be more different. One is a life-long politician, the other bought his way into the highest office. That is a giant rift in philosophies. Other than working your way to the top of a lifetime of political service. It is new in this country to go from non governmental entrepreneurship to the top government job.

I used to be a devoted MSNBC – CNN – NPR listener. They introduced me to Trump, so did my political liberal friends. CNN and friends said that Trump said that Trump voters were older white blue color workers. After a bit they claimed that I was a Nazi and Trump was Hitler. The next thing I knew there were riots in the streets. I was bewildered. Looking back I belive that Trump was supposed to be a Straw Man. He was not supposed to win. He was supported by CNN and friends to destroy the Republican party.

People were unhappy about Trump actually wining, so they started the Pink Hat revolution. And Joe Biden became president. Not everyone was happy about that. Lawfare has become a big thing in the world of soundbites. It is rare to get substantial discussion about politics. I find it curious that CNN is running the debate. The CNN moderator has called Trump Hitler. Most people would think that setting fire to Hitler would be justifiably beneficial to society. Talk about going from the frying pan into the fire.

Like my friend Jack said. I would suggest you watch the debate before you vote. Find a comfortable chair if you can. It could make it that much more enjoyable. Then after watching the debate see if you can say something nice. We have become such a negative nation all we do is repeat negative soundbites. If that continues we are doomed. Because of our prevarication of negativity, I do believe we need to say something positive. Extra points if you can say something nice about both.