Author’s Suggested “Don’t blame me, I voted for Kodos.”

As our community watched the outcome of last week’s voting races, I stared helplessly at my television screen and once again wondered where I, a single Illinoisan, fit into all of this. And when, hours later, I still couldn’t make any sense of all of it, I changed the channel to the one program that helps me deal with all of life’s ponderings a bit more clearly.

Now in its umpteenth season, I realize I can’t even remember life before “The Simpsons.” I challenge readers to find one other corner of pop culture with one-tenth of the insight and widespread popularity as that crazy Springfield bunch. In the last decade, Matt Groening and his characters have become a part of the American lexicon in measures unrivaled by any other cartoon.

For instance, I have recently become acutely aware of how many expressions I use every day that come from “The Simpsons.” In fact, I even saw on television the other day where dictionary publishers are beginning to include the interjection “Doh!” in new editions. It brings a smile to my face to think of growing old and rambling on about Bart and Lisa the way my parents did about MeatHead and Gloria.

And yet, it scares me in a way. As cutting edge as the sardonic wit of “The Simpsons” seems now, I have to wonder if it, too, will grow out-of-date and campy the way our parents’ sitcoms have with time. It pains my heart to think of a day when pointing and “Ha-Haw”-ing in a Nelson voice or drooling like Homer in front of doughnuts will be rendered lame and nostalgic by our children.

Yet I can’t even imagine how this can happen. Forget “The Godfather.” “The Simpsons” is the true I-Ching, the answer to all of life’s questions, the cure to any malady and the symbol of all that is, well, “cromulent.” If I am feeling rejected, I stop and think of Ralph Wiggum and realize things could be worse. When I get frustrated, I let out a wheezy Marge grumble to dissolve my stress. And when I feel like no one understands me, I remember that even Lisa had rough days before Bleeding Gums Murphy came along and taught her to be proud of her differences.

And after this many years of broadcast, I am certain there is no social situation out there that doesn’t have a sister episode of “The Simpsons” to guide us through decisions.

So politicians, do your best. I support each of you and trust you to make the right decisions for the rest of us. But when the going gets tough, I admit I will turn away from the bright glare of CNN in search of cloudier, cartoon skies, because I don’t believe there is any mistake you can make that can’t be forgotten in a half hour of FOX.

And hey – if you do screw up, don’t blame me. I voted for Kodos.

Grace is a senior in architecture. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.