Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Turn It Out
The biggest story from last night, at least according to Nice Magazine staff, is the huge voter turn out. Close to 115 million of you turned out; and we've even heard reports that nearly 60% of eligible voters showed up yesterday to play their part in the process.
Bravo! But, we hope that it is only the beginning. Win, lose or draw, whichever candidate you back, a healthy turn out is nothing but a good sign. Americans voting en masse tells the world that we are alert, attentive and engaged in our democracy. This is the healthiest form of homeland security that we can think of. So, let’s bump up that number in 2008 (remember that Colonial America had turn outs in the 80% range – albeit a large chunk of the population were ineligible due to gender, race and property ownership rules).
Keep it up. And don't save up your energy just to do it every four years -- get involved in your local and state level elections, and get out there whenever your vote is called upon.
Bravo! But, we hope that it is only the beginning. Win, lose or draw, whichever candidate you back, a healthy turn out is nothing but a good sign. Americans voting en masse tells the world that we are alert, attentive and engaged in our democracy. This is the healthiest form of homeland security that we can think of. So, let’s bump up that number in 2008 (remember that Colonial America had turn outs in the 80% range – albeit a large chunk of the population were ineligible due to gender, race and property ownership rules).
Keep it up. And don't save up your energy just to do it every four years -- get involved in your local and state level elections, and get out there whenever your vote is called upon.
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Up late, the night before the election I watched on television a replay of the challenger's last campaign rally in a midwestern state. More than 50,000 supporters cheered. A rock star stood in the background as the last breath of hope from the challenger floated into the autumn night.
As I watched, holding my sleeping infant daughter--her head lay against my shoulder, her only movements small peaceful breaths--I felt for a moment at least that same hope.
Soon I would drift off to sleep as well, still holding my daughter as we lay on the sofa in our family room. And in that slumber of an hour or two, maybe the both of us were in the same place, comfortable and warm in knowing that there was some nurturing force out there. Something that would be there for us when we woke up and never leave our side.
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As I watched, holding my sleeping infant daughter--her head lay against my shoulder, her only movements small peaceful breaths--I felt for a moment at least that same hope.
Soon I would drift off to sleep as well, still holding my daughter as we lay on the sofa in our family room. And in that slumber of an hour or two, maybe the both of us were in the same place, comfortable and warm in knowing that there was some nurturing force out there. Something that would be there for us when we woke up and never leave our side.
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