There’s absolutely no
question that our American democracy and the long-established election procedures
which are essentially inherent in it can become discouraging to those of us who
feel pressed by our patriotism to observe and participate in the process.
It’s not surprising
that we occasionally become bitter and disillusioned by what inevitably becomes
exasperating and painful to watch. On
those occasions, it’s prudent to step briefly away from the process and admire
the results.
To those who despair
and disparage the process, I would point out that, unlike the early years of
our Republic, today’s campaigns rarely result in duals, bloodshed and
imprisonment.
in essence, our
democracy today is the product of a nonviolent but passionate and often rambunctious
electorate, an electorate comprised of gut wrenchingly enthusiastic right and
left wing elements whose perpetual interaction produce an abrasive friction,
sharpening, refining and polishing the vast moderate middle and our country as
a whole to a brilliant luster envied by the civilized world.
The result is one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, conceived in liberty,
and dedicated to the proposition that all men and women of every conceivable ethnicity
and stripe are created equal, and that government of the people, by the people,
for the people shall not parish from the earth. Take a deep breath, avert your
gaze when necessary, and enjoy the benefits of citizenship and freedom. SC
