Voting for the "United" States

Finally. I thought November 4, 2008 would never get here. Let's get this president elected already. It's time to move on.

Since I'm in England at a conference, I voted via absentee ballot three weeks ago. So please stop sending me "Remember to vote tomorrow!" reminders. It's a done deal as far as I'm concerned. Those of you who want to vote, find a way by hook or by crook, go out and do so. Those of you who don't, well, no amount of encouragement by me at this point will get you off your butts.

My suggestion to everyone is to simma' down. Here are a few election truths as I see them:

1. Remember that whatever side of the fence you're on for this election, there are probably folks you know, love, and respect on the other side of that fence. I believe with all my soul that McCain supporters have the best interest of the country at heart every bit as much as Obama supporters (and vice versa). People vote the way they do for many reasons, and just because I just can't see why someone would vote for Candidate Jones rather than Candidate Smith, it doesn't mean that that person is voting without correct information or has some evil, twisted agenda. Don't be a vota' hata'.



2. Both Obama and McCain are politicians. Both of them. They wouldn't be at the top of their tickets if they weren't. In other words, neither of them is a messiah, pure of heart, or bigger than life heroes. I'm not cynical, but I am pragmatic. I've had my hopes dashed too many times in politics, and it usually all comes down to endowing candidates with more than they are humanly capable of being or achieving. Whoever wins will make a few colossal mistakes (and we hope just a few) but will also make some worthy decisions. Some politicians are wiser than others. Some are more successful than others. Some make good presidents. But they will not lead you into the promised land. Stop throwing your panties at these guys. Be joyful if you candidate wins - but keep an eye on him.






3. Whatever the outcome, we are still the United States of America. I know that's hard to realize sometimes, but it's true. We made it through Franklin Pierce (who?), the Gilded Age, the Sacco and Vanzetti trial, the Great Depression, cars with big tail fins, Watergate, the Iran hostage crisis, mall bangs, and George W. Bush. We can withstand anything thrown at us. It's not always pretty, and lives are often lost. But in the end we hang together (or we'll hang separately, as the saying goes). The Constitution will stand. The government will continue. We'll sing "America the Beautiful" with tears in our eyes - all of us, Democrat and Republican. O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam, undimmed by human tears. Now remember that, and know that we'll still be standing after the election, because all of these candidates love this country. It will all work out. Trust me.

So vote for whoever you want tomorrow knowing that you are voting for all of us. Even those of us who disagree with you. We'll still love you. You'll still love us. We're all voting for the same thing, really. The people of United States of America.