Born again democracy

Four years ago, with a sentiment that was more anti-Bush rather than pro-Kerry, the democratic party prided itself on its grassroots get out the vote campaign.  It did not work, because the republican movement was stronger. Is it possible that this year, with a republican candidate struggling to distance himself from a wholly unpopular president, an impending recession, increasing unemployment, and the 6th year of a war that was started based upon falsehoods, we have the perfect storm?  

I was listening yesterday to reports of voter fraud around the country, of people being purged from electoral rolls, and of campaigns of mis-information which caused college students to rescind their voter registration.  Has it become necessary for us to invite international observers to our elections?  Has it become time for national ID cards, so that multiple systems of identification are not used, and we can tell the difference between citizens and non-citizens, ex-convicts and others at the polls?  It is ludicrous that discussions around the elections in the United States of America, a world champion of the right to vote, free and fair elections, a free press and racial equality remind me of:

• Voter intimidation in India
  
• Suspended elections in Bangladesh until everyone gets a national ID card
  
• People dipping their thumbs in that purple ink in Iraq so that it is apparent they already voted
• Guttural, irrational fear of black people clouding the judgement of voters in South Africa

Where are we?

If we are champions of democracy, then why do we have such low voter turnout rates? Why do so many people feel disenfranchised, when their forefathers gave their lives for the right to vote?

I do not believe that either of the men on the ballot represent THE great hope for our country. But I do believe that if John McCain is elected, we will have lost our country's greatness. Barack Obama's candidacy has re-invigorated American democracy. Voter registration has shot up, web 2.0 is buzzing with opinions, and people feel invested. They care. And, for a country as apathetic as ours, that is an achievement in and of itself.

The first time I ever wrote an editorial, it was published. 2 weeks ago, angered by the tunnel vision of the White House, I chose to put my money where my mouth is and say something. And I can tell you that I will do it again. Because it made me feel powerful. And that feeling is a formidable motivator. I hope that the Obama presidency (**cross your fingers**) will retain the energy and saavy that his candidacy has had.  I hope that it will allow citizens to feel as though their opinions are heard, and that they matter.

And I hope that I will continue to hope.

And that you will too.