(no subject)
"It's hard to fathom, but Election Day is finally here. Although we may not have conclusive results tomorrow morning, today marks the end of a campaign season defined by harsh, patisan confrontations- confrontations that have divided our nation, our state, our campus and our friendships. No matter what the outcome, whether a definitive landslide or a mudslide of recounts and courtroom challenges, when the polls close this evening, our work in this election is finished. However, we must remember that our duty as American citizens is never complete.
"An effective democracy relies just as much on the trust as it does the participation of its members. Additionally, our controversial electoral system, in which the will of the states is placed above the direct will of the population-at-large, is not going to change before Inauguration Day. That said, we must accept the will of our fellow Americans, the outcome of the electoral process and move forward.
"A recent Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll found that nearly 60 percent of Kerry supporters would be "very dissipointed" if President Bush was re-elected. In fact, some Americans possess so much contempt for the president that they claim they would leave the country during a second Bush term. These expatriots-to-be would rather flee their problems than face them. Such a protest would be incredibly un-American, marking a considerable detriment to democracy. The same goes for anti-Kerry defectors, if there are any in existence.
"A political exodus would undermine the principles our founders fought to establish. Imagine if James Madison, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton fled the United States for Canada following the failure of the Articles of Confederation. How would history judge such an action and what would the world look like today? Don't let this election stifle your voice. If your candidate loses, don't waste time blaming others. Instead, get out, pursue your goals and speak your mind-make your contribution to the legacy of America.
"Upon submitting your ballot today, reach for your wallet or purse and remove a one-dollar bill. First, give a nod to George Washington and thank for him turning down the throne in 1782. Next, examine the reverse of the currency, noting that the pyramid of the Union is uncapped-a constant reminder that our work as Americans is never finished. Finally, take a silent pledge to work genuinely and vigilantly to make your addition to that pyramid, regardless of the outcome of today's election.
"In the end, the manner by which we heal the wounds of this bitter campaign season is more certain to affect the next four years of American politics than the man elected to office today. Have a little faith that there are many elections yet to come and even more opportunities to make a difference." -Adam Schmidt, The Daily Cardinal
"We talked about the division in our country and the need, desperate need, for unity,... Today, I hope we can begin the healing." -Sen. John Kerry
We can not spend our time and effort as Americans bitching and moaning about the lost election. We cannot give substance to the stereotype that all we liberals do is complain until we get our way. Yes, this loss is devestating, even heartbreaking for some of us, but we must wrap our greif up and send it away.
I sat today watching the concessional speech. I was curled up in my chair with my blanket, bawling my eyes out. But that is done. We must move away from this election with hopes that things can get better. Kerry says he wants to "work with [the president] to heal the country." If Kerry can feel this way about his loss, we can too. We can put faith in the fact that even though we lost the presidency, we can still make out voices heard. All is not lost. We will keep fighting for what we believe in just as the democrats in power will keep fighting for what the party believes in. Kerry says he still has our backs, and so does 48% of the country.
On a local, and happy note, Baldwin and Feingold pulled off victories and both Minnesota and Wisconsin went democratic. So congrats guys, we did what we could and that's all we can do.