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ΩEAR EDITOR:
Election Day is over at last. It's not like it was our first time going through this process; to some extent it happens every year. It's part of our heritage as a representative democracy. At this point, I'm not sure we understand this.
As our country grew, the need for a well-run government became more evident with each passing day. We may not have wanted the outcome but we continued to ask for more and more services from people representing us. Initially, it was for treaties with other countries and armed forces to protect our interests abroad. To imagine how complex we have gotten on a local through federal level is a daunting task.
At each level we were charged with the responsibility of selecting people to be our representatives; not representatives of an idea but a representative of us as individuals. In a government we expect people to make decisions and act as though we were not able to do the job ourselves. This is problematic, because nobody is qualified to do everything. So, theoretically, we look for qualified people to do the job for us. Over the years, we have been represented by many people that took the honor of being a public servant to heart; and served us well. Sadly, as public service became less personal, we have been left with candidates for office that did not have our best interests at heart. They were in the race for reasons too numerous to mention.
We are a nation of some 330 million people. To be effective for national government, representatives must represent the majority of all 330 million, not just a select portion of the community. At the local level the numbers are smaller but the need to represent the majority still remains the same. Make sure you understand the concept. It is the only way we progress as a township, city, state or nation. Representing ideas is divisive at best; resulting in an us versus them atmosphere. While it may be ammunition for political success, it acts to impair our need to have efficient and effective government at all levels.
I have long advocated that adjectives, as a tool, have been the ammunition that demeans all of us as we describe our differing opinions. The misuse of them is not productive. The ability to express our opinions with each other is how we make progress with this experiment known as the United States of America.
As a nation, we are babies in comparison to the other nations of the world. Our ability to prove that this experiment is worth the effort requires everyone to do their part for the benefit of the majority.
So how did we do? How well-qualified were the people that ran for office. Were they actually a "'mini you"' in their actions, words, demeanor and performance. Were they honest? Would you even invite them to sit at the dinner table with you? The questions may be hard but they should be. I don't think any of us want to be represented by unqualified people.
If you weren't satisfied with the choices, know that you aren't alone. We need to encourage and honor public service in order to get the right kind of candidates. I know few people want to get in the political arena for many reasons. In a representative government, there aren't many choices. Support those that have honorable intentions to do a good job for everyone.
I still hold out the hope that this experiment will work and it is worth the effort. My immigrant grandparents thought it was worth the effort and hopefully my grandchildren understand what their responsibility is in this ongoing experiment.
J.P. WAS
Warren