Election Eve

Here we are, on the eve of a general election that will be the culminating moment of nearly two years worth of campaigns that have already made United States’ history. Luckily, I voted early in my home state and will be able to avoid the long lines, relax and watch as the election results pour in. But while I will take joy in the fact that Election Day will bring a much-needed end to all the campaign and attack ads (which often seem to either deify or dehumanize the candidates), I do not believe that our voting excuses us from all of the other work that needs to be done for our society to progress.

To be clear, I do not believe that any particular candidate or political party has a panacea to resolve all of our economic inequalities, social complexities or moral dilemmas. However, I am convinced that, regardless of which representatives are elected into public office, we, as responsible citizens who participate in the democratic process, must bring our best to bear in holding our leaders accountable and making them aware of those issues we consider worthwhile. The principles of democracy and our common humanity both demand that citizens get involved in their societies and make informed decisions about matters that affect both themselves and their fellow inhabitants of this ecosystem we call Earth.

It may mean that we send thoughtful and timely letters to both our legislators and the editors of our favorite publications expressing our concern about an issue. It may mean that we represent our causes by volunteering to sit in on the committee meetings and voting sessions that take place at our local statehouse. It may mean that we organize and/or attend the rallies, protests and vigils that take place in our communities. It may also require that we volunteer at a nearby shelter and/or make connections with others who feel strongly about the issues that matter to us. Nevertheless, we as citizens should, in some significant capacity, involve ourselves in the issues affecting our lives and our world. While it remains every individual’s decision as to their level of involvement, we cannot abdicate our responsibilities and leave them solely in the hands of our elected officials. To do so would inevitably bring ruin to both them and ourselves.

My personal studies and the variety of discussions I have shared with co-workers, family and friends during this exciting election year have served to reinforce my conviction that human society progresses, develops and evolves through the constant tension of contradictory impulses and opposing forces that agitate each other until improvements are made. This is a long process that requires a commitment to valuing tradition and learning from past mistakes and a willingness to experiment with new ideas. But I am reminded that our country was founded on such a process.

Because lasting change is often a long-term process, I have no expectation that all wrongs can be righted in the solitary term of any particular administration. Change may occur in one executive decision or one legislative session, but it may also take generations for the words and actions of committed and courageous individuals to eventually bear fruit.

I consider it an act of faith to believe that change can come. I also consider it an act of faith to work to bring about such change, especially when faced with obstacles. Though I am often tempted to dismiss opinions that run contrary to my own, I try to remind myself that the tension of healthy and respectful conversations between concerned individuals who may differ in opinion on the issues that matter to them can often yield new insights into complex problems that affect us all.

I choose to place my faith in that process instead of any lone individual, administration or political party.