Election Day 2012

It’s finally Election Day. I spent last night reviewing the various largely unknown candidates running for “chief dog catcher,” or some other such “vitally important” elected position.

I also took the time to call a few “friends” and relatives who I know from earlier conversations plan to vote for the “other guys.” In the spirit of Fox News, I encouraged them to keep an open mind, think hard about all the messages they’d heard, and make sure that they get to the polls early on Wednesday morning to make sure that their voice is heard.

The news, and the accompanying political ads, presented a real contrast this morning. In New Jersey, every effort was being made to ensure that everyone who wants to vote is allowed to vote, despite their being left homeless by Hurricane Sandy. Meanwhile, in Minnesota, voters are being asked to make it significantly more difficult – and more expensive – for some people to vote.

Like the Marriage Amendment, the photo-ID amendment was designed to drive loyal Republicans to the polls. Neither should have been placed on the ballot, but after promising a “laser focus” on jobs and the economy, the amendments were the only things the Republicans were able to produce.

Yet, it’s hard to deny that the two proposed Constitutional Amendments have produced jobs – even if the jobs went mainly to highly paid out-of-state “consultants,” hired to make sure that Minnesotan’s vote “Yes” on the Amendments.  Sadly, those jobs will end as soon as the polls close. However, should the amendments pass, more jobs will be “created” --- for attorneys questioning the constitutionality of the amendments, and those hired to “defend” them. It’s unknown whether those jobs will be awarded to Minnesota attorneys, or if they’ll also go to highly paid out-of-state attorneys. Either way, those “jobs” will also be temporary.

As has been the case for nearly all previous laws which have attempted to restrict the rights of Americans, the latest attempts to write religious doctrine or political ideology into law will ultimately fail. Such laws have always ended up being repealed or struck down by the courts.

This cycle, I voted a straight Democratic ticket.

Once the Republican Party returns to its roots of supporting our nation’s Constitution, and its guarantee of freedom and equality for all, will I once again offer serious consideration to Republican candidates.

Our nation has been at its best when it stands up for all its citizens. Unfortunately, the Republican Party has decided to bet against our Constitution and against the American people. They’re flat out wrong to do so.

No matter what the outcome of today’s election, I have confidence that our nation will survive. Despite the continued efforts by Republicans to weaken our nation by attempting to include narrow religious teachings - or a failed political ideology - in our nation’s laws; our nation has, and will continue to, survive.

I do know that our nation’s path to fully realize the promise of freedom and equality enshrined in our Constitution has been long and hard. Numerous groups – blacks, women, couples of different religions, interracial couples, and immigrants, to name a few - have suffered unconstitutional discrimination along the way. Yet, eventually, enlightened lawmakers, or the courts, have stepped in to repeal or overturn discriminatory laws.

As long as our Constitution remains strong, our nation can be strong. If, however, Republicans, and the narrow special interest groups they use for funding purposes, are allowed to prevail; and, if our Constitution is weakened by inclusion of antiquated religious doctrine, or a narrow political ideology, our nation is doomed to fail.

Will our children and grandchildren be better off if we promote discrimination based on ancient religious teachings, or a momentarily “popular” political ideology, to weaken our nation’s Constitution? No, I think not. Interpretations of religious teachings continue to evolve, as do political ideology “strategies” designed to achieve short term gains for a specific political party. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up and thrive in a nation which allows all citizens to reach their highest potential – not just the very wealthy and huge corporations.

That’s why I voted Democratic today. It wasn’t because the Democratic Party is perfect – far from it – but rather because they currently offer the best platform for the continued success of a nation founded on the ideals of freedom and equality.