Despite what the Pennsylvania chapter of the Black Panthers may believe, coercion is not a means of necessity. Our elections, and the periodic transfer of power they represent, will happen because the great majority of the people wish it so. (Did they really think standing outside of a polling place in black leather wielding a baton would go unchallenged?)
On Oct. 27, Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee Chairman, was interviewed on MSNBC and said, "Republicans had a chance to rule. They failed miserably. I think it's time to give the other party a chance." A revolting choice of words -- never mind the political hyperbole. In this democratic society, the people rule. The ideology held by the Democrats may now be the prevailing preference, but they still serve at the will of the people.
These anomalies are unfortunate, but they are just that -- anomalies. The people continue to hold the supreme power in this country and no idiocy has yet undermined this hierarchy.
So, now what? What do we talk about? What do we rally for; what do we rail against? As for myself, I take comfort in knowing that getting red and sweaty over the asininity of the few -- exampled above -- will always bring me a curmudgeonly joy.
But outside the context of a greater issue, these sorts of dialogues reek of self-aggrandizing mockery and as ends in and of themselves, they deserve no indulgence. (They don't deserve it, but I'll still give it. I don't feel alive without a complaint on my heart.)
I, along with every other columnist in the country, am left with one last duty, one last obsessive-compulsive vice, in this election: Watch the polls. And at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday night, CNN.com called the election for Obama.
Though I am a conservative, I feel great relief. The people have spoken and that is enough for me by which to abide.
That is why we are a great nation. I also feel relief because the eternal campaign is over. If this election cycle were a parochial school, I'd call it Our Lady of I-Pound-My-Head-With-A-Hammer-Because-It-Feels-So-Good-When-I-Stop. I digress.
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