5, 4, 3, 2, 1- Blast Off.  Enter Election Day, November 4!!

The recent Virginia appearances of both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain place this state (13 electoral votes) in the high profile column. Not only that, but, on this Election Day, Virginians are certainly aware of their importance in the process.  So, what else is new?

Both candidates reminded us (both directly and indirectly) of this importance by talking to us directly. It was within our midst, they provided election closing arguments. Addressing avid supporters; who in turn yelled out their names, and waved pom-poms; the candidates made us temporarily forget that the serious business of voting will be encumbered by long lines, short tempers, and late night election results.   In short, it is likely by the end of this process we will all be exhausted. Some of us will even be disappointed. 

Yet as time consuming, exhausting and frustrating as the system is, there is a “bottom line reward”. Does this mean that we will not be disappointed or even disagree with the results? Will we unconditionally accept any decision of an elected Obama or McCain? What about Congress?   Will the elected President and Congress magically agree on the strategies and tactics for eradicating problems in the economy, equalizing health care provisions, and assuring educational opportunities? Racism? Economic disparity? Will the weaknesses in our own foreign policy be eliminated? 

Indeed, how long will it take for the newly elected President to present solutions for the wide range of foreign policy concerns? Of equal interest is the question of when we Americans will begin to criticize, complain, and find fault with the new President’s judgment? Is there a standard honeymoon period or do we cut into him immediately?

So, in the midst of all of these questions, where is the “Bottom Line Reward”?  Believe it or not, the answer is not complicated. Our engagement   in this complex and at times frustrating process, has earned for us a measure of pride.  The Bottom Line Reward?  Answer: Participation in the democratic system. Indeed, what can be more rewarding than this form of active patriotism?

P.S. – Forgive me for being sentimental. But, for obvious reasons, inspite of the work that must still be done, I think, we have earned the right to be proud of our contributions to the process.

Carol J. Pretlow
Associate professor
Department of Political Science
Norfolk State University