For most of this year, American voters have been entangled in a national discussion about the future direction of this country, and more importantly – the role government will play in that future. Last night, American voters extended the lease on the Obama Whitehouse; he became the first American President since Ronald Reagan to win a second term in the midst of unemployment hovering above 7%. Undoubtedly, Barack Obama solidified his place in American history by becoming the first African-American President in 2008, and now winning a definitive second term during a challenging and hypersensitive electoral environment places him in the same category with FDR and Reagan.
Obama’s re-election highlights an even more critical fact that deserves attention. From the beginning of this year, Americans have criticized and judged their elected leaders, while deeply evaluating new candidates vying for the job. Pundits, political strategists, and ordinary voters have openly commented and shared their opinions throughout the process. Many even went as far as to predict this election may determine the long-term viability of America.
Nevertheless, as we awoke to a new day this morning, and read the headlines about the election outcome – no tanks filled the streets, no armed soldiers were deployed to manage any unrest, no law suits contesting the election were filed, and generally life just moved right along.
This small and mostly unnoticed fact is what represents the true beauty of America and the democratic process we employ to manage our society. We often debate whether or not certain policies in America are working, but one critical fact that must remain in focus is that our ‘founding fathers’ have created a unique way for the people to freely express themselves while maintaining a sense of respect for whatever the outcome may be.
Many countries around the world do not have the same luxury. If more American voters would learn to appreciate the freedoms bestowed upon them, then the electorate may grow to become more engaged, which leads to greater accountability of elected officials and better solutions to problems that plague our communities.
The election is now behind us; leaders must unite behind the common purpose that makes us Americans, and move forward with doing the uncomfortable work of compromising to build effective solutions. The last year has taught many of us much about our country through an active debate about a plethora of issues – we laughed, we fought, but in the end we are all still Americans.
Don’t forget the Iowa Caucuses are only 1,054 days away … see you in 2016!
