Nov 03 2008
2008 Election Fever – Reminders of Y2K
Here we are at last, on the eve of what may be a defining moment in time for our country. Tomorrow, Americans have the chance to step-up and show the world what our democratic system is all about, we have the right to choose who will lead our country.
We have performed this feat many times in the past, but this year it feels different. This year, the candidates, the issues, the economy, and the mood of the country have all combined to produce an historic race that will be studied for years. While we should be excited in the prospect of another peaceful transition of leadership, I get the sense that this election is being viewed by many in a similar manner as Y2K.
You remember Y2K? It was belief that massive computer system failures would occur when the date changed from 1999 to 2000. People were afraid the financial systems would crash, the airlines would fall out of the sky, nuclear weapons would be discharged, and global chaos would ensue. Because of this, millions of dollars we spent updating and repairing systems so the actually Y2K change was a non-event. We all still experienced that sense of panic while partying on New Year’s Eve…
Now, it is almost nine years later and I have the feeling of trepidation again. I’m not sure how much of this is just irrational fear and how much is actually founded in fact. I read stories about possible riots, violence, threats, lawsuits, boycotts, and general anger regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s vote. Both sides have their lawyers lined-up for the inevitable post-election challenges. Terms like voter intimidation, voting irregularities, problems with electronic voting machines, confusing ballots, and hanging chads are about to make their way back into our vocabularies while the roller-coaster nature of the world’s financial systems would make the most seasoned rider nauseous. All of this feels very familiar.
So, what do we do?
We vote.
We exercise our right to be Americans and choose our leadership. Then we all sit-back, take a deep breath, take another one, then open our mind to whatever possibilities are presented when the dust settles.
We vote.
We take pride that ours is a country composed of many different races, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, and ideas. Together, we have built the greatest country on the planet and have been the example for the world in what can happen when people unite in a common vision.
We vote.
We stand-up to threats and show that we are a country of strong individuals that together produce and even stronger nation.
We vote.
We make our voices heard.
