How could a race be any fairer?
The American public split right down the middle. For two men, that situation is somewhat comforting. Neither man's worth has been abandoned by Americans at large.
Both Bush and Kerry can say with certainty and pride, "Half of the American people chose me to be their leader."
There's a lesson here as well. As we gaze upon what could very well be George Bush's last political hurrah, we can honestly cite many reasons for the mighty President who crafted our response to terrorism to suffer a defeat at the hands of his constituency.
Rather than a long post here (I'm awfully tired), let's just say that while his strength was laudable, he never fulfilled his duty to the American people. George Bush was never accountable to the American people. His administration was shrouded in secrecy, and his decisions alone seemed to guide the country in a direction that was accepted through resignation by more than half the country, and bitterly criticized by the rest.
To a man who, when asked about the divided country, claimed he just didn't see it, it was clear that he wasn't interested. You never listened to us, Mr. President.
George Bush, you had one of history's most advantageous opportunities to be greatness, itself. Instead, you chose Karl Rove and Grover Norquist. You could have been the leader for the 21st century, but you chose divisiveness and greed.
There was a time, after the spy plane incident with China, after the first tax cut, when I thought I could learn to accept your 2000 victory. It was not to be. I watched in disappointment as you gazed inward as Israelis and Palestinians ramped up their violence towards each other. I felt a twinge of alarm as the faith-based initiatives began to sprout some political power. And I watched with great dismay as the first tax cut gave way to new tax cuts, our projected surplus quickly sliding out of reach.
I thought, as so many others did, that you were going to be a reasonable man. As the deficit continued to grow, and the economy slunkered, you were redeemed by your response to the terrorist attacks.
Violence begets violence, many of us thought, but we stood silent as Afghanistan shook with dust and blood. We praised the swift victory, and the liberation of so many oppressed women and Afghan citizens. Then we got our taste of fundamental Islamic justice with the murder of Daniel Pearl. We appreciated the forcefulness you exhibited towards that violent and unforgiving aberration of peaceful religion.
You should have stopped there, Mr. President. You should have concentrated on rebuilding America, strengthening her economy, fighting for those who can't fight themselves. Instead you chose a direction that only a few wanted. We all voiced our opposition, and you never listened. You committed America to a mission that was not in her best interest at the time. You never listened to us.
As powerless as we were to stop you, you added insult to injury by squandering success in front of our noses. Knowledgeable critics and colleagues beseeched you to commit America's resources to ensure victory. You cast aside their concerns, just as you dismissed the pleas of millions of your countrymen, and the world population at large. Mr. President you squandered America's destiny and paid with the lives of our soldiers. You never listened to us.
A leader who claims to know best for his followers, without accepting advice from them is not a leader, but a dictator. Unfair comparisons abound, but you, Mr. President and your Administration, have been as close to a dictatorship this country has ever seen.
Democratic government is a devotional structure - by the people and for the people - the many, not the few.
These lessons were never learned during your four years, Mr. President. Perhaps on this Election Eve, the lesson will come home.
Are you listening now?
