It's Going To Be A Long Night
Here we are--the day of the mid-term elections. Myself and others have been constantly bringing up this day since early this year. It seemed (from watching the footage today) that there were a lot of lines at precincts around the country. That shows that people do care about the direction of the country. No matter who they supported, voters across the nation did do their civic duty. It simply felt good to watch.
However, the early news reports had indictated that there were problems in some states regarding voter intimidation. I'm sure after all the votes have been counted, more will be brought forth about this news. After all, what would be election day without a little drama? Although most items have stated so far that the elections process had gone on smoothly, it seems that "dirty tricks" (as in previous elections cycles) still have their part to play in terms of how politics is run in America. Although most might perceive the process of voting to be fair and just, reports since the 2000 election continue to rear their ugly head especially when it comes to electronic voting.
The jury is still out on the notion of electronic voting despite the aura of it being more systematic and quicker in terms of counting. One thing that some forget when it comes to praising the virtues of this new technology is the fact that the machines themselves are easily hackable and the results (when pressed by "touch-screen) can be easily changed. Not just a paper trail have to be considered in the execution of these machines, especially when so much is on the line in terms of what way the country will be steered.
For the most part, the day has been very exciting. I have been at the edge of my seat as the results came in. So far, so good. It seems that terrorism isn't the only thing that people are voting upon today. Of course, some seats up for grabs are already a given for their particular incumbents. However, as the items go on in the cable news channels, most incumbents are not safe. Other indications reveal that the Dems are leading in terms of obtaining seats in the Senate and the House. As of right now, it is still too early to tell. However, by tomorrow, we'll see whether this trend proves to be true across the country.
And if things continue the way they have been today, we might see our first female Speaker of the House, the third person in line to the President. As my mother said to me several weeks ago, it is about damn time for women to assume the position of authority in matters of state. If Rep. Nancy Pelosi does take this position in the House, it will not only be a milestone; it will prove to the rest of us that times are changing from the past.
Change is good. Let's hope that change helps everyday people like you and me make our lives better and more fulfilled. Let's also hope that we voted for people who will truly work for us and not prostrate themselves to the ground in order to serve a certain agenda that does not represent their constituents at all.
More will be said as the breakdowns come late tonight and tomorrow morning. This chapter isn't finished yet. :)
2 comments:
As you indicated, the chapter isn't finished yet. Since I am in DC where there is no congressional representation, I watched how the elections were playing out in both Maryland and Virginia. Especially Virginia, since a few months ago it seemed that George Allen was going to win the election, but then came the 'Macaca' incident, and well, things changed seemingly overnight. It's too close to call right now, but looks like a recount is forthcoming.
You are also correct about the problems at the polling stations. But problems appeared outside the polling stations as well. Listening to the news this morning, there were apparently many calls made to voters instructing them that their assigned polling station had been changed, only to find out that their polling station had not been changed. Haven’t heard to many details on this, but I would suspect it was a fanatical supporter of one of the candidates attempting to throw a wrench into the elections.
DC,
As I heard the news about Mr. Rumsfeld (hint: an entry will be turning up about him; I'm still thinking about it now) the chapter is truly not done. And knowing how things have turned out today in the newscasts, both national and cable, there is a lot truly that has to be said in regards to the "change in climate" after yesterday's elections.
Speaking of the District of Columbia, I have also been a long proponent of making D.C. the 51st state of the Union so that you guys can have equal representation in Congress and the Senate. After all, hasn't Eleanor Holmes Norton had a representative role there (I may be wrong; feel free to correct me on this notion)?
I still, after all these years, think it isn't fair that people who live in Wash. D.C. have to "watch" the races in nearby states. You are citizens in America. You should be allowed to vote and have representation in government that is more than symbolic. (Yes, this might also be another entry in the future, perhaps. ;-) )
Yes, Mr. Allen did put his foot in his mouth months ago with his statement. I thought at the time that he handled it very badly. I knew that this might reflect upon him when people go to the polls in Virginia. It might have.
But, as of tonight, the race is too close to call. Webb is declaring victory, but the Republicans aren't going to lay down and die. I've heard that they've rolled out the lawyers and the other officials in order to initiate a recount in December when the vote is certified the first time.
All I can say is that Virginia is the lynch pin in setting up the dynamics of the last two years of Mr. Bush's presidency. Instead of being "gracious" this morning about the "loss" of his party, I believe he upstaged things with the announcement of Rumsfeld resigning. However, we'll see how this plays out in a few days especially with the new choice for defense secretary (which is another person called forth by "Daddy Bush" to save the younger's derriere, imho.)
I'm at the point now that I am still trying to get through my mind that the juggernaut of the last five years is breaking up instead of crystallizing. I believe that we might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
As for the problems at polling stations, this point I am still trying to read upon. I had heard that quite a few states had glitches last night despite the fact that overall the elections process when smoothly. But, I'm sure like in previous elections, it will take a while before the full story is told about what happened during this election--especially when it has to do with the polling stations employees, fanatic supporters, all party platforms or perhaps the voters themselves.
There's a lot more to be said about this. We'll just have to wait and see. :)
Thanks for giving your two cents on these issues. You have brought up some points I've been musing upon for a while. Your input has helped me put these items into a new perspective regarding the events of yesterday.
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