Transitions of power, then and now

The Miracle of Democracy

 

Democratic Leaders fell like tenpins. Congressman, senators, Governors and state legislators alike were washed away in a tidal wave that shook the nation. And never a shot was fired. It was a bloodless revolution unlike any that our country has witnessed. It was a titanic struggle of widely disparate ideologies, all neatly packaged in television ads and commercial jingles. And no soldiers manned the polls.

 

It may have been our nation’s finest hour. Five billion people around the globe watched the power of the mightiest nation on earth shift quietly from one party to another. And never a shot was fired. Officials high and low were told by their constituents to pack their bags and find another a job. They will go quietly.

 

As a Democrat and supporter of the losing faction, I am disappointed with the results. The Democratic Party is the lodestar of the poor and the working class. It is the catalytic agent whose alchemy transformed a century of immigrant peoples into the vibrant fabric of the modern-day colossus that is the United States of America.

 

There is a ferment in the land however, that must be addressed before it explodes in the streets. I think that the Democratic Party is better able to address many of these social problems. However, collectively, we acknowledge the power of "Vox Populi." We, as a party, retreat to the position of The Loyal Opposition and vow to keep the flame alive until the next election.

 

I cannot help but be held in awe of the process. People freely voting their ideas and peacefully resolving the conflict of enormously diverse viewpoints. It is the stuff of legend and textbook. We are taught the process as children, but never appreciate the majesty of the concept until we see it performed. Democracy, " of”, " by ", and "for " the people, is a marvel of social engineering. Much like magic, we see it performed and don't have a clue how it was done. It is impressive none the less.

 

The Republicans too are made up of hardy immigrant stock. They are just a little more insulated from their roots. In victory, I would wish them well and urge them to exercise compassion towards those who cannot fend for themselves. And finally, remind them much like the Roman Ceasar’s were admonished, "Sic Transit Gloria".

 

-30-

(400 words)

Joseph Xavier Martin