Today is election day. No more speeches. No more commercials. No more promises. No more gimmicks. No more talk about hope and change. No more straight talk.

Today, every adult American citizen, without regard to his status in life, the money in his pocket, race, creed, sex, class, or any other factor, stands equal in the ballot box.

We are unique in all the world - in the entire history of humanity - that we have peacefully, ritualistically, elected new government every four years since the founding of our Republic. It happens automatically to the point we take it for granted. The stained fingers of Iraqis should remind us how precious the right to chose self-governance is in the world.

It is the duty of every American citizen to vote if they are able. If you support our troops, you must vote. If you support the memory of the fallen, you must vote. If you cherish our history, you must vote. If you want to ensure our posterity, you must vote.

I am encouraged by the fact that approximately 188 million Americans are registered to vote. I hope that the voting registration reflects a new interest in American politics. In 2004, approximately 142 million people were registered (about 72% of the electorate at the time). Considering the population of the United States has grown, the fact that almost as many in this election are registered as were eligibile in 2004 is still a stunning statistic. I realize that the nature of politics is such that it is easy to be turned off - it’s a hard game to watch (and even a harder game to play). But I believe that the more people who are enfranchised (legally mind you), the better that government works. I believe that both Democrats and Republicans have done an exceptionally good job at broadening the base of registered voters and I do hope they will go and vote. 

I am hoping that tomorrow we surpass the 1964 election record of 69% turnout. Tomorrow’s election is historic in any event - we will either elect the first African American President, or the first woman Vice President. Both of which mark historic moments in American History.

I have my own thoughts about what will unfold tomorrow - however - I believe it is now up to each person to decide for themselves who is the best candidate for President. Thus, I will not post another post until after the election results are finalized.

Every election, the politicians say, “this is the most important election of our lives.” This time, I believe that to have some degree of truth to it. The next President faces a multitude of problems and a highly complex international environment. Whomever is elected will need the support of the American people as hard sacrifices will need to be made and the perseverance of the American Spirit will be tested.

I am first and foremost an American. I want what is best for America. I believe that our country is the greatest country on Earth - and I say that having done a fair amount of international travel. For me, partisanship within limits is a healthy discourse that is part and parcel of being American. Just as many people root for their home football team - I play politics. I play quite hard - but I also play fair. At times, the game has gotten a bit rough. Ultimately, the voters decide what team wins, hopefully because one party presents the most compelling case for the future. Whatever the outcome, I know that tomorrow, the game will begin again - with new players, new objectives, and new spirit. National Politics is a game that never has an “off season”. That said, however, I am reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln:

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

Go out and Vote today.

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