The impressive thing about the General Election was not who won. Individuals can agree to disagree on the details. No, what is impressive is the fact that our great nation went to the polls in a peaceful fashion when you think about the stark differences that faced us when you and I voted on November 6, the huge disparity in candidates and issues that we faced. Just here in California the options and alternatives were incredible. The statewide ballot propositions alone presented a dizzying array of issues!
I want to turn your thinking for a moment away from the partisan rhetoric and the prognostications on what may or may not happen in Washington D.C. or Sacramento next year. I want to focus, during this time of Thanksgiving, on the actual process of what happened in the United States of America on Election Day, 2012.
In many parts of the world, a peaceful election is impossible. Individuals are bribed, threatened and beaten for their votes. There is no such thing as democracy. Freedom is, at best, an aspiration...and notably not among those in power. The people in power want to retain their power at all cost. No matter what it takes. Legal or illegal. In fact, the thought of freedom in those parts of the world is usually synonymous with going to America.
America—this country where we are privileged to live. Which gives us the challenges and joys of belonging to a profession where we can earn an honest living.
Yes, we had an election this month. We have something to be truly thankful for at this time of year, when we come together for Thanksgiving Day. Despite the changes and challenges represented by the variations in the political landscape, both for good and for bad. We can be extraordinarily grateful for where we live, for the freedom to run our businesses and be productive, for our system of government...and yes, even for the fact that we can have a peaceful election.
Let's not take these things for granted!