A reader sent us the following observations:
In the long run, the Mandelas of the world will be the undoing of the bin-Ladens.The media is carping about all of the voter challenging, litigation, intimidation efforts, lawyering at the polls, etc, that are going on in the current election as if they were some new innovation.
The media are historically challenged as usual.
These Election Day shenanigans are a return to traditional American electioneering: politics as contact sport. For instance, take a look at this 1879 New York Times article:
This kind of activity is good for democracy. It keeps the opposing teams in shape. I would rather see a good argument or challenge at a poll site than some vapid bake sale. Democracy rises out of human struggle and demands continuous strife to remain vital.
As I said in my book: "The Republicans are only my enemies on Election Day!" This fundamental tenet even transcends civil war. After four years of unimaginable bloodshed Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, Grant introduced Lee to his staff. Grant's aide-de-camp, Lt. Col. Ely Parker, was a Seneca Chief from upstate. Grant introduced Lee to Parker. Lee hesitated for a second, looked at Parker, then shook his hand and said: "I am glad to see one real American here." Parker replied, "We are all Americans."
This is the fundamental American Idea, which is instinctive and unexplainable, yet contagious to lovers of democracy worldwide. It's easy for us as New Yorkers to look back at the September 11, 2001 attacks and be reminded of people in the world that have been indoctrinated to hate us. Fewer remember June 20, 1990, when Nelson Mandela, giving a speech at Yankee Stadium soon after his release from 27 years of imprisonment, donned a Yankee cap and jacket and proclaimed: "I am a Yankee."
At the end of the day, regardless of the poll results, we are all Americans. So, in this year where we all seem to have rediscovered politics, we should not let the moment pass. Regardless of the result, don't gloat, cry or hold a grudge. Get up, get down to business and try to do something for your country, state, city, neighborhood or block every day.
Happy Election Day, remember to vote early and often, then toss back a pint!
George Washington Plunkitt, J.S.C. (Ret.)