Witnessing History

Democracy. Democracy is a very interesting and wonderful word. What does this word mean? It’s quite simple, really. It means that all sides get to be heard, state their positions fully and clearly, and then all who wish to cast their vote get equal hearing, and the final result of that debate is fifty percent plus one. What we are witnessing today is democracy in action, and it is what this country was founded on.

The process of democracy, however, isn’t always pretty. The debate can be tedious, lengthy and exhaustive, but debate we must. If we believe in democracy, then having the right to vote is paramount. The event today has been much anticipated, and I have watched as much as I can with a great amount of attention and curiousity. It somehow reminds me of previous committee hearings of such magnitude, and I feel strongly that these types of hearings are essential when there is any type of dispute, such as the ones we currently have had with Florida and Michigan.

The key aspect of the proper and respectful process of democracy is that rules must be followed, as well. History shows us that many leaders and their followers have undermined and subverted the wishes of the majority and have worked to essentially ignore the wishes of the voters, but the Democratic National Committee, representing the will and the right of the voters who have already cast ballots in two disputed states, have taken the dramatic step of making certain that these two states, while living with the consequences of violating party rules, will get the opportunity to seat their delegates and have a stake and a representation in the upcoming Democratic National Convention.

I will state clearly and forcefully that I will figuratively fight to the death for the Clinton campaign and its supporters and followers to vigorously challenge and argue for the right to seat all delegates in Michigan and Florida and ignore all of its opponent’s points and authorities, but I also must vehemently demand that those same people respect the ruling of this committee and now focus their attention toward the future and the larger contest yet to come.

We can only take a moment to rejoice and reflect on today’s committee rulings, because there is very serious work to be done as we wind this primary season to a close. I can only hope that all participants in this election process on both sides will reconcile and come to a place of unity, beginning to work together for a greater cause and to keep our eye on the ultimate prize, the White House and a significant increase in the Democratic percentage in the Congress of the United States.