Election Is an Important Test of Our Patriotism

Old Glory can fly above our cars, hang from our porches and adorn our lapels. We can talk about the greatness of America. While we may shake our fists at television images of Saddam, Osama and Milosevic, it is in the quiet voting booth that the true fire of patriotism burns. For Orange County residents, an important test of patriotism will be measured when we have the first opportunity to vote since Sept. 11. We should be more conscious than ever of this right as we welcome home the heroic men and women who eliminated the repressive Taliban regime.

The health and well-being of our country is reaffirmed in a polling place down the street from our homes, in a neighbor’s garage or at the local elementary school. It is the right to vote that distinguishes the U.S. from repressive governments that destroy the freedom of the individual.

In the summer of 1787, the framers of the Constitution met in Philadelphia to design a new, revolutionary form of government. Rather than a powerful ruler granting privileges and rights to the people, the people would grant power to a government. Americans have courageously protected their right to determine how they should be governed and who should govern them from Yorktown to Gettysburg. America’s greatness is intrinsically bound to a Constitution that allows citizens to participate. Without that involvement, we cannot survive as a representative democracy.

We should all be concerned about the level of participation by Orange County voters in previous elections. In a report from the League of Women Voters, we are warned about voter apathy: “Citizens are too often withdrawing from the political process....Voter participation has hit the lowest level since 1924. Democracy is weakened and government less accountable when people don’t vote.”

We enjoy unmatched prosperity, opportunity and freedom because historically Americans have taken civic responsibility to study the issues, familiarize themselves with the candidates and make informed choices. On election day we have the opportunity to preserve and protect our sovereignty. This electoral process may be a heavy responsibility, but the power, the very strength of our government is derived from the men and women who take the time to vote.

Our love of country should be matched by our love of the democratic process that gives each citizen the precious right to vote.

Melody Carruth

Former mayor,

Laguna Hills