A Few More Thoughts on Election 2004 (Part III)

3) Now some people may feel that because Bush won, that the opposition needs to compromise even more and pay deference to the President's "mandate." Some feel this is necessary in order to position the Democratic Party for the 2006 elections and beyond. It's kind of like an if-you-can't-beat-them-join-them attitude. Nonsense! I think negotiation and compromise is an important part of political life, but leaders need to stand for something. There should be room for maneuvering, but there must also be a line in the sand, a point beyond which we are unwilling to yield.

Wednesday, Governor Howard Dean sent an email to supporters. In his message he recalled a powerful quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

Yes, Senator Kerry and the Democrats lost. President Bush won re-election and the Republicans increased their hold on the Congress. But, as good citizens of this country we have a duty and responsibility to hold our elected leadership accountable, to speak up and make our voices heard when we have legitimate disagreements, and to question the authority that governs us.

As President Theodore Roosevelt said, "The duties of each American are to be loyal, to vote in each and every election, and to question the authority of those running your country. Do not follow blindly." We must not forget that.