Despite my decidedly left-leaning political views, middle of the road November has always been one of my favorite months of the year.
I guess it's because November is content to leave the in-your-face extremes to other, more flamboyant months. November's weather is pleasant and crisp, with none of July's oppressive heat waves or January's "hey everyone, look at me!" blizzards. November's major holiday, Thanksgiving, has what I love about Christmas - family and food - but without the stress or caroling dogs. Still, November's long-time status as a moderate among months has been threatened over the past several years by the increasing importance of its second-string holiday, Election Day. Election Day used to mean a day off from school and maybe a passing mention at the dinner table; these days it casts a shadow for months or even years in advance.
As we slowly but surely move into the long shadow cast by Election Day 2006, there's a lot for us to think about. Incumbents, challengers, primaries, platforms, issues, strategies, fundraising, it can make the mind reel. Fortunately, even a quick visit to DailyKos or any other political website will show that plenty of good, intelligent people are thinking - and acting - on all of these issues. Democrats are poised to do well in November, locally and nationally. How well remains to be seen, but the signs are looking better every day. But I'm more concerned about what happens the day after Election Day, and so I have a few challenges of my own.
I challenge all of us to resist the temptation to treat Election Day as the final battle. It will only be the beginning, regardless of whether we win or lose. If we win, the real work of turning our nation around and getting back on the right track - together - begins immediately. That means providing real, workable solutions to the problems we face. That means leadership with honesty and integrity. That means vision, diplomacy, compassion, and wisdom. That means government for and by all Americans, not just the chosen few. That means, in short, all the things we're not getting now. If we lose, that means regrouping and getting right back into the fight for 2008, despite the disappointment of loss.
I challenge our candidates, as well. I challenge those who lose to to stay involved, stay working and fighting for the future of our nation. It won't be easy. Running for public office is expensive. It's emotionally and physically draining. So go ahead, take some time to recharge your batteries if you must, but then get back into the fight. We need you.
And finally I challenge us, the voters, to do the same thing. Once Election Day is over, don't consider your job done and sit back and relax for the next two years. Stay involved, stay informed, and make sure those you helped put into office deliver on their promises. I challenge us to provide the accountability that is so lacking on the other side of the aisle. If your candidate loses, your job is tougher, but just as important. Don't walk away from the process. Don't give up. There's too much at stake.
The road to a better America stretches long and twisting ahead of us. On Wednesday, November 8, 2006, the next leg of our journey begins. And I call shotgun!