Anticipation is defined as an emotion involving pleasure and sometimes anxiety in considering some expected or longed-for event. I'm sure that's what all candidates are experiencing today as they anticipate the results of the 2008 election. By the end of the day there will be many who are pleased with the outcome and others who are disappointed. Regardless what emotions we have when all votes are tallied, we should focus on the enormous privilege of living in a democratic society and having the ability to vote. And with that privilege come heavy responsibilities to make wise and informed choices even if we are sometimes disappointed with the final outcome.
In some ways,Wednesday morning will be anticlimactic after the increasingly exciting, dramatic, and unusual series of events during this campaign and the ever increasing anticipation and excitement that led up to the election. On the positive side, my mailbox and front porch will no longer be inundated with campaign literature, lawns will be rid of signs, no one will ring my doorbell asking me to vote for their preferred candidate and I can get back to watching my favorite TV programs instead of channel surfing through all the political news and debates. And, most important, I will be able to have normal conversations with family, friends and colleagues and not have to worry about offending someone if I don't share their political views. Be sure to exercise the privilege to vote today!
--Marion Ginopolis
Cross posted on the LeaderTalk Blog