November 4th, 2008 is going down in history! Yes, mark today down as the last day you knew of a world where anyone who wasn’t white could be leader of the free world via the Presidency of the United States of America…that dragon has been slayed. I for 1 have already seen a chance in this country, by the mere fact that an African-American has officially been place on “the” ballot for becoming the President of the USA.
But, I hear people talking about throwing up their hands as though this is it…this is just the beginning. To make an analogy, a friend of mine is in the process of applying for his MBA (scored awesome on his GMAT: CONGRATS!!) and is thinking of only the top 5-7 schools in the country. Now most would believe once he gets into Harvard, he is set. FAR FROM THE TRUTH! Granted getting into Harvard or any other equally recognized university, is an accomplishment only few have been able to achieve. But once you are in, you still have to perform…you still have to get that job.
Obama will be a great leader and I choose to look at what some may say is inexperience as opportunity. He has not been in Washington long enough to get caught up in red tape, lies and dead ends. Talking to that young child who still believes in Santa sometimes makes you WANT to believe there is a Santa. After tonight’s election, we will set yet another example to the world community, that there is great pride that comes with being an American, through leading by example (something we have not been doing such a good job of lately).
Now, do not get me wrong, I in no way believe we are perfect. When I went to vote this morning, the 1st thing I was told was that my machine was not able to cast votes for Obama. I couldn’t believe it. I was given the option of coming back later or filling out a paper ballot (which I was prepared to do). But another woman called from the top of the stairs at PS 155, informing the person who just told me the machine was broken that they fixed the machine and I could vote for Obama if I wanted. When I walked inside, my machine only had about 5 people in front of me, while the other 6 (representing other districts) had easily 50 people per machine. Those people who came and heard that they couldn’t vote for Obama might have just left, which is unfortunate. And when you look at the current process in place, it makes you wonder why we are using machines that date back to when voting first began.
One idea I have is to set up a more stream lined process for voting. Have a set up where people have to give their thumb print to identify who they are (this will be no different than when you have to give your thumb print for exams like GMAT, MCAT, LSAT, etc.). Have a website where people can precast their vote, accessed via their social security number and password. The website will stop taking submissions 2 months prior to the day of elections (to allow time to confirm there was no tampering). Send emails out to people confirming who they have selected. This will give people a chance to know who they are voting for and do subsequent research on their candidate’s views (as well as make them aware before hand of any amendments they may need to vote upon). On the day of elections, the machines (not hooked up to the internet, creating a closed system similar to exams taken in your state, for state exams) will have all ready been prepared with your pre-casted vote (if you made one) and once you confirm who you are via your thumb print, you will get a chance to see who you previously chose to vote for. It is at this time you can change your precasted vote, but then once confirmed, cast your vote. After, you are emailed confirmation that your vote has been counted and details of who you voted for. Since these machines can be prepared beforehand you don’t have to be locked to a location near your house. The machines can be placed strategically around the city to accommodate most workers, so that they can do this near work. Obviously, the lever system can still be available to people who do not want to use this machine, but at least it gives them the option of something more efficient.
You may be able to come up with a better system than mine, but I think this should be something discussed. Only when we discuss things (politics, race, economics, etc.) can there even be a chance of change. If you don’t agree, take a listen to my friend below, who had a dream on August 28th, 1963 that has not yet been completely realized to its core principle, but has taken a giant leap from subconscious to ballot!
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