The range of this year's presidential campaign has varied from disappointment to despair. So it was assuring to see that some things haven't changed at the Republicans' convention in Cleveland, like the roll call of the states. In alphabetical order, each state, territory, commonwealth or assorted possession gets to brag on itself. But only for half a minute. Then the party's choices for president and vice-president are--what a surprise!--accepted by acclamation. Listen to the old, assuring sound of the roll call:
A-la-ba-ma! ("The home of national championship football teams.") A-las-ka! ("The largest state in the Union.") A-ri-zo-na! ("The hottest state in the country for job growth.") And so it goes all the way down to far-flung possessions like American Samoa. ("The greatest exporter of NFL players.")
Ar-kan-sas! This small, wonderful state came fifth in the roll call and our lieutenant governor, Tim Griffin, made the most of it. Without needing to exaggerate in the least. As country folk say, it ain't bragging if it's true. And it is. Or as our Lite Guv put it:
"Arkansas, land of opportunity and birthplace of Johnny Cash and Al Green. We are open for business and growing jobs and manufacturing and high-tech, and Republicans control every statewide office, the Legislature and the entire congressional delegation. Unemployment is at its lowest in history. We've got the best duck hunting on earth. We're No. 1 in rice production, we raise delicious catfish, we cast our lines for world-class trout." And then, almost as an afterthought, like the medicine after a spoonful of sugar, came the tally: "We cast 40 votes, 15 votes for Ted Cruz and 25 votes for the next president of the United States--Donald J. Trump!"
It's been that kind of campaign for both parties as they trot out their presidential nominees and the appalled electorate is given a choice between Worse and Worser as election day draws nearer--like an executioner whetting his ax--and the electorate draws back with a shudder. No wonder so many are tempted to stay home Tuesday, Nov. 8.
It wasn't always like this. Alexis de Tocqueville, our sharp-eyed visitor from France back in the 1830s, penned this picture of how it used to be: "For a long time before the appointed hour has come, the election becomes the important and the all-engrossing topic of discussion. Factional ardor is redoubled, and all the artificial passions which the imagination can create in a happy and peaceful land are agitated ... As the election draws near, the activity of intrigue and the agitation of the populace increase; the citizens are divided into hostile camps, each of which assumes the name of its favorite candidate; the whole nation glows with feverish excitement; the election is the daily theme of the press, the subject of private conversation; the end of every thought and every action, the sole interest of the present." But now, instead of running to vote, Americans may just run away. Duty calls--a good citizen must vote, after all--but who has the heart, or stomach?
Strength, citizens! For remember these comforting words that offer perspective in both good times and bad: This, too, shall pass.
Editorial on 07/22/2016