Well, I voted. And I must say it was quite invigorating (not simply because it’s 18 degrees outside and they’re calling for snow showers). No, mostly because I always feel a sense of empowerment when I vote, like I have a voice in the process. This year, I am especially gratified that people seem to be so engaged. Voting is a privilege. I have never understood those who enjoy living in a democracy but refuse to participate in it by not voting.

I also never dreamed in my lifetime that I would have the choice between a woman or an African-American for President. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I feel a little like I did when the Berlin Wall came down. I never thought that would happen either. Unfortunately, we went right back to killing each other and building other walls between us.

White men (the folks who look like me) don’t have a very good track record in running this world. Things aren’t getting any better and it’s time for some out-of-the-box leadership. The old paradigm of an over-reliance on the military for protection does not work and needs to be discarded. The sense of entitlement from children of immigrants that leads to hate towards present-day immigrants needs to be replaced with humility. The fear that drives a violent reactive policy of security should be distrusted and replaced by a sense of openess and participation as an honest global citizen. The time for Empire-Superpower thinking is over.

Again I do not know the outcome. But my hope is that we as a nation will participate in the process, that we will be honest and compassionate in our interactions with each other, that above all we will be a people of integrity and respect.

And that real change will come like a healing stream to a barren land, flowing out into all of the world.

MT