The Ripon Rabbit
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Whoever coined that expression clearly never witnessed an American election cycle.
Here we are, once again, on the eve of another election. The signs are planted, the political commercials have assaulted our intelligence, the candidates have promised to save civilization, and the talking heads are preparing their carefully rehearsed expressions of shock and disbelief.
And tomorrow night? Well, cue the circus music.
For years, concerned citizens have raised legitimate questions about election administration, voter rolls, ballot handling, transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the process.
And what has been the response?
More committees. More studies. More lawsuits. More social media posts. More political theater. More early voting. More absentee ballots. More finger-pointing. And, of course, everyone’s favorite election-season solution: Trust us.
Oh, wonderful! Why didn’t we think of that?
Apparently, questioning a system is outrageous, but blindly trusting one is the very foundation of democracy.
Here’s a novel concept: An election system should be transparent enough to withstand scrutiny, accurate enough to earn confidence, and accountable enough that legitimate concerns receive legitimate answers.
That shouldn’t be controversial. It should be the bare minimum.
Yet election after election, we watch the same arguments unfold, the same people voting early, the same accusations fly, and the same unresolved disagreements get dusted off for another four-year performance.
And somehow, we’re supposed to be astonished when public confidence doesn’t magically improve.
Imagine taking your automobile to a mechanic year after year, complaining about the same suspicious noise, only to be told, “Don’t worry about it. The car still starts.”
Would you feel reassured?
Of course not.
But apparently, when it comes to elections, we’re supposed to smile, nod, and admire the dashboard while pretending nobody hears the knocking under the hood.
Now, before somebody gets their political underwear in a knot, questioning election procedures is not the same as proving election fraud. Allegations require evidence. Have we not seen evidence? Evidence deserves examination. Have we not examined the evidence?? I do believe I have seen enough to convince me that it is time for a new vehicle all together.
Vote responsibly. That standard should apply equally whether your favorite candidate wins, loses, or finishes somewhere between a write-in candidate and the local village idiot.
Which brings us to tomorrow. For those of us who HAVEN’T VOTED YET we are headed to the polls fully informed. We have the latest breaking news and fabricated poll numbers. We learned of new scandals that didn’t exist a week ago. We have seen all the evidence and examined it. WE ARE THE MOST THE INFORMED VOTERS. But is that enough of us?
Allegedly, the results of the November 3 midterm elections have not yet been determined. (cough, cough) Regardless the familiar standard reactions are practically on the calendar already.
Some people will celebrate. Others will demand explanations. Some will declare the system flawless, while others will insist it cannot be trusted. Let the finger pointing begin!!
And on Wednesday Nov 4th, plenty will suddenly rediscover their concern for election integrity depending on which name appears at the top of the scoreboard.
How remarkably convenient.
Here’s the part that should surprise absolutely nobody: If we continue approaching the same concerns with the same political gamesmanship, we should expect the same arguments and the same lack of trust afterward.
No crystal ball required.
Maybe tomorrow’s results will delight you. Maybe they’ll disappoint you. Maybe they’ll leave you staring at the television wondering whether you’ve accidentally tuned into a poorly written mainstream reality show.
But election night shouldn’t be the first time you start caring about how elections are conducted.
You cannot ignore the process for months, dismiss every difficult question, refuse meaningful discussion, fail to examine the facts and then act utterly bewildered when confidence in that process remains fractured.
You can’t just demand transparency only when your side loses.
That’s not principle. That’s convenience wearing a patriotic necktie.
So, when the dust settles tomorrow night, whatever the outcomes may be, I hope Americans will ask themselves something far more important than whether their preferred candidate won.
Did we do anything to make the process more honest, open and transparent? Is it now more accountable, and more worthy of the public’s trust?
Or did we simply perform the same old routine and hope that this time everyone would applaud like clapping seals?
Because if another election month comes and goes, the same concerns remain unanswered, and we find ourselves shocked that the public is still arguing about election integrity, perhaps the problem isn’t the surprise.
Perhaps it’s our willingness to keep repeating the performance.
And if you’re surprised that doing the same thing over and over has produced the same distrust, well, congratulations. You may have finally discovered the problem!!
Look in the mirror.
As for me, I will be celebrating Election Day!
That just makes common sense. Wouldn’t you agree?
