The Fourth Morning After

Okay, everyone has had a few days to let it all out, rant and rave and do whatever.  

Here's a game plan.  Might not be one you like, but a game plan nonetheless.

First step, absent proof of fraud (and I mean proof, not theory, guesses or conjecture) let's have the process play itself out.  

While there may be less than complete confidence in that aspect of this plan, it will be a necessary first step before anyone can do anything about anything.

I get most of the hyperbole.  I can understand why the initial reaction of some may have been what it was.  At this point however it is easy enough to check the number of people who cast ballots against the number of actual ballots.  

If those numbers match up as they should, simply count them.

I imagine there is going to be a recount by someone. Given the margin of victory (whichever one you are hoping for) there would have been a recount regardless of the ensuing mess.

Once that is done, if either candidate has the evidence to establish grounds to invalidate the election, than I can accept that. We all should accept that. But that is a big if. 

At this point there is one thing that every single person should not only be hoping for, but striving for.  

A valid result. Not simply a win, but a valid result.

Is an explanation warranted as to exactly what happened and why.  Absolutely.  

When it comes out, as we all have a right to expect that it will, it may be we all start jumping up and down again, or it may be we can accept it.  

If the process plays out and Mr. Wethington wins, Mr. DeTerra's  supporters need to accept that fact, and the reverse applies.

A victory by one or by three is still a victory.  If we are all the good citizens we claim to be we all need to accept that reality.

The winner will hopefully remember in his actions to take into account the slim margin, but he will still be the winner.

Everyone in this Town needs to learn to understand the concept of "the loyal opposition" (Please spare us the sarcasm over the term, it is what is needed and what we should understand).

Not everyone who disagrees with you dismisses you out of hand.  Not everyone who opposes you is evil.  Not everyone with an opinion you do not share is the devil.  

I believe the failure by some to realize this goes a long way in explaining the results we have seen in a number of elections over the past several years.  I also believe that same failure by others has also had an a detrimental impact to their cause.

Recent wins should certainly indicate to some that yes the system does work. It requires an extremely hard effort at times and it requires involvement to do so.

We are at a crossroads in this town in many, many ways.  

One result of the BOH race, regardless of the winner, and the selectmen's races recently, is to point out that fact.

Change has begun.  

You may not realize it. You may not like it.  

It is nonetheless here.

What we do with it as a town, as a people, will determine whether we remain a strong and vibrant community or become forever just another name on the map.