Let's beat ‘em and join ‘em

You know the old saw, “if you can't beat ‘em, join ‘em?” Well, maybe this week you can do both.

Lines at the voting office in Newberry County, and around the nation, are snaking around buildings and blocks this week and it is obvious that Americans are more than ready to be heard. The reasons why Americans might be ready to get off their collective tookus and cast a ballot this time around, if no other, are as plentiful as turkey on Thanksgiving. To name a few: The economy is tanking; our country is waging war on many fronts, some not so successfully; it's a historic election, as either a woman, in the V-P slot, or a minority candidate will win the day; the potential that the next president may be appointing a few justices to the Supreme Court...

Confidence in the current administration is in the dumper and we are oh so ready to be led in a sensible direction. What a relief it will be in a week, no matter the national results, to know that someone soon will be driving this train.

Here in Newberry we come in a little higher than the national average when it comes to voter turnout. In 2004 we boasted a 70 percent turnout in this county, nationally it was 60.7 percent. Maybe it is our elderly population, or maybe it is the small size of our towns helping us be familiar with the candidates and issues, but Newberrians vote.

This year, just like the national election, Newberry County has its own “change” movement. It has been a rough couple of years between county government and its constituency and it is imperative that people get out and express their opinion by casting ballots. Just as our elected officials have a duty to lead, and listen to, us; it is our sacred trust as citizens to select the leaders.

So, with many apologies to the poll workers who will be working their fingers to the bone Tuesday, we propose this: Let's beat the nation's numbers. Let's beat our county's previous numbers. Let's beat those numbers to a bloody pulp.

Let's scoff at 70 percent. “Ha, what a paltry effort that was,“ we'll say as we all sit back in our chairs feeling proud with our “I Voted” stickers proudly affixed. We hope to say this as we watch 75, 85, 90-dare we say it, yes we dare-100 percent of the electorate wrap up balloting Tuesday.

Already the crowds to vote absentee have been piling on at Newberry's voting office. But citizens, although this is a fine beginning, we will have to work hard and apply ourselves-other counties and states are seeing the same phenomenon. We will have to push to maintain the lead, the bragging rights, of our turnout exceeding the national average. Bring a neighbor with you to the polls, registered of course. Nag your mom or boss or hairdresser to take the time to vote. We can beat those numbers, if we join together.

Then next time, after we have finished sitting back and feeling self-satisfied, after we have whupped those numbers real good. Next time we can set another goal, and keep reaching. Next time we could have the most registered voters casting the most informed ballots possible. Let's be the most that we can be.