To the sowers of distrust, from an American

 

THE election is half a week away (we have to get through Hallowe’en first), and many Americans are doing the daily things that Americans are able to do because we trust our democracy and our election process.

In southern New York State, our older daughter has readied our granddaughters for Hallowe’en by fashioning marvelous Bellatrix Lestrange (from Harry Potter) and hedgehog costumes.

In Philadelphia, our younger daughter’s outstanding vocal sextet, Variant 6, is responding creatively to the pandemic’s demands by developing and offering exciting new ways to connect with audiences.

All across America, parents and artists and all other sorts of people in many conditions and communities are doing what we do in pursuit of our own and our nation’s wellbeing, and out of our desire to enhance our collective human experience. Despite the turmoil that fills the news and heightens our anxiety, I believe the vast majority of us still trusts the relative stability of our society, and our ability to react to new situations and challenges with steady, informed, and compassionate resolve.

But we are at the mercy of our elected and appointed leaders to make sure this election is conducted and counted in a way that is in fact fair and unbiased and is perceived as such. If we don’t have that, we will have lost one of the most important reasons we have thrived as a people.

If those responsible for conducting, observing, and reporting on this election fail us through partisan moves, unfounded law suits, subtle or blatant intimidation, misinformation, or violence, we are done.

The condemnation of history will ever be upon those who deliberately and carelessly destroy our trust in free and fair elections. You know who you are, and you will, sooner or later, be found out.

Do your best things today, and vote by Tuesday if you haven’t already. Let there be no mistake about who is in charge.