Tim_Skubick's Blog

Elections are so much more than picking winners and losers. Underneath it all we get a rare glimpse at ourselves: Who are we, what do we stand for, and where are we going?

Take the two Michigan ballot proposals. They are a classic tug-of-war between our hopes and our fears.

Those promoting a yes vote on embryonic stem cell research and those favoring the use of grass to relieve pain and suffering are selling hope. The other side is selling fear; fear of the unknown and fear that the unintended consequences will trump any benefits to society.

Take the contests in the Michigan House. A year ago the republicans were licking their chops. They were mighty confident that all those D’s who voted for tax increases would be booted out and the R’s would ride the anti-tax wave back into control.

This issue will reveal how voters think. Will they buy the argument that even though taxes are never popular, in this case they were a necessary evil? Or will the other side, the anti-government and anti-taxers convince voters to get even with all those lawmakers who thought they were doing the right thing?

In the presidential race look first at the youth vote. Democratic candidate Barack Obama has them right where he wants them. For the first in modern times, this block of voters could deliver the White House, and they’ve been making noises they want it.

To date they have knocked on doors, stuffed envelopes, dialed the phone and registered voters at a record clip. But will they vote?

What about the rest of the voting population? Michigan has registered an unbelievable 98% of all eligible voters, but betcha 30% of them will come up with some excuse not to vote.

You can hear the rationalizations already: Had to take the kids to soccer; it was raining/snowing; I hate government so this was my way to protest; or I didn’t like any of the candidates.

The founders of our democracy did not write those “excuses” into the constitution, but yet many so called citizens will trot them out nonetheless.

And finally what we will we learn about ourselves on the race issue? Michigan voters in 1972 voted for a segregationalist for president. Can those same folks vote for an African-American in 2008 and will race decide the outcome in this state?

If Obama loses, how will the black community respond? Some police agencies are preparing for trouble in the streets and while they are at it, they might think about what happens if he wins?

It’s over used and perhaps overstated, but this state and country are at a historic cross roads, and what we do on November 4th will answer the questions: Who are we? What do we stand for? And where are we going?