Letter: Voters should show leaders how it’s done

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2000 | 2:56 a.m.

The people responsible for this lapse in continuity of our democratic process are the American people. How many have heard that "my vote doesn't matter, so I won't register" and "I won't vote"? It has always been a lazy and lame comment, an excuse for not taking responsibility for civic activity in a democracy (or, if you prefer, a republic).

There is plenty of time for an acceptable resolution to this problem before Jan. 20. In the meantime if we expect civil responsibility from our leaders and from the press, we must assume that mantle ourselves. Register to vote. Acquaint yourself with the process, imperfect though it may be, of self-government. No, you don't get your way all the time. Yes, you have to compromise. Yes, it takes some time and research to understand the issues. But those of you who don't vote enjoy the advantages of living in a civilized society. Civilization takes work and vigilance, and you are letting others do it for you.

There is too much on the line in this election to let the events of the last week pass without careful inspection. It was George W. Bush who asked that the election be certified before the results were all in. To expect Al Gore to say nothing would be insanity. As a woman, as a voter, as a Democrat, as a working person, I would be outraged if he didn't challenge Bush's cavalier assumption of power. It is his first test of mettle.

ANN REYNOLDS