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Editorials - 09/05/02Show the world what America stands for: Vote! |
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As we approach the anniversary of the deadliest terrorist strike in history and the first foreign attack on American soil in 60 years, let's remember to exercise the democratic process that has shaped our republic for more than 225 years.
Tuesday's primary is drawing significant interest locally, and we hope that involvement carries voters into their polling places to cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice. It may sound trite, but it's true. Free elections are what separates the United States from the enemies of freedom the foes who struck without warning on that fateful Tuesday last September. Every local election is important in shaping Jackson County's future, and this one is no exception. With five candidates hoping to be sheriff, four of five seats on the county board of commissioners at stake and four trying for one contested school board seat, this year's primary has turned more heated than most. The candidates have done their part. They've paid their fees, shaken hands, attended community functions, bought the billboards and answered the questions put to them by this newspaper and printed Aug. 22 and 29 as a service to the voters. Now it's our turn. We can take action at the polls on Tuesday and then spend Wednesday reflecting on the tumultuous year since foreign nationals turned commercial jetliners into weapons and destroyed American landmarks. We can take time to remember U.S. troops still based on foreign soil as the war on terrorism continues to unfold in Central Asia. We can gather in Cullowhee, where Western Carolina will host a daylong series of programs and concerts Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of a day none of us will ever forget. Or we can join Sylva officials at the town flagpole where they will mark the somber anniversary with a noon ceremony and accept an American flag to replace one stolen a few months ago. Remembrances in honor of Sept. 11's heroes and in memory of its victims are planned throughout our county, state and nation. All are appropriate and important. But as far as we're concerned, the best way each of us can celebrate the heroism and commemorate the tragic losses of Sept. 11 is by taking the time to vote on Sept. 10. Patriotism should begin at the ballot box.
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