Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Election proves democracy is alive and well in America

People stand in a long line to vote at the Smiths Station Junior High polling place in Smiths Station, Ala., on Tuesday.
People stand in a long line to vote at the Smiths Station Junior High polling place in Smiths Station, Ala., on Tuesday. Todd J. Van Emst Opelika-Auburn News via Associated Press

Thank you to the people of Arroyo Grande, who decisively voted for a return to positive, consensus-based leadership. I am grateful.

Recently, I was collecting signs and ran into a lady who was literally crying about the presidential result. While I have reservations, here’s my takeaway:

The people of this country turned out and said no to the establishment on both sides. Decisively. They fired a shot that clearly showed that the power really does rest with the people, and they can and will seize it. The parties will have to take heed: social media has destroyed their monopoly and neither one grasped that in time. So democracy is alive and well, and that is a great comfort, for now and the future.

What’s more, the young people of this country just saw that their votes have power. They don’t just disappear into a predetermined result. This may reap great rewards for our vitality as a nation in a world changing faster than the generations.

God bless America.

Caren Ray, Arroyo Grande

This story was originally published November 11, 2016 at 8:56 PM with the headline "Election proves democracy is alive and well in America."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER