We still have Hope when it comes to democracy in action

While Florida and Bonner County battled to be the last entity in the United States to count a vote this election season, there was an uneasy calm that was beginning to settle.

The TV ads that kicked up more mud than the Moyie Mud Bog went silent. The Big Money behind the anti-Obama ads disappeared to the same place as the Almost Big Money behind the anti-Romney ads went.

Why would anyone want to run for office if he or she is going to be the recipient of the politics of personal attack that is common in every national race?

Thank goodness we don’t live in a swing state — where votes in presidential races actually matter. Folks in those states are taking a collective shower to wipe the stink off today. Too much unregulated money to be sure.

While folks on the Romney side of the aisle think that the end of civilization is nigh, the folks on the Obama side know there is a tough road ahead.

Here’s hoping this is where politics stop for awhile and statesmanship kicks in.

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Is it only me or is it strange that the United States is the beacon of democracy in the world and yet we don’t know how to hold an election? Folks line up for more than eight hours to vote in Florida?

People are sent to the wrong polling places in Michigan. Spanish voter guides remind folks to vote on Wednesday? Really?

With modern technology, why does it take more than a few hours to count ballots? Why are voting machines inaccurate?

I think technology has passed pencils in ovals. Shouldn’t we invest in a better way to hold an election and then export democracy and technology around the world?

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We still have Hope

Jane Olson-Holzer, a worker at the Hope precinct, shared this inspirational voting moment from Tuesday.

“We were fortunate to have this situation occur. A person signed in to vote and we learned he was 100 years old. The next person in line to vote was an 18-year-old first-time voter. We have a tradition to applaud first-time voters upon the acceptance of their ballots.

“This time we also had the opportunity to applaud the 100-year-old gentleman. It was a momentous event enjoyed by all.”

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Since you asked, Romney won the Daily Bee penny poll. He raised more than three times the amount Obama did.

Final score: Mitt Romney, $9.66; Barack Obama, $2.64. I think banning super-PAC money in the penny poll may have backfired.

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A few election comments from our Facebook page:

• Justin Schuck: “For those who know me, you will understand why I wrote in Hunter S. Thompson for president.”

• Kent Anderson: “Today’s update: 1/2 of my friends are suicidal, and the other half are ecstatic. I am just hoping for snow this weekend.”

The question was asked of SHS students who would win the presidency.

Thordon M. Clyde wrote: “If Obama wins, my dad throws a hissyfit … If Romney wins, my mom will cry. I am moving to Canada.”

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Cory Gabel and Shanta Lee tied the knot on Oct. 27 at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas.

Elvis showed up as well as six of their best friends. Shanta’s parents are Ken and Nina Lee of Coeur d’Alene and Cory’s dad and step-mom are Doug and Philis Gabel.

Cory is the Express Lane manager. Just so you know, some people still think the drive through convenience store is a quick change oil business.

Love the photo …

David Keyes is publisher of the Daily Bee.