This is a reprint of a letter I wrote as president of the League of Women Voters of Smithtown in 2001. The letter was posted in Newsday. It seems very relevant today.
The recent horrific events have left us numb. In one moment, so many lives were lost and so many lives tragically changed forever. As our nation starts to move toward acceptance of our losses and the healing process starts, it is important to think about who we are and what we stand for.
We are not a perfect people, but we are good people. We take pride in America. Our nation is rich and it is rich because of its diversity in race, religion and creed.
Our nation is powerful not only because of our military strength but because we believe that in education there is strength.
Our nation is tough and it is tough because its citizens constantly challenge our government to be better, to look for and correct the injustices in our system.
We take pride in America because we are a democracy. Our greatness comes from our ability to participate in the election process.
Our greatness comes from freedom of speech, our right to comment on all the weaknesses and failures in our system, and our gretness is derived from our commitment to correct those injustices.
Democracy may not be for everyone, but it is our source of greatness. The League of Women Voters urges everyone to acknowledge who we are and to take the time and participate in America’s greatness.
This year on November 8, support democracy and vote.
Pat Biancaniello