Perspective Required As Issues Debated

At the Chautauqua Institution’s Hall of Philosophy Monday afternoon, a distinguished panel of elected officials gathered to discuss the legitimacy of our election system. It was a needed discussion on a worthy topic. US Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Assemblyman Bill Parment, Chautauqua County Executive Gregory Edwards and former Lieutenant Governor Stan Lundine discussed campaign finance reform, the undue influence of party campaign committees, and the increasingly petty election coverage by the mass media, among other topics.

But as the wind gently blew in off the lake and the sun shone through the trees on the idyllic Chautauqua grounds, one couldn’t help but think about how lucky we are, as Americans, to have the freedom to style our debate around issues that are fundamentally very important, but not fundamentally dangerous.

Last week in Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe was declared the winner of a run-off election for President. He was the only candidate and garnered 85% of the vote after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai removed his name from the ballot. Widespread reports of intimidation and violence have circulated. When asked by the BBC why he pulled out of the run-off election, Tsvangirai responded that he wanted to save the lives of his supporters.

He wanted to save the lives of his supporters.

Certainly, we should discuss the legitimacy of our election system. It is the core of our democracy and is threatened by the corrupting influence of money and centralized power.

At the same time we would do well to pause, especially as we prepare to celebrate our Independence Day, to broaden our focus and gain perspective. And be grateful that ours are legitimate debates that many in the world are dying to have.