True, I was disappointed with the results of the election, I having voted, not for Kerry specifically, but for intelligence beyond the limited powers of the Bush mind. And I agree that it was complete folly for the nation to elect someone having no crisis leadership ability, as was shown in the indecisiveness of the President on 9/11. Does anyone realize, aside from lack of instant action concerning national security, that sitting there reading that story book to the class was putting those children in danger, simply by his presence?

But this is where the editor and I go separate ways. Lately, I’ve heard many people say similar words to the affect that the country has never been more divided than it is now. This is simply not so, and for the life of me I have not yet perceived why it is being said with such zeal.

Democracy has an inherent peculiarity about it that seems to go unnoticed by all who are shouting “division.” Democracy does not always do the right thing, but it is the right way to do even a wrong thing! If any group must make a choice, whether that choice is right or wrong, choosing it by democracy is the best way, the right way, to do so.

And whether Bush was the right or wrong choice, the fact remains he was chosen in the right way, by universal suffrage in a democratic election. The republic is not divided, it is diverse. We make group decisions by ballot because of that diversity. If we had no disagreement, voting would not be necessary!

Now I disagree with many people about a great many things, but that does not mean that I am divisive. I do not create discord by having my own opinions. Likewise, for having such diversity of national opinion alongside the ability to establish law and elect those who execute it, in a civil manner, the republic is made stronger.

Were America to require unity of opinion in order for it to be a united people, we would be a nation of machines with no thought of our own. A nation of automatons does not grow. I would point out that every strong difference of opinion in our nation’s history has also been the cause and catalyst of change and growth.

Personally, I am proud to be numbered among those who voted for Kerry, yet still I respect and associate with those who voted for Bush. I also happen to be thankful for those who did not vote at all. By keeping quiet, you made my voice that much louder.

To all who say we are divided, first read of the original thirteen colonies that, even in disagreement, handed over their sovereignty to the Federal Union. And second, study up on Lincoln, his life and his times. Now Gettysburg was division!

Jacob DixCitizen of Norwalk.