ELECTION 2008

by Semmi Pasha Every presidential election is said to be the most important election of our lifetime. They always tell us that this  year's election is more important than the last election, which was at the time the most important election of our lifetime. After a few elections, this redundancy becomes mind-numbing; and it's no wonder the public starts tuning out politics. From the Great Depression of the 1920s and the economic stagnation of  the 1970s, from World War II to Vietnam, and from the Cuban missile crisis to the Iranian hostage crisis, America has faced economic downturns, foreign policy crises, and war. Yet, in the face of these seemingly existential threats, we have always persevered.  Our history hasn't always been pretty, but it is who we are — and we are still standing.  However, there is an old saying that things that can't last forever won't, and the last six years certainly give us pause to reflect and wonder how much longer we'll still be standing. Poorly thought-out wars of dubious beginnings that are costing us dearly in blood and treasure — not to mention clamor of an impending war of civilizations — the decline of the dollar as European and Asian economies grow, the collapse of the housing market, U.S. trade and budget deficits, and a foreign policy that diminishes our standing in the eyes of the world — all this requires that America elect more than a caretaker president.  That's why this year's presidential election really does make a credible claim as the most important election of our lifetime. One gets a sense that change is, by necessity, in the air, that the desire for change is so strong that America might even elect a candidate who looks different physically from anybody who has ever occupied the Oval Office. At The Madison Times, we recognize our readers' interest in the  historic nature of this election. This week, we'll start a politics blog on our Web site (www.TheMadisonTimes.com), commenting on all things election-related. Commentary will come from staff, but we also want commentary from the community. If you have a candidate you like (or don't like), let us know. If you want to comment on how the election is going, let us know. If you want to let us know about an issue that isn't getting enough attention (or too much attention), let us know. Madison is your community, The Madison Times is your community newspaper, and we want this blog to represent your views. In this unlikely story that is America, the next crucial chapter is being written, right before our eyes. Let's watch history together.