CELEBRATING THE TOTAL RECALL
by:
Steven Snyder

The whirlwind California recall has come and gone, and now the national political community tries to pick up the pieces. We now have time to move beyond the day-to-day debates concerning ex-Governor Gray Davis, now-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the assortment of other recall candidates, and instead turn our focus to measuring this recall’s place in the greater realm of history.

I, for one, think this recall was a tremendous day for American democracy. Yes, recalls have occurred before, but never to this degree. California is the country’s most important political state, in terms of new social programs, its substantial economy and its electoral value. To change horses in midstream, as some would say, is a big step, but that is exactly what the politically-motivated citizens of California demanded.

Some have decried the recall, saying it erases the “legitimate” election of 2000. Others opposed it because it brought out Schwarzenegger, actor Gary Coleman, a stripper and the three-ring media circus.

But now, after the buzz has died down, we can take a moment to see this recall election for the extraordinary event it was.

Most importantly, citizens who never before felt as if they mattered to the political machine realized their voice carried weight. Voting turnout continues to be deplorable in this country, and the general consensus among younger generations is that one vote does not really affect anything. But in California on Tuesday, turnout was higher than for the 2000 Presidential election. Two days ago, citizens felt as if every vote counted.

Maybe this involvement goes hand-in-hand with the nature of a recall. Unlike regular elections, which sometimes occur without people noticing, recalling someone first requires outrage and then the collection of signatures. Unlike the 2000 Presidential race, which some cynically labeled as a choice between two evils, the California recall reflected citizens actively promoting a stance as to what they will and will not tolerate from their politicians.

It also disrupted, albeit slightly, the standard two-party system of this country. Every two or four years the same game is played: The political races begin, Republicans and Democrats choose a candidate, the slanderous television commercials are unveiled and the public goes in to the voting booths, looking for an “R” or “D” next to a candidate’s name. How delightful that in California, even though a Republican won and the race narrowed to two primary candidates near the end, that people were open to other options and possibilities.

Even those who disagree with most of my arguments must agree with this: the California recall put the priorities of politicians back with the people. This statement may seem obvious, but allow me to explain.

When a person runs for Governor, they begin with good intentions. They want to serve the people and desire to be in charge of the state. But then, once they get elected, the priorities become serving the interests who put them there and getting reelected. Soon the media spin machine begins and, more often than not, very little of a candidate’s vision gets enacted due to compromises and deals.

In California, this sort of “career politician” mentality ultimately elicited disgust from citizens. They didn’t think Davis was doing a good job, didn’t like the influence special interests had in his policy, took to the streets and removed him.

As a result, this recall will make those in public service become better attuned to what their constituents expect and demand. It now has been proven, in California no less, that the public will rise up, when necessary, and show those in power who really runs this country. No doubt Governors around the country are already paying more attention to their phone calls.

And, dear reader, how can this shift away from politics-as-usual possibly be bad?

If anything, this country needs more recalls. They hold politicians accountable for their actions not just once every four years, but every single day. They give every citizen a meaningful voice in the political process. They open the election process to more than just two candidates. They give citizens a means to enact change and overcome the apathy that has overrun this nation’s electorate.

I never thought I’d say it, but an election involving Gary Coleman and Kindergarten Cop has made this country a better place.

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