What we do now

Posted 11/6/14

The ballots have been cast and counted. A seemingly endless campaign season has, at last, come to an end.

“What do we do now?”

Those words were famously uttered by Robert Redford’s …

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What we do now

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The ballots have been cast and counted. A seemingly endless campaign season has, at last, come to an end.

“What do we do now?”

Those words were famously uttered by Robert Redford’s character in the final scene of the 1972 film “The Candidate.” Having just won a seemingly impossible upset in a U.S. Senate race, the character – one never truly serious about the business of governing – is overwhelmed as the reality of his situation sets in.

We hope, of course, that the local candidates fortunate enough to win this week, particularly newcomers to public service, and those who will be taking on new offices, react with a bit more assurance than their fictional counterpart. Incumbents, especially those who ran without opposition, may find an opportunity to reflect on their hopes and goals and to rededicate themselves to work in the people’s interest.

For many Rhode Island voters, the quote from “The Candidate” may aptly capture strong feelings of relief now that the election is past. Millions of dollars have been spent since the campaign began, and the heavy barrage of advertisements has been inescapable in recent weeks. Such is the nature of our political process, for good and ill. A period quiet on that front – temporary though it may be, with a presidential election looming – will be welcome.

In a collective sense, the question “What do we do now?” can have a more sobering connotation. Decades removed from the departure of large-scale manufacturing and still recovering from the global meltdown of 2008, our state continues to seek an economic identity for the 21st century. Unemployment remains stubbornly high. Unfortunate episodes such as 38 Studios and this year’s raids on the former House Speaker’s office and home have added to the public’s already high level of frustration with the political process. Structural state budget deficits in the hundreds of millions of dollars have been projected in the years ahead. Tax bills continue to put strain on businesses and families.

That is certainly not to say the picture is bleak or hopeless. Rhode Island has much to offer, with a diversity of geography and culture uniquely situated in such a relatively small area. We see, every day, the sense of giving, compassion and civic responsibility found in so many corners of our communities and are fortunate enough to share those stories with you.

What’s needed is a renewal – of our sense of shared purpose, of our vision for what the future can and should hold. What’s needed is leadership to cultivate and marshal that spirit and to guide us forward.

What do we do now? The challenges ahead are not easy. But with so much at stake, the time is right to take them on.

Comments

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  • RoyDempsey

    God, Mr. Howell, these are points you should have made prior to the election not now. The people that your paper endorsed are the same people who have gotten us into the situation that you describe above. Warwick, as is the state is a financial basket case and you would have never known it by your pre election coverage.

    Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Report this

  • JohnStark

    Prior to last week’s election, Democrats held a super majority in the RI House of Representatives. RI voters opted for more of the same.

    Prior to last week’s election, Democrats held a super majority in the RI State Senate. RI voters opted for more of the same.

    Prior to last week’s election, RI had a liberal Democrat governor. RI voters opted for more of the same.

    Prior to last week’s election, RI had an all-liberal Democrat congressional delegation. RI voters opted for more of the same.

    Prior to last week’s election, RI had one of the worst economies in the country, high unemployment, confiscatory taxes, burdensome regulations, and a well-earned reputation for public corruption. And so I query, what did RI voters opt for?????

    Thursday, November 13, 2014 Report this