Results 'disappointing,' but good for democracy

Editor:

As one of the last of the whiny, politically correct left-wing liberal Democrats remaining in Columbia County, Im one of a select few of our county residents who was disappointed with the outcome of the recent election.

Republicans are always strong in Columbia County, but they staged a remarkably well-organized campaign throughout the state and exceeded practically everyones expectations. Roy Barnes got nearly as many votes as he did in 1998, but Sonny Perdue polled almost a quarter of a million more votes than Guy Milner did when he ran against Barnes four years ago. Many of these votes obviously came from single-issue voters angry at Barnes for changing the flag.

Its an ominous sign for Democrats, since the state was trending Republican to begin with, and these new voters werent even being factored into that trend. They were generally apathetic when it came to the political process. But the flag issue energized them, and theres a good chance theyll remain involved in the future.

That may be bad for Democrats, but its good for democracy, because the more people who vote, the more likely the government will reflect the will of the people. Im sure Ill disagree with many if not most of Gov.-elect Perdues policies, but hes in tune with the majority of Georgians.

As disappointed as I may be with the results, each election marks a renewal of American democracy. As we head into the holiday season, winners and losers alike can be thankful we live in a country which gives us true freedom of choice, and allows the people, through the ballot box, to make the ultimate decisions regarding how we will be governed.

Jim Murrah

Martinez