A friend phoned after the electoral contests became official. He was gloating, of course, but he also asked what I was thinking at that moment.

I began to organize my thoughts. Was I angry? No. Being a mature member of a mature republic means accepting the will of the majority. New democracies often equate voting rights with victory, but we know better.

Fear? Of course not. There is no reason to fear the president. I disagree with his vision of where the country should go, but initiatives he has proposed or enacted, are ostensibly extensions of programs that have been devouring resources for decades.

Regulatory expansion? No greater than our boy from Texas. Besides, did the folks fearing the federal government’s larger role in health care express dread with the prescription drug benefit, or the Medicare promises, both contributing to bankrupting that program, and endangering the entire economy? I obviously missed that tea party.

Disappointed? Who shouldn’t be? The president was shameless in his efforts to co-opt different blocks of voters.

Politics as usual? Perhaps, but brought to a lower level than any incumbent In memory. Did Mitt disappoint? Yes. Despite paying close attention, I still have no idea what passion or belief led him to seek that office. Do you?

“Well, he’s the alternative.” OK, ask John Kerry what a formula for success that is. Is bringing no core convictions to the presidency better than bringing ones we don’t agree with? I say no.

We all want leadership present in the Oval Office. Pretend you’re an interviewer, and the ability to lead must be present in whom you hire.

I’ve been there, and Romney would not get that job. Certainly not the Mitt we’ve witnessed over these ridiculously long months.

Scott Griffin

Southern Pines