Terps Capture National Title, Defeat Indiana 64-52

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn, Maryland Class of 1988

April 2, 2002

My friends, this is not a news article per se, because I cannot possibly be objective, but it does offer information. Sports information, as opposed to my traditional political offerings.

My alma mater, the University of Maryland, in its 2002^nd NCAA basketball game in school history played in its first national championship game and defeated the upstart Indiana Hoosiers 64-52 Monday night, April 1 in Atlanta.

This was by no means pretty. Turnovers and overall sloppy play dominated in a game that was played, for the most part, at an Indiana pace – slow and deliberate. Maryland averaged around 85 points per game over its first five games of the 2002 NCAA Tournament.

Seniors Juan Dixon and Lonny Baxter led the Terrapins with 18 and 15 points respectively and Maryland came to play in the last six minutes of the game demonstrating why they are the number one team in the college basketball world. Maryland ended its storybook season at 32-4, having lost all four of its games to NCAA Tournament teams – Arizona, Oklahoma, Duke and North Carolina State.

The 2002 senior class, championship not withstanding, had its most successful four-year stretch in school history, led by Baltimore native Dixon and Silver Spring resident Baxter. Byron Mouton, a transfer from Tulane two years ago played a key role throughout the season, and made a game saving play late in the NCAA Final. In gathering in a loose ball under the Indiana basket that looked to be headed out of bounds, Mouton called time-out, which as it turned out, was needless as he was fouled on the play.

Junior guard Steve Blake, whose father drove to all Maryland home games from the family’s home in Florida because of his aversion to flight, played a disappointing game at best making unwise passes and committing turnovers that he did not ordinarily commit. His free throw shooting was suspect at best over the Final Four. An 85 percent shooter from the charity stripe, Blake missed half his free throws over the last two games.

Sophomore Chris Wilcox, rumored to consider taking a shot at the NBA, played flat, proving he is not quite ready for prime time. I like Wilcox and he can be an exciting player with his dunks – even the monster slams that backfire and land at half court.

Red Bank, NJ native Tahj Holden and Long Island, NY Island native Drew Nicholas led the bench play. They will prove to be solid starters next season as the Terps defend their title. Blake will take over as floor leader and if Wilcox does the right thing and remains in College Park, there will be a solid four on the floor for the Terps.

The three senior starters will be missed. I predict Dixon, deservedly the Tournament MVP averaging just over 25 points per game, will be selected late in the first round of this coming June’s NBA draft. Baxter will be selected midway through the second round, but I don’t think he will be an impact player.

I like Dixon. He stayed four years at Maryland, is on target to graduate – just six credits shy and did not let personal adversity send him down the wrong path. It has been widely reported that Dixon’s parents died of AIDS when he was 15, but he had the steady influence of his brother Phil, a Baltimore police officer.

There is a fourth senior that must be mentioned – Earl Badu. I am not mentioning Badu because a local daily newspaper did a story on him last weekend. I am mentioning Badu because I like this guy. He sat quietly on the end of the bench game after game in his warm-ups waiting for the opportunity to play even for one minute. He appeared in 12 games for a total of 26 minutes. Yet Badu, a walk on, did his job – showing up to practice and serving as a body for the starters to pound on. Badu will not only earn his degree this spring, but is headed to law school – that’s what I like – the true student-athlete.

I haven’t mentioned Coach Gary Williams until now, not because I think he is insignificant. Just the opposite. He kept this team together and should be coach of the year. By the way, Mike Davis of Indiana should be coach of the tournament. I have always liked Williams. He brought the basketball program out of the trash heap following the tragic death of Len Bias in June of 1986 and the unfortunate, scandal-ridden tenure of Coach Bob Wade, an otherwise excellent high school coach.

Williams, coaching at his alma mater, led the Terrapins as they rose like a Phoenix out of the ashes into national prominence, eventually landing in its first Final Four last year before being eliminated in the national semi-final by ACC rival Duke. The lesson learned by the defeat by Duke is that the 2001-02 Maryland basketball team learned not to fold like a cheap tent. They squandered a 20-point lead Saturday night, but held on to defeat Kansas in a game I think they would have lost last year. This year’s team was not surprised to find itself back in the Final Four. They played with a greater maturity and that is why they could win on Saturday with a virtually absent Baxter and on Monday despite the sloppy play.

The victory Monday night in Atlanta by Maryland will forever be a bright shining moment in school history. Unfortunately, the story does not end there as the images of wild, drunken students taking to the streets of College Park on both Saturday and Monday nights will also be indelible memories of a victory tarnished. College Park began to look like Newark in 1967. Store windows were broken, looting took place, fires were set, street signs were torn down and a general disregard for law enforcement ensued when the police attempted to restore order and encourage the students off of the streets. Street benches were thrown through the window of a police car and revelers also damaged another police car.

Enough video footage is available to identify the guilty. They should be arrested, charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. A message must be delivered. These student miscreants should be expelled from school and made to pay restitution. Any student expelled on scholarship should be made to reimburse the university for the value of the scholarship used.

It’s a shame such a great victory should be marred by such heinous behavior. It gives a bad name to the university as a whole and is an embarrassment to alumni like myself who truly take pride in our alma mater. Congratulations to the University of Maryland and its National Championship winning basketball team.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer living in Sterling, VA.

Happy Birthday, Gipper

Happy Birthday, Gipper

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

February 7, 2002

It has been a while since my last writing on a political matter, but this transcends politics as we observed the birth date of former president Ronald Reagan yesterday.

On February 6, 1911 Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Illinois. Raised in humble surroundings, Reagan worked hard and after college had jobs as a sportscaster and a career as an actor before turning to the political arena.

Reagan served as Governor of California in the 1960s and was an ardent supporter of another of my political heroes, the late Arizona Senator Barry M. Goldwater. Reagan made commercials for Goldwater during the 1964 presidential campaign. The tables were turned in 1980 as Senator Goldwater vigorously endorsed Reagan during his campaign for the White House.

Reagan won that election, defeating president Jimmy Carter handily. On the day Reagan was inaugurated as president in 1981, the hostages returned home from Iran having been held captive for 444 days. Under President Reagan the United States enjoyed a renaissance via a strengthened economy, renewed patriotism and an overall pride in being an American.

President Reagan was known for his quips and good humor. He responded to a question in a debate during his reelection campaign in 1984 against former Minnesota senator and vice president Walter “Fritz” Mondale regarding age, that he would not hold his opponent’s youth and inexperience against him.

Yesterday Ronald Reagan turned 91 years of age, but as we know, suffers from Alzheimer’s. This is a disease that is devastating for a family to witness – powerless to solve or comprehend. While there will be no cure for Ronald Reagan, contributions to a legitimate Alzheimer’s fund or foundation should be made in his name, in his honor.

Say what you will about Nancy Reagan and her alleged antic in the White House or her affinity for things astrological, but she has stood by her husband through all the challenges and ravages of this disease. G-d Bless both Ronald and Nancy Reagan.

Happy birthday, Gipper.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer living in Sterling, VA.

America at War

America At War
Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

September 11-12, 2001

Terrorists attacked the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 11 with such force, in such epic proportion, it made the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor resemble the Boston Tea Party.

That is not for one second to diminish the severity of Pearl Harbor, an attack and declaration of war by the Japanese provoking the United States into World War II. No, instead it is to emphasize the heinous nature of this cowardly attack that Arizona Sen. John McCain, himself a veteran and war hero of the Vietnam War, called an act of war.

Four events unfolded almost simultaneously on Tuesday. Four United States commercial airplanes were hijacked and eventually crashed into targets wreaking such devastation its enormity may not be fully realized for days or even weeks. The first two planes crashed into the two Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City ultimately turning those 110-story buildings into rubble and dust killing potentially, thousands of innocent civilians.

The third plane found its target smashing into the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., partially destroying that symbol of America’s military. The fourth plane supposedly heading toward the White House crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

While there is sadness, and rightfully so, for the devastating loss of life, there should also be anger. Anger over a lax security system at America’s airports. Anger over a lax immigration policy in the United States.

This is the boldest, most horrific attack against the United States in its history, anywhere. The legend of First Lady Dolley Madison running through the White House to save the portrait of George Washington during the British attack on Washington during the War of 1812 does not compare to the thousands of people running through the streets of Manhattan following the crumbling of the World Trade Center as if chased by the bulls of Pamplona, Spain.

Thousands of innocent lives have been lost. They should be mourned. Go to synagogues, churches or mosques – remember the dead, pray for their souls, and pray for their survivors. Let’s not forget the policemen and firefighters – those who survived and those who perished. They are true heroes. Each and every life lost should also be avenged.

“This is an attack on our civilization,” said Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Terrorists do not deserve justice. Justice is for those who can feel remorse. Justice is for those with a conscience. This was a tyrannical attack by cowardly zealots reveling in the suffering of others. Just look at the footage that came from the Middle East with Palestinians dancing and cheering in a refugee camp in Lebanon.

“They hate us for our freedom,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) from the floor of the Senate on Wednesday morning.

“Those with a demonic view,” have attempted to destroy “the freedom that is the foundation of our nation,” said Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) from the House floor Wednesday morning during the One Minute Speeches.

Americans have a long history of defending the freedom of other nations of the world. Today America is rebuilding the shattered psyche of a people to enable it to once again enjoy freedom at home.

The United States must take swift and certain steps to demonstrate that it will not take this act of aggression lying down. A determination of who is responsible must come quickly. Military forces must be mobilized and the retaliation must be proportional. A message must be sent that America will not roll over.

Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright said it is important for the United States to have international support before it reacts to the violence perpetrated against it. That kind of liberal pandering will only demonstrate that the United States is weak and unable to vigorously stand up for itself.

America must not concern itself with world opinion. Its first concern must be the safety and protection of the American people. America must not allow infiltrators to wreck the fabric of the American way of life it has earned through years of hard work and a constant striving for betterment. It must demonstrate that it is still a strong and vital nation that will not slink away in the face of pressure and distress, but instead stare adversity in the face and not blink – acting swiftly and severely.

American intelligence agencies continue investigating and seeking out evidence, which thus far points to Osama bin Laden, a Saudi fugitive believed to be harbored by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Bin Laden was affiliated with the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. He and supporters, particularly the American supporters he has in places like Florida, must be eliminated without hesitation. The nation of Afghanistan and/or any other land harboring bin Laden and/or his supporters must pay the price for their alliance with extreme severity.

This should not be an invitation for random attacks upon American Muslims or the desecration of mosques. In an attempt to head off any such attacks, boxing great Muhammad Ali, an American Muslim, said, “If the culprits are Muslims they have twisted the teachings of Islam.”

The borders must be sealed and a strict immigration policy needs to be adopted and adhered to. People who are not American citizens should not be allowed to flit from nation to nation willy-nilly. Today’s immigrants are not the same kind of immigrants that poured through America’s ports from the 1880s through the 1920s.

The southern and eastern Europeans coming to America were forced to have a job, the promise of a job and/or a sponsor who would bear responsibility for the new immigrant. Those same new immigrants came to America speaking Yiddish, Italian, Greek, Magyar, Russian and many other languages indigenous to southern and eastern Europe, and without the benefit of English as a Second Language classes, managed to learn English – with pride. They studied and became citizens – citizens who vote, serve on juries (willingly or unwillingly) and volunteer to make their communities better places.

Many of today’s immigrants have made a decided choice not to learn English or become citizens, yet somehow have been able to take advantage of the social programs invented by liberals that only encourage a greater influx of immigrants. This is not a case of xenophobia, but a dose of reality.

Airports nationwide have admitted to less than circumspect hiring practices and a lack of scrutinization of employee credentials. The level of security must be raised to the point of visibility and total saturation at airports, border stations, schools and stadiums. America has already learned the hard way that its enemies have placed a zero value to human life.

The not knowing when and where the next attack may be struck is much akin to the nation holding its collective breath in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis when Soviet nuclear warheads were aimed at the United States.

Life as it is known in these United States will be forever altered. Transportation systems such as subways, bus and train depots and airports must experience a heightened security. The borders of the United States must be more securely guarded. An increased police presence in communities from rural hamlets to overpopulated metropolises is becoming mandatory.

“This was an indiscriminant cruel thing,” said renowned sportscaster and author Jim McKay, who remained on the air throughout the Arab terrorist kidnapping and ultimate slaughter of 11 Israeli Olympic athletes during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. In comparing the murder of the 11 Israeli athletes to the terrorist attacks on American soil on Tuesday, McKay said NFL games should not be played this coming Sunday. It is an issue of safety for both the teams and the fans – 60,000 to 70,000 people in the stands. “Something else could happen,” said McKay, who called the two events the most tragic since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963. In a decision he admitted he regretted NFL Commissioner, the late Pete Rozelle, determined that the NFL scheduled games for that Sunday would be played.

It should be noted that following only a one-day suspension of competition, that included a memorial service attended by 80,000 people, the then 84-year-old IOC president, and anti-Semite, Avery Brundage declared, “The Games must go on.”

Let the indelible pictures of the fireballs, collapsing buildings and dust reminiscent of nuclear winter, be the constant reminder of the evil that has been perpetrated against this great nation. Let the void where the World Trade Center used to stand be the memorial for those who will also no longer stand.

Citizens should demonstrate their patriotism by flying their flags and observing Constitution Day on Monday, Sept. 17. This year is the 214^th anniversary of one of the greatest documents ever written.

The gauntlet has been thrown down at the feet of the United States. The United States must pick up that gauntlet and strike back with a vigor and gusto that declares: never again will this great nation fall prey to such ugliness.

“Our grandchildren will not just ask where we were on Sept. 11, 2001, but what we did about it,” said Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY) from the House floor on Wednesday during the One Minute Speeches. “What we did about it – the only way to eradicate terrorism is to eradicate terrorists. We must move forward forcefully.”

May G-d continue to bless America and the American people.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer living in Sterling, VA.

Congressional Baseball - an American Pastime

Congressional Baseball – an American Pastime

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

June 21, 2001

Having more fun than a human being should be allowed, two of my passions – baseball and politics were combined as I attended the 40^th annual Congressional Baseball Game, played tonight, Thursday, June 21, at Prince Georges’s Stadium in Bowie, Md. – the home of the Orioles Double-A Bowie Bay Sox.

In a game that mattered as much to the over 60 participating Congressman as a campaign fundraiser, spirits were high while the elected officials could not have been more congenial and affable.

But this was serious business as the game featured four umpires, hustle – as witnessed by a professional-looking headfirst slide into third base, players/legislators running out batted balls, steals and attempts to turn the double play.

So serious that Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), wearing a Potomac Cannons uniform, who I cover in my duties as a journalist, said “make sure that looks like a line drive in print,” with a grin on his face after dunking a bleeder into the outfield and was subsequently replaced by designated pinch-runner Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL).

Putnam, by the way, at 27, is the youngest member in the House – barely looks old enough to order a beer legally. Joking with another reporter from North Carolina, we knew Putnam had to be at least 25 to wear the uniform, but hey, let’s see some ID fella!

The game was slated for a 7:05 first pitch, but the combination of a House vote and traffic – big surprise, delayed the arrival of most of the members. Oddly enough there were about 10 members on the field when I arrived at about 6:10 p.m. Hmm – who wasn’t on the House floor to vote? Just a thought.

The players were decked out in uniforms from Major League teams, minor league teams, college teams and even a high school team, as evidenced by Putnam (probably his original uniform). Sadly, as a Republican and a lifelong Mets fan, it pained me to see two Republicans in Yankee pinstripes – something my mother would have liked and the lone Met uniform was worn by a Democrat – Rep. Anthony Weiner (NY), who was brutalized by fans. (Should have changed his last name.)

On the other hand California Republican Rep. Richard Pombo seemed to have the biggest cheering section in the stands, complete with signs looking like a throw back to Banner Day at Shea Stadium.

And like a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t get enough of the conversations with some of the most powerful men and women in America. Conversations about baseball – whether or not they would start, come off the bench or the ability of the DC-metro area to sustain and support a Major League team. The bi-partisan consensus was, yes, not only can the DC-metro area support a Major League team it is long overdue to get a team.

“It’s a great baseball town. They’re starving for it,” said Illinois Democrat Rep. Marty Russo, who wore a Chicago White Sox uniform.

“DC is a major city. Any place that can have the hunger for so many years will thrive. The selfish response is I’m a big fan and would attend,” said New York Republican Rep. John Sweeney in a Yankees uniform.

Without a doubt, this was a night of baseball, not politics as Rep. Russo and Rep. Steve Buyer (R-IN) in his Indiana Hoosiers uniform, were discussing baseball across the foul lines and not policy across party lines.

This was not a night of position papers, but who would play what position. Not a night about strategic defense initiatives, but just defense. Not a night of pitching policy, but pitch counts.

Standing at home plate and facing the outfield, the Republicans naturally occupied the first base dugout – the one to the right, while the Democrats used the third base dugout – to the left. The public address announcer introduced the Republicans first, as the visiting team, determined by the fact that the Democrats won last year’s game. Then the Democrats were introduced – just like an all-star game.

I think the game should be played in alternating stadiums – one year in Bowie, Md. and the next year at G. Richard Pfitzner Stadium in Woodbridge, Va. the home of the Potomac Cannons. The Democrats should be home team in Maryland while the GOP should be the home team in Virginia.

Adding to the excitement, if that were at all possible, was Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig throwing out the first pitch, having donned a Bay Sox jersey for the moment. Selig gave a number of interviews to network television stations, cable TV as well as radio. Not only did I meet the Commish, but I had a quick two-minute interview with him with regards to bringing baseball back to the DC-metro area and possible constriction or relocation of teams.

We also discussed big market vs. little market noting the success of the Seattle Mariners without the likes of Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez). Selig said that Seattle should not be considered a small market and that their current pace would be difficult to maintain over a 162-game season. I suggested that the Minnesota Twins, a legitimate small market franchise, were playing sold ball, having been in first place most of the season, but Selig said “the season’s barely half over. Don’t rule out the Indians.”

The Indians are my dear friend Troy’s favorite team, who I would be remiss if I didn’t mention. Troy would have had as much fun as I did schmoozing with the Congressmen as I did all evening on the field and in the dugout throughout the game.

Although not in uniform, I did meet Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) and future team member Rep. Melissa Hart (R-PA). Hart, a freshman representative having just won her House seat last November, said she hopes to play in next year’s game.

Interestingly enough, and I will take a partisan swipe here, the Republicans had three women on their roster, while the Democrats, the alleged party of the people, had none. In fact, the three lady Republican House members, Rep. Shelley Moore Caputo (R-WV), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) and Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) each got into the game. Ros-Lehtinen, resembling Eddie Gaedel, and Wilson received huge ovations as they strode to home plate to take their turns at bat. Each of the three was delightful to talk to and interview.

The game itself was dominated by the GOP, led by the professional arm of Rep. Steve Largent (R-OK). Largent, an NFL Hall of Famer and one of the great receivers of all time, tossed a gem, yielding only one run, striking out seven and walking no one in a seven inning complete game shellacking of the Democrats 9-1. Wearing a Tulsa Drillers uniform, Double-A for the Texas Rangers, and in Texas Ranger colors, Largent wore number 34 and looked every bit like Nolan Ryan.

During the post-game party, which was invite only, Largent was presented with the MVP plaque. Minnesota Rep. Martin Sabo, coach of the losing Democrats, wished Largent well in his quest to become governor of Oklahoma in order to get him out of the House and off the GOP team.

Later during the party, Tim Johnson, PR aide to Rep. Mike Oxley (R-OH) said there would now be an 11-month recruitment period to replace Largent on the hill – that’s pitcher’s mound, not The Hill. And kudos to Johnson and Peggy Peterson, another Oxley aide for their stellar organizational skills as the game went off without a hitch, save for the tardiness of the players.

The party featured a spread of chicken, beef barbecue, pork barbecue, Cole slaw, Caesar Salad, traditional garden salad, beans, rolls, apple pie, three flavors of ice cream with toppings, beer, wine, soda and water.

Naturally, ESPN’s Baseball Tonight was on and the elected officials could track the play of their favorite teams. Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) talked excitedly about his Mariners and said nothing good about the departed Griffey, Jr. A real fan, and he spoke candidly. A nice guy too. Also in the good guy column is Rep. John Baldacci (D-ME) who, in a University of Maine uniform, bragged about the Black Bears, as Maine has no Major League team.

Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), sporting an Arizona Diamondbacks uniform, and I shared stories about one of my political heroes, Sen. Barry Goldwater. Having met and interviewed the late Arizona conservative six years ago at his home in Arizona, I was able to discuss Goldwater on a personal level with Flake, who headed up the Goldwater institute for seven years before getting elected to the House. Flake couldn’t have been nicer.

Nor could have Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), who ironically was clad in a Trenton Thunder uniform. Ironic because the Thunder is the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox and Smith is a Yankee fan. Smith, as it turns out, when not in his home district in New Jersey, lives in Herndon of all places – my central coverage area with the paper.

Overall, this was quite an experience including meeting a team of Korean documentary filmmakers (I’ve coined a new word – documentariests) who were creating a documentary about the American Congress and how they work hard, as I was told by their translator an American-educated Korean. In fact I provided some background for his team about some of the representatives and baseball as well. Some of the rules were altered for the game – such as a liberal substitution policy.

Meeting the Commissioner and Congressmen was exciting, now I just hope the pictures I took and had taken come out to go along with the balls I got signed – one by Bud Selig and one by most of the Republicans. I’m looking forward to next year’s game.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer living in Sterling, VA.

We Have a President-Elect

We Have a President-Elect

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn

December 13, 2000

“Our long national nightmare is over,” to borrow an expression made famous by former President Gerald R. Ford.

Gerald Ford uttered those words on August 9, 1974 after he took the oath of office to become president of the United States following the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon.

President Ford’s words are once again applicable, as the saga of Presidential Election 2000 has mercifully come to a conclusion. For better or worse, regardless of for whom we cast our votes, whether those votes were counted or not, Texas Governor George W. Bush has become president-elect and will be sworn in as this great nation’s 43^rd president on January 20, 2001.

This evening both president-elect Bush and vice president Al Gore addressed the nation and each made poignant and cogent points.

The vice president was, at long last, gracious in concession, as well as relaxed. He even opened his brief remarks with a touch of humor, saying that he called Gov. Bush and would not do so again, alluding to the fateful election night phone call to concede and eventual retraction call.

Gore may not have repaired the damage to his own tattered political future, but he did begin the healing process by calling for his fellow Democrats and millions of supporters to join him in uniting the country behind the new president.

Gore did not concede sheepishly either. His words were chosen very carefully – congratulating Bush on becoming president – not on getting elected to the presidency. The vice president expressed his extreme displeasure with the decision made by the Supreme Court earlier this week, as well.

Vice president Gore offered to assist president-elect Bush in any he can and the two will meet face to face later this week to begin the transfer of power – a transfer that will take place as peacefully as it did 200 years ago when Thomas Jefferson defeated President John Adams – the first such transfer of power from one political party to another in the then young United States of America.

There are two points of irony associated with that transfer of power. The first is that the election of 1800 was sent to the House of Representatives, where after 36 ballots, Jefferson became president and the second place finisher, Aaron Burr became vice president. So embittered was John Adams that he refused to attend Jefferson’s inaugural.

The second point of irony is that John Adams was the father of our sixth president John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush is the son of the country’s 41 president, George Herbert Walker Bush – the only two father-son presidential combos.

Of note, William Henry Harrison, the ninth president, was grandfather of Benjamin Harrison, the 23^rd president while Theodore Roosevelt, the 26^th president and Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32^nd president were cousins.

Less than an hour after the vice president spoke, president-elect Bush took to the airwaves speaking from the state capitol building in Austin, Texas. The Texas governor spoke eloquently – first addressing vice president Gore, before focusing on the future of the United States and the business of governing the country.

Bush outlined what some his goals for his administration will be. He spoke with dignity and alacrity and appeared presidential.

As bitter and contentious as this past month has been for so many Americans from either side of the aisle, the time has come to focus on the business of the country as a whole, move past the politics and look ahead to the governing.

A change in power is not a cause for alarm or panic. Alarm and panic is what drives the economy downward. As long as the citizens of this country continue to have faith in the system, the economy will continue to thrive.

This nation has just over three years until the New Hampshire primary in February 2004. During this time the Federal Elections Commission must take steps to revamp and nationalize the balloting system to ensure that the same problems never occur again. It can be done. (I have a plan to be outlined in another essay.) The nation votes as a whole only once every four years – for president – let’s get it right.

Let us also pray for the future of this great country, it’s leaders and its citizenry. Together we can rise above that which has divided us and forge ahead into the official new century and new millennium.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and G-d Bless America.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer living in Sterling, VA.