Win or lose, we all won

Voting is not only a right in America's democracy, it's an honor

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — I just voted today at Forestville Elementary School, where all 5’ of me was my son’s elementary school assistant basketball coach, and I got goosebumps standing in the polling booth, voting and recalling the gift that America has been in my family’s life.

I share my meditation with you from the voting booth, as we await the election’s results, because it’s important to remember — win or lose — the power of being a part of a democracy.

I arrived in the United States from India at the age of four, in the summer of 1969, not knowing a word of English, and by 23, I became a reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

At 37, I chose life rather than the shame of puritanical interpretations of my faith of Islam, raising my son as a single mother with freedom of thought and movement, the wind in my hair.

No matter our vote, we have just taken part in one of the most profound acts we can perform as citizens of this earth. So many are denied this right, living in nations without democracy or freedom.

Win or lose, please keep investing in America with your passion, sense of humanity, and intellect. Be kind to the side that loses—and wins.

Please.

See their humanity and don’t fall for the pundits and media hosts that want you to think of others with fear or disrespect.

Over the past several months, I have seen lawn signs bloom from Springfield, Ohio, to Fairfax County, Virginia, of our neighbors engaged in the electoral process. Even if your neighbor, family member or friend has a different point of view, most ordinary voters are well-intentioned and thoughtful, even if they don’t share our thoughts.

Our country is at its best when engaged citizens exercise the rights others worldwide are denied.

Take joy in your role in the experiment that is democracy, and always express your voice for truth, goodness, and justice.

I’m with you!