The cure for nyctophobia

Nyctophobia is fear of the dark.

It’s a rational fear. Darkness is frightening. It’s akin to blindness. There is no telling what lies ahead without light to illuminate the way. 
 
In our technologically savvy society, however, we have the luxury of flipping a simple switch on a wall to replace the darkness with light. Car headlights were invented to assist drivers’ night vision and prevent accidents. Some might even find themselves resorting to dependence on the blue glow from their cell phones to light their way in the dark.

Darkness has become one of the most fixable problems in this era of switches, headlights and blue screen glows.

Right now, however, America is pitch black. This past year has been scary, and preparing to put our future in the hands of someone, hopefully, more capable than President Bush, has proven even scarier. 

The media and the Internet have been flashlights of sorts during the campaign. They have provided constant, immediate access to newly uncovered information about Barack Obama and John McCain. 
 
Ironically, when the skeletons start jumping out of the candidates’ closets, I become increasingly afraid.

Hearing of McCain’s questionable ethics in 1989 when he was one of the Keating Five or Obama’s controversial relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright should shed more light on the personalities of both men and make my decision easier. The problem is, these scandals make the future seem even darker.   

Because America is so dark right now, it’s desperate for the hint of a flame. We live with a sense of optimism that one of these candidates (hopefully the one we choose) will convince the sun to come back and shine on America. In addition to being optimistic, there is one more thing Americans can do – and it is almost as easy as flipping a light switch.

We can vote.

The blackout that America has been enduring for the past eight years can finally be put to an end. On Tuesday, Americans will have enough influence to power the light source for the whole country. Ultimately, some light will reflect onto the countries of our allies and the world at large will thank us for flipping the switch.  

It’s a lot of pressure, especially because many of us are first-time voters. But when an entire nation is as desperate for a spark of light as we are, it makes flipping a switch seem as crucial as showering daily or going to the doctor for annual check-ups.

How could we not vote?

When we walk into an unlit room, we almost compulsively turn on at least one light to avoid crashing into objects in front of us. So, to prevent painful collisions with items (or countries) in the dark future, we need to flip that light switch on Tuesday.
Democracy is a bonfire; the American people kindle the flame.

Election Day celebrates the privilege citizens of many other countries don’t have. Just by making the trip to the booths tomorrow, we have the potential to illuminate the world.