Just past noon Saturday, George Walker Bush was officially sworn in as quite possibly the first president to have lost not only the popular vote but the electoral vote as well.
Regardless of the chad count in Florida, the results of which may never be known, the majority of Americans were not watching the man they wanted to see take the oath from Justice Rehnquist.
Optimistically, however, for those not among the Bush-voting plurality, there still are a few ways to assert themselves the next four years.
First of all, the tenuous 50-50 split between Senate Republicans and Democrats will mean your communication to legislators will be more important than ever. One whisper in a senator’s ear could mean the difference between a bill passing or not. So, the onus is on the displaced majority to make themselves heard.
Perhaps the conspicuous protests that encircled the protective bubble around Pennsylvania Avenue are a harbinger of increased action.
There are always local politics, too. This spring, all three of the Tri-Cities will hold municipal elections.
In Johnson City, this election will be as important as ever, with the resignation of visionary city manager John Campbell.
Alas, no more counting will transpire in Florida. The only real action now will be at home.

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