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Is this so different from what went on in Florida last November? In Chicago? Is it so different from what goes on in every U.S. election?

Unsentimental, blackly comic at times, yet also tender, the novella explores the paradoxes of democracy with a supple intelligence. A subplot concerns Amerigo's troubles with his pregant girlfriend, Lia. This part of the story, in contrast to its main thread, is quite dated now. But it is interesting to consider how Amerigo's desire for Lia to have an abortion is contradicted by his growing recognition of the full humanity of the residents of Cottolengo. The hospital undercuts false pieties about "the people," pieties of communism and democracy alike. And yet the result is not cynicism but rather a heightened sense of what is of value in our very imperfections.

By all means, then, let us make better voting machines, design better ballots. By all means let us treasure the right to vote. Democracy is a gift—but we should not take it, or ourselves, too seriously.

John Wilson is editor of Books & Culture and editor-at-large for Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2001 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Yahoo's full coverage area on the 2000 election links to several news articles and opinion pieces about the newspapers' recounts, but does not include links to Martin Merzer's ChicagoTribune report or The New York Times' editorial.

The Watcher and Other Stories is available from Amazon.com and other book retailers.

Emory University's Frank Pajares and Michigan State University's Todd Comer have impressive Calvino sites, but "The Watcher" is not available anywhere online.

Other Christianity Today coverage of the 2000 election includes:

Partisanship in the Pews | Race, religion played decisive roles in the presidential vote. (Mar. 22, 2001)

Checks and (out of) Balance | Moral truth is in jeopardy when the courts enter the business of making law. (Feb. 27, 2001)

Catholics Remain Largest Bloc in Congress | Baptists, Methodists follow. (Jan. 23, 2001)

Religious Right Loses Power | A few victories, but more losses for conservatives. (Dec. 18, 2000)

The Bush Agenda | Will the White House be user-friendly for religious organizations? (Dec. 15, 2000)

Bush's Call to Prayer | After Al Gore's concession, evangelical leaders unify around faith-based initiatives, morality, and prayer as the incoming Bush administration gears up. (Dec. 14, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Election Eve | Why isn't anyone focusing on those who simply won't bother to vote? (Nov. 6, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Pencils Down Part II | Think your vote matters? You poor, misguided fool. (Sept. 18, 2000)

Anniversary of Church Shootings Serves as Reminder for Bush | Presidential candidate promises to battle religious bigotry in wake of Texas tragedy. (Sept. 15, 2000)

Books & Culture Corner: Pencils Down, the Election's Over | According to political scientists, Al Gore has already won. (Sept. 11, 2000)

A Presidential Hopeful's Progress | The spiritual journey of George W. Bush starts in hardscrabble west Texas. Will the White House be his next stop? (Sept. 5, 2000)

A Jew for Vice-President? | Joseph Lieberman's Torah observance could renew America's moral debate. (Aug. 9, 2000)

Bush and Gore Size Up Prolife Running Mates | Will abortion stances play an influential role in Vice Presidential selection? (July 17, 2000)

Gary Bauer Can't Go Home Again | Internal survey at Family Research Council says 'partisan' leader unwelcome. (Feb. 8, 2000)

Might for Right? | As presidential primaries get under way, Christian conservatives aim to win. (Feb. 3, 2000)

God Bless America's Candidates | What the religious and mainstream presses are saying about religion on the campaign trail and other issues. (Dec. 10, 1999)

Conservatives Voice Support for Bauer (Nov. 15, 1999)

Bush's Faith-Based Plans | Bush argues that private religious organizations can partner successfully with government. (October 25, 1999)

Can I get a Witness? | Candidate testimonies must move beyond piety to policy. (August 9, 1999)

Republican Candidates Court Conservatives Early, Often (Apr. 4, 1999)

Reconnecting with the Poor | If people are hurting, it's our business. (Jan. 11, 1999)

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May (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45