While the presidential election situation drags on in Florida and Washington D.C., many have come to realize that this is history in the making, a dramaticchapter in the story of our nation. Apparently, for the third time in American history, one candidate won the popular vote (Vice-President Al Gore) and the other won the electoral vote (Texas Gov. George W. Bush), and this time, the margin of victory is aspiders strand. One thing positive to come out of all this should be an end to the talk that “my one vote doesnt count.” We have all seen, in Florida especially, thatevery vote counts, and they got counted, again and again. And while the winner cannot claim a mandate from the American people, he now faces the challenge of uniting the country under his inspiration and leadership. Whoever is the victor as of Inauguration Day, we wish him thebest of good luck and hopes for a peaceful and prosperous term in office for all Americans. Meanwhile, there is much to distract Louisianians from that daily media grind in Florida, much of it positive. The high school football playoffs are under way, with the River Parishes still represented in the team from Riverside Academy. The New Orleans Saintsare taking command of the NFC West, and long out-of-reach playoff fever has gripped the area. Since the team began in the 1960s, and that opening kickoff reception in their inaugural game was returned for a touchdown, “Saints Fever” has gripped Louisiana through the years. Through the lows of the “Aints” and thehighs of the Mora years, when the Saints got their four playoff games, losing all of them, the fans have remained faithful. And in a time when teams pickup and leave their towns with alarming regularity and with expansion franchises popping up across the country, the New Orleans Saints have remained a constant. For more than 30 years that constant has been for losing, but this year appears to be one where hopes are again high and the impossible dream of a Super Bowl victory for the New Orleans Saints seems almost possible. Speaking of losing, it is to the good that America can survive this astonishing presidential election, where disputes are settled in our courts of law rather than in the streets and where our battles are waged with words instead of guns. And if anything can be an example of dogged determination, lets not look to Al Gore, but rather to the diehard fans of the New Orleans Saints. Theyve been waiting much, much longer and deserve this prize. – LObservateur