Reflections From a Country Girl

Lee Greenwood made the song – God Bless the U.S.A. – a song we all know the words for. It’s a touching tribute to the freedoms we have in America.

Sometimes I think we take those freedoms for granted…especially around election time.

Early in my son’s life, his father and I took him with us to vote. We wanted that to be a natural part of his life so we started him early getting use to going with us on Election Day.

There are many teachable moments at the voting sites. Pierce was full of questions and we tried to be patient and answer them honestly while we were there.

I’ll never forget when I was waiting for four year old Pierce and his father to come out of the voting booth. His Dad was carefully selecting his candidates when a young voice said loudly from behind the curtains, “Why did you vote for HIM?”

Everyone laughed.

The conversation got even funnier when he came out and said, “Mom. Did you vote for that Reagan man for pwezeedint?”

Yes, voting is a God given right that, often times, too many of us take for granted.

Now I don’t really care who you vote for, that’s your business…and a private one at that as far as I’m concerned. I’m just anxious about the many who’ve decided not to vote at all. What ARE they thinking?

There are those individuals who are extremely passionate about their candidates and who want to make darn sure you know why they believe in them.

Once, I got caught up in working on the Nixon campaign when I was at college in the dark ages. It’s easy when you’re young to get swept up quickly by those who are campaigning for a candidate they believe strongly in.

One good thing about that experience was that I did get to meet one – the only one I’ve ever met – presidential candidate when Nixon came to visit Spartanburg on the campaign trail that year. I was good friends with the “Young Republicans” Leader that year and he talked me into being a part of the effort.

There are so many things in today’s world we have little power over. Voting is one way to let your voice be heard. Its part of what it means to be an American…that we have the freedom to vote for whomever we wish without persecution. That’s quite a blessing considering there are those in other countries who get killed on the way too and from the voting poll.

Like Lee Greenwood says in his song, “There’s pride in EVERY American heart, and it’s time to stand and say I’m Proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.” In my words I’d add “…where at least I know I’m free – to vote.”

My Wish for you today is that you mark your calendar now and make certain you vote for your candidates on Election Day…whoever they are. It’s your responsibility as an American to make sure your voice is heard with the many others that will vote that day. If you have children, make it a teachable moment for them so they learn – from your example – the importance and privilege of living and voting in the U.S.A.

~ Joellen

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 24th, 2006 at 6:01:am and is filed under American Pride, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.