Today is election day in the U.S.A. and I just returned from exercising my right to vote. It’s a cold day here and it is raining. The temptation was there ~ to simply forget it and stay in my warm cozy home. Does my vote really make a difference? Will those I vote for do half of what they’ve promised, if elected? Will any good ever come out of our broken system?
I pulled on my boots, put on my hat, and drove to the little church in the country where my precinct votes. As I pulled into the parking lot, I saw an elder pushing her way down the sidewalk with her walker. There was a car parked in one of the handicap spaces with a license plate that read Purple Heart and another that said Vietnam Vet across the bottom. I felt ashamed.
For that Vietnam Vet who sacrificed for me and received no recognition.
For the families of the soldiers buried in Arlington Cemetery.
For the spouse who hesitates to answer the phone in the middle of the night.
For the elders who paved the way for each of us today.
For the little country church that still has picnics and potlucks and just loves on people.
For the homeless who remember a better day.
For the right to have my gun tucked inside my boot.
For my children.
For my grandchildren to be.
This is why I vote!
stuff i tell my sister 
Good for you. People like you make a difference.
..and why we all should.
good words…….
Amen Paula!! Well said:)
Thank you, Jeannette….. it just kinda became real when I pulled into that parking lot today. ♥
OK, I can’t get behind the gun in the boot one. 🙂 But this was really good. I’ve voted in every election for the last 32 years and seriously considered sitting this one out. I’m tired of the robocalls and the dishonest, smearing commercials. I’m sick of the money and special interests and the feeling like none of this really matters anymore. But, when I was on my way to work and approaching the church where my precinct voted, I pulled over and did it. It is a duty that we should all take seriously.
Now, if only we could do something about fixing the broken system and getting the power to the people, I might actually feel better about this.
It is a duty, I agree. I thank my parents for teaching us the burden of responsibility. Though sometimes it’s a curse. 🙂 Your gun “smile” made me smile. 🙂
Well said 🙂
As I sit here many many miles away I wonder if the people are getting out there to vote… why? cause it not only affects you at home, but the whole world…. If you get it wrong it can have dire consequences here at our home… but like you I wonder if those you vote for will do what they promised you, or what they promised big business that financed their campaigns….
When I think how grateful we ALL should be that we have the freedom to vote, I also remember the ladies who fought so hard for we ladies to have the right to vote. Bless their hearts!
I haven’t missed an election since I turned 18. It is one of the most patriotic duties non-service related acts we can do in my opinion. As you alluded to, I think about all those people who willingly gave their lives so I could have the Right/Responsibility to Vote. I am honored to participate in every election. Millions across the globe fight for this right and we take it for granted.