For a long time now, probably since the beginning of this war, I've felt shame. The big machine seems overwhelming and I’ve felt so little at times. I have daydreamed about moving to another country. I've felt an uncomfortable pull during The Pledge of Allegiance at my daughter‘s school, and during the Star Spangled Banner before an event. Does singing along imply I support the policies of the current administration?
But I do love my country, so I place my hand over my heart and instead of singing, I've prayed.
I’ve sent apologies to a young blogger who had to flee Baghdad, reminding her that not all Americans support the war, and that the last presidential election was very close. I told her we are so sorry for what has happened to her home, her beloved cats, her life.
Yesterday, I took Riley to vote with me. Hand in hand on the way there, we talked about how my great grandmother, (grandma Wilson's mommy) could not vote because they didn’t think women were as smart as men. I told her that many brave women worked very hard to make sure little girls would be able to vote when they grew up. At the booth, we pulled a chair over for Riley to stand on so she could see me enter my choices. I saw the spark in her eye. She will remember.
When I went to bed last night, it looked like the Republicans had Virginia. This morning, the Democrats had rallied. A recount. Who knows when we’ll know for sure who won?
But look at the rest of the country!
I don’t think I’ve ever felt prouder to be an American.
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4 comments:
I sympathize with your dilemma. Although I live in a "blue" state, I feel the same anguish when I think about what our country means to me versus what it is doing to the rest of the world. Bless you for taking Riley to vote with you and giving her that insight into the power she will get to have one day. Keep the faith!
You are so right Michelle- Riley will remember voting with you.
Great memory for a kid.
And yes, the times they are-a-changing!
I'll say that even though my political party of choice didn't fair so well last night, I'm so glad that there will be an opportunity for some positive changes in our nation if the knuckleheads from both parties can just work together for a change.
How great that you could take Riley with you. Oregon does "vote by mail" which has the nice benefit of letting you take your time to fill out your ballot and not have to fight crowds at a polling place on election day, but it kind of takes some of the drama and ceremony out of the event.
That is AWESOME that you took Riley, and she had that spark! Yay! It is soo important for women to understand what you told her. I truely beleive that women need to step up and BE the change the word needs. I think it is up tp us, I do. Up to our daughters. I think the compassion and thought that women put into choices and life, MUST be put into action in government. Not just here, but the whole world.
:)
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