We have the misfortune of receiving network television stations from both North Carolina and South Carolina so we have been blasted with advertisements from candidates of both states. Almost all of them proudly proclaim they are Christian, as if other religions cannot possibly know the needs of the people. A vast majority of the candidates emphasize that they are "native" and have lived here X number of generations. (Please don't tell them that the Cherokee are the only true Natives around here.) Because we declared a specific political party when we first registered to vote, the "do not call" list does not apply to that political party. [Note to self: Run down this week and change your party preference to "Independent."]
So this very apathetic voter headed down to the polls. Why? Because that's one of my jobs as an American. I did want to cast a vote against a certain person running for County Commissioner but wouldn't you know? He's a member of the other party so I couldn't vote against him in the primary.
I got this sticker as a reward for my vote.
Our polling place is a rural community center with lovely old trees all around and a horse farm across the road. A very pleasant place to be.
Here some of the political signs indicate the theme of the day: God, Country, Constitution, Character.
I must admit I don't understand what the "Trust in Freedom" means, but I think it refers to the fact that the government shouldn't tell individuals what they can or cannot do, even to other individuals.
A faint orange line is visible on the driveway and parking lot.
It is replaced by orange flags in the grassy areas.
The orange area marks the area in which all "politicking" must stop. Once you cross that orange line you better have made up your mind because no one can influence you once you are inside that perimeter. A very sweet lady representing a tea party (whatever that is) told me, "I can't accost you if you stay within that orange area." I can't imagine her accosting anyone for any reason and told her so. (But I didn't cross over to hear her commentary.)
I love this wonderful old tree and I was so glad it did not suffer from last winter's storms. It's such an inviting place. It makes the community center seem small indeed.
So I did go and vote. It's quite easy to cast your votes when you are enthusiastic about a candidate and his or her ideals. It's a real chore when you are selecting the least of the evils. But I did it and I'm glad I did. I will always vote. It's my right and it's also my duty.
I don't believe the late Senator Paul Wellstone foresaw the political climate of today, but perhaps he did. He said, "When too many Americans don't vote or participate, some see apathy and despair. I see disappointment and even outrage. And I believe that out of this frustration can come hope and action."
We certainly have disappointment and outrage on many fronts. I would like to believe that hope and action can indeed come out of this frustration.
