VOTE! It's not just our right but our duty.......

Well, here is one of my favorite soapbox subjects, voting :) Voting is something I take very seriously. My great-grandparents traveled to this country in less than ideal situations for a better way of life. They came to a country that promised them freedom and equality. They came to America to create a better life for their children and their children's children. They came to a country that gave them a voice.

In 2006, I had the great honor of participating in a get out the vote type calling campaign. I was able to speak to hundreds of Americans around the country. I was delighted by many of the pick-up conversations that grew from my inquires. I spoke with men and women of different ages, races and religions. I heard the pride in their voices as they told me why voting was important to them. I bonded with fellow Americans who I probably will never meet or speak with again but who inspired me none the less. Their voices and stories have stayed with me even two years later.

Not all my calls resulted in inspiration. I was disappointed and instantly frustrated by some of the responses I received from my fellow Americans. The apathetic, disaffected Americans who didn't have time to listen to me. I understand that no one likes getting phone calls from strangers but I wasn't trying to sell them a new long distance plan! I wasn't hawking for one candidate or the other, I was just asking for 5 minutes to see if they knew where their polling place was located. I had vital information pertaining to their ability to be heard. I was helping them use their American voice.

I'll tell you, nothing can light a fire under me faster than someone responding with "I'm not interested" when the question was "do you know where your polling place is?" Not interested?! Really? In the democratic process of your own country? Not interested in participating in your right to choose your leadership? Or just not interested in America?

This year I look forward to volunteering more of my time as we get closer to Nov. 4th. Until then, I am writing here and sending emails to help encourage those who may not be registered to register. I am hoping to encourage those who are registered to find their polling place and to be counted on November 4th. I don't care what political affiliation you may have or which horse is yours in this race, just go out and vote. It's not just our right as Americans but our duty.

I'll leave you with the words of one of the great leaders of the 20th century. "We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution" ~ President John F. Kennedy. Stand up and be heard.