Wednesday, November 5: The Long-Distance Vote In the midst of the Vietnam War, we were encouraged by our commanding officer to vote. I dont recall his exact words, but he emphasized the fact that we were 13,000 miles away from home fighting communism. Our goal was to preserve Americas freedom to choose freely our way of life by voting for those candidates we felt would bring our dream into being. We also were told that we were there to ensure the same for the Vietnamese people. Along with other Marines, I voted by absentee ballot for the first and last time. Since then, Ive always voted in person. Im writing this as I stand in a 15- minute line in my community, waiting with others to vote. Signs are everywhere, flashing names and political colors like neon signs. Volunteers are handling out shiny cards that are being dropped into a cardboard box; what a waste. Those in front of me and behind me are talking about everything except those who are running. I was number 407. Ill be interested to see how many others join me. Those who dont - for whatever reason - will forfeit their right to play an active role in the electoral process. Voting is not only a privilege; its a responsibility. The candidates for whom I cast my vote may not win but, for me, its not a matter of winning or losing; its a matter of being involved as a citizen who cares that we, the people, have a voice. Together, we do make a profound difference. Blessings and peace, De
Posted on: Tue, 04 Nov 2014 20:56:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015