Today’s post might appear to be political, but it’s actually more about being an American than in choosing sides.
Yesterday was a big day for our town, as President Barack Oboyfriend made a campaign stop here. This was his third official visit to our town in four years (2008 and 2010), not to mention at least one or two unofficial visits with his family at one of our two local World Heritage sites.
Because our town is so geographically small, anything major, such as the arrival of the President of the United States, affects nearly everyone. Roads were closed and because of this, students were let out of school early so that buses could travel more or less unimpeded. That right there pretty much guaranteed several thousand future voters will puffyheart the 44th President for life, including my daughters.
Normally, for something like this, I too would retreat into the comforts of Jenworld and not attempt to venture out. As it happens, I did not.
Three tickets, in my hands.
The girls got home a little after 12:30 and we walked downtown. The line to get in was more than a half mile long, but it moved quickly and we were in it for only a little more than 30 minutes. Going through security took only a few minutes too. By 2:15, we were settled on a spot at the back of the amphitheater where the President would be speaking at 3:30. There was music playing and then the speaking started.
First we heard from some other people, including former U.S. Congressman Tom Perriello and former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who is now running for U.S. Senate. Both men were positive and uplifting. They reminded us why this country is great, rather than spreading doom and gloom. My heart sang a little and I felt proud to be an American and delighted to live in a democracy.
And then we heard from the man himself.
The cheers when he arrived were deafening. This was my first campaign rally and I had no clue just how thrilled and excited I would be. My girls were almost hopping up and down in excitement. That’s OUR President, THE President of the United States, speaking to us, they exclaimed. If only we all could just forget politics and remember that we’re all part of the same team for a moment.
The President is a gifted and inspiring orator. If you want to read a transcript of his remarks, click here.
Here’s the thing: I know how I am going to vote in November. Chances are, you do too. I wonder if there’s anyone out there who’s actually on the fence about how they’re going to vote. If so, I hope those people will learn the issues, ponder things in their hearts, and then get out and vote, rather than staying home and doing nothing. I’m not pushing one side or the other; I am reminding you all that casting your vote is part of being a citizen of a democratic nation.
The problem is, I am sick to death of this presidential election and we still have 68 days to go. I’m guessing that many of you are beyond tired of it all too. Both sides have been campaigning non-stop for 4 years. Some politicos are already thinking ahead to 2016. That unrelenting politicking burns out the average citizen who just really wants both sides to stop thinking about elections and just do their damn jobs already. You know, their jobs, which we voted for them to do, which is to run this country in the best interests of all its inhabitants and not just in the best interests of those who hold office.
Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to hide under a rock and pretend there’s nothing going on, the fact is, there’s a lot we all need to pay attention to. Basic human rights are being trampled daily and people are getting hurt. I wish that all politicians, regardless of ideology, would just work together as a team to improve things in this country. Forget about taking sides, how about we all just remember that we’re Team USA.
…one Nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., I have a dream. My dream is not just for America, but for the world at large. Here’s what I wish for:
- A world in which everyone has enough food to eat, a bed of their own to sleep in at night, and enough clean water for drinking and bathing.
- A world where people don’t hurt each other, either with their hands, weapons, or the words coming out of their mouths.
- A world where everyone can get the healthcare they need and not die from a lack of it or go bankrupt because they cannot afford it.
- A world where children are safe.
- A world where women are safe.
- A world where it does not matter who you love and a world in which any adult who wants to get married may do so.
- A world where it does not matter which deity you worship or if you don’t worship one at all.
- A world where Kardashians, New Jersey guidos, and the like are not famous for simply existing. In other words, a world where people are valued and admired for actual merits, such as amazing intellectual prowess, superior athletic performance, and selfless community service.
Is that really so much to ask for?
Apparently so, according to some people.
So yesterday I took my girls to see the President of the United States and hear him speak. They are future voters and I want them to be informed. I want them to understand how the electoral process works and what it means to be an informed citizen. I want them to remember the time they got to see one of the most powerful men in the world in the flesh and hear the inspirational words coming out of his mouth.
And one day — and that day is not too many years in the future, oh my heavens, I feel faint — my girls will be able to vote in their first presidential elections. Grace in 2016, while Ellie will have to wait until 2020. By then, they will have been with me into the voting booth many times and they’ll understand that voting is part of one’s civic duty.
More than 90% of the readers of this blog live in the U.S. If you are not a registered voter, I encourage you to become one. And then on November 6, I hope you will vote.
I’m not suggesting that you vote one way or the other; I’m asking you to exercise your rights as citizens of this country and cast your vote.
Participate in democracy.
Pack the voting booths.
Take a stand.
Vote.
And, peace to all, regardless.
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We went to the last rally the POTUS came into town for (which was inspiring and I’m glad we went), so we sat this one out. I’ve got campaign fatigue myself, which was a huge factor. Only 68 more days? I may not make it.
Very, very well said, Jen. And can I say A-to-the-men on your dream???! You nailed it!
I just hate the mud-slinging that has become an accepted part of elections from as small as state rep to the presidency. Why is that still ok??
Best,
Michele
AWESOME POST. AMEN AMEN AMEN.
Not having a TV, I do not have campaign fatigue and nervously hope OBAMA wins, congress, esp. my district, becomes more democratic, the senate hopefully remains so, and the right wing trolls are trumped at the polls. I would not say that people’s votes are changeable, but it DEFINATELY matters who shows up to vote, as in FL in 2000, and our congressional district, swinging dem or repub by only 1500 votes every 2 years! Young progressives need to register and vote and bring their friends!
Every single word you wrote is what I believe.
My most recent idea: In this day and age of instant communication everywhere, campaigns must be limited to the 14 days prior to the election. That’s IT. And that’s for everybody – no PAC commercials, no special interest group stumping, etc. Just 14 days. Long drawn out campaigns made sense back in the days before telephone, radio, tv, internet, etc etc. It does not now. It just makes us all (of the normal people at least) burnt out, frustrated, and feeling like these politicians think their job is to campaign, not to actually work. Also – it makes us bitter towards our “FB friends” who just can’t stop sharing and posting and liking political crap. As if it will sway us. I want FB to be personal, not political. If you’re running for office, feel free to post about it. If you’re not? Your hateful (and mostly untruthful) diatribe will not swing me to your side.
We were fortunate to see Mr. President back in 2008 when it was a fight between him and Hillary for who’d get the nom. (Met Hillary as well.) Unfortunately our little state (ahem, big but population empty state) will not be so important for the Dems this year so I doubt we’ll see anyone. But it.was.awesome. I’m glad you and the girls had a chance to attend.
I’m with you all in on your American Dream.
I was glad I got to see him, also. There’s a difference in hearing a voice over the Internet and hearing it in the same room with you. Other countries do have rules that campaigns don’t start more than 3 or 6 weeks out – we should have that also. When I think of the money wasted…
I was there! After I told my boss that I was worried about traffic, she suggested I work from home and take the afternoon off. Then I happened to walk by a storefront that was handing out tickets and I knew I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see the president.
I agree with Suburban Correspondent, that it’s very different to see him in real life–even from across a distance–than on TV.
Suburban Correspondant had me wondering what the rules are around our campaigns, which never seem to be as long as your campaigns. This is what I found on Wikipedia: “In practice, the Prime Minister will generally keep a campaign as brief as is legal and/or feasible, because spending by parties is strictly limited by the Elections Act, a law which contains no provisions that would allow for increased spending in a lengthy campaign. The 1997, 2000 and 2004 elections were all of the minimum 36 days in length which has led to a common misconception that elections must be 36 days long. However, prior to 1997, elections averaged much longer: aside from the 47 day campaign for the 1993 election, the shortest election period after World War II was 57 days and many were over 60 days in length.”
I can get behind the JOTE platform!
It is humbling to be on the ground during voter registration and elections in a new democracy (which I’ve had the opportunity to do). There is power in the ability to express one’s choice freely. We should always remember and honor it accordingly.
I’m glad your girls had that chance. I know Emma would have loved to see Mr. Obama as well. And I’ll support your platform, Jen. When are you running for office?
Do people still watch TV with commercials? We haven’t in years, so I don’t see any political ads. However, I have had to turn NPR off and listen to music in the mornings because I’m either bored or angry, depending on whether the story is about general campaigning or Ryan’s lies. Is there no other news in the world?
I really enjoy reading your blog. Even though I know that we do not agree politically there are many other areas where we think alike. I support your platform. I think you would be surprised how many conservatives do…the difference seems to be in how to get there. I don’t appreciate the level of government involvement in my life that seems to be where we are headed (other than the few areas allowed in the constitution) . I am very campaign-weary and would love to see the campaigning limited to 4 weeks before the election. Thanks for your thoughts…I want everyone to exercise their right to vote, and not take it for granted.
I remember taking my young children to a Clinton rally way back when—it was pretty cool even though it was sweltering hot! We also used to take them into the voting booth with us to show them what it was all about…Now they both get to vote in the presidential election this year.
Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! My birthday is on Election Day this yeeaaarrrr, happy birthday to me!
I am watching as little TV as possible. I just can’t take it and I get enough of what’s going on from blogs, FB, Twitter, etc. Even trying to limit my exposure, I’m walking around furious half the time. I love your idea.
What a wonderful opportunity! I have not seen this POTUS in person yet, and perhaps never will. I did see and get a photo op with President Clinton, back in 1994 or something. It is very exciting.
I, too, will be glad when this election is over. I wish we could get private money out of politics – it is corroding and I fear that someday the wealthy will completely own our government, and democracy will be a thing of the past. The Citizens United decision was a serious blow to democracy.
I am supporting President Obama.
I puffyheart you!
And I’d love to see an 8-week maximum on all the pre-election crap. (Truly, I’d love to see a 2-week maximum, but I’m trying to dream realistic here.)
Loved this post, especially after seeing Bill talk last night!