Democracy (w/ disclaimer)

Disclaimer: I have participated in every election that I was eligible to participate in since I turned 18. My increased interest in this year's proceedings is just rather significant, and I thought I'd note it here. I couldn't stand the idea that I had represented myself as someone that just now decided to care about democracy and freedom at the age of 32. I was raised by passionate, educated parents; one of which was a Vietnam veteran. I could never have gotten away with apathy. A big thanks to my Moms and Dads!!

For the first time in my life I find the election process in our country truly fascinating. Perhaps I should feel a bit ashamed about my indifference to our democratic process in the past, but frankly, it can be horribly tedious and confusing. I just never felt the need to agonize for a year (or even two), over the 10+ people that might eventually be mudslinging, lying and grappling for my vote come November of the big election year. The ones that would force me to choose the lesser of two evils. I try to live a life of honest dealings and Godly principles. Not much about politics ever seemed to include those things.

So, what could possibly spark my interest now? Well, it's the historical significance of the moment. Even if neither Hillary nor Barack make it to the White House, this is the closest that a woman or minority has ever been to the ultimate position in our country. That is huge, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of it. I am truly excited to be able to talk to my older children now, and discuss with my younger children later, about how there is nothing out of their reach. Everyone of them could EVEN reach high enough to become the President of this great nation. That sends my spirit soaring with hope for their future.

I am proud to be an American. There have been a lot of things that happened over the past couple decades that made me want to hide my head in shame, but we still live in a country like no other. We live in a place that more people want to come to than those that want to leave. We live in a country that is often misunderstood by foreigners, but still helps more people around the globe than any other nation. I was embarrassed when the Ethiopian people discussed the follies of our president, but thrilled to hear they wanted nothing more than to win the "lottery" that would allow them to come to the US. They truly saw it as their one ticket out of the tragedy they live in everyday. I only hope that those we met while there will have the opportunity to come here one day. We would love to share the opportunity with them that we so take for granted. They have earned it, and would definitely appreciate it.

So with that, I will return to my daily fascination with our electoral process. I will continue to wonder why some states use primaries, while others employ the caucus as their method of choice. I will surely keep struggling to explain to my children why the Republicans award their delegates one way, while the Democrats use another. All of that is OK though. Those are the very signs that prove that we live in a democracy. The fact that we come to a decision, that is somehow accepted by all, is the very proof that shows the power of the freedom that is enjoyed by all in this country. God bless the democratic process, and God Bless the USA!