I share this with you because the topic spoke to my heart after hearing people recently say "I don't vote; What good would writing or calling do; I don't have time to volunteer."
When I volunteered to be a community organizer several weeks ago, I was intrigued by the idea of helping to get the word out about another worthy cause. While the topic was Healthcare Reform, I saw the overall cause as something different. What did I see, you may ask. I saw the opportunity to continue learning, participating and educating family, friends, neighbors, strangers on the importance of being involved in the decision making process that helps to shape laws that govern our rights and privileges.
As John Adams said, "...Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among people."
It was probably 9 years ago when I truly sought to better understand the political process at the local and national level. I was especially interested after 9/11 as the fears among citizens grew and the tolerance for diversity among faiths decreased. It became more important to me to learn what people in positions of leadership were saying about the future direction of my city and state - our country. So, I paid more attention to political commentary shared in the media like the NY Times, CNN and MSNBC and the local newspapers. After all, our parents, their parents and generations before endured unthinkable trials of might and faith to cause a universal cry for freedom, justice and equality. Their journey is inherently our journey because we hold the responsibility to maintain and improve on that which came before us. This means that we each hold a piece of the multicultural quilt that spreads across our free land. It also means we have a responsibility to let our voices be heard.
Our vote is one of the most critical ways we voice our opinions and take part in this beautiful system of democracy that was designed to work for the voice of the people. It is not a perfect system, but it is a beautiful system that continues to work to promote FREEDOM, JUSTICE, EQUALITY for all. There are thousands who lost their lives for the very rights that we have, and there are thousands more who are calling for actions to improve upon the rights that we do have. The recent Healthcare Reform debate is just one recent example.
There have been thousands upon thousands of calls and letters to government officials across our great nation to push for Healthcare Reform. No one knows yet what the line-by-line details of the final bill will include. What we do know is that the call for change is because our fellow Americans have spoken and said they witnessed or know of too many people negatively impacted by the loss of insurance, suffering declining health or losing loved ones because of a damaged healthcare system.
It took people, just like you and me, to make phone calls, write letters, share stories and sometimes hear the stories of families torn apart because of the horrific healthcare policies that are in place. It was the voice of people, like you and me, at the local and national levels that has helped push the proposed bill closer to becoming a reality. When it does, it will be a historic event.
As we continue on this collective road to shape our America, please be encouraged and continue to be encouraged that our voices do matter. It is very important that when we have the opportunity to speak for positive change- let us speak; when we have the opportunity to write for positive change - let us write; when we have the opportunity to vote for positive change - let us vote.
In general, I do not believe as adults we "do" because anyone tells us to. Instead, I believe we generally do because we allow ourselves to be open to the possibility that we can affect the outcome of a situation. That same openess to be a participant in the possibilities of life leads us to do the right thing in our time of need, and in preparation for tomorrow. I believe that resounding voice comes from a sense of honor, dignity, respect for our past and the hope for a great future that cares for all of our people - not just some.
If you are like me, your schedule is booked solid most of the time and you treasure your "me time." If you are like me, you understand that sometimes the best "me time" is when we open ourselves up to causes outside of "I" and give a portion to "we time." You are so very important to the progress of all people, not just in our great land.
Be blessed.
