Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Did you vote yesterday? I sure did. More to come on this topic...

Today at EDS...our new class officers were voted in! What an exciting day (or two) it has been. I watched many a Kindergartner and Pre-K'er work for their votes through lobbying, debating, discussions and good old-fashioned campaigning. I was so completely thrilled with their enthusiasm in these past weeks that it inspired me to re-check my own political agenda.

The playground has been a buzz for weeks now about which "presidential candidate" would become our new president. It wasn't the discussion I thought though. Instead of discussing their own placements within EDS' shabby little political system I found them discussing much higher topics..such as why do the Democrats and Barack Obama want to help others all the time? ...or... what makes a candidate like John McCain become brave enough to survive a POW situation and want to run for the presidency... I MEAN THIS! These conversations took place right here on the grounds of Emmanuel Church Day School.

Our candidates were ready, in my opinion, to run and hold school office positions. As the last two weeks continued on I was actually reminded or slapped back into awareness that voting is a privilege we are so fortunate to have in these United States. In re-writing some of my lesson plans for November I am forced to recall that our first "Democratic" vote took place on the Mayflower...The Mayflower Compact becomes our first sense of "voting for our best option at the moment".... but, yet, it IS voting.

I remind the children periodically that in many a country most do not have the luxury that we have to vote for our country's leader. That a king or queen is assigned to them. Perhaps even one their own age. (They giggle) But truthfully, the giggling halted after a minute or two. The realization of someone 5 running the country did not even seem appealing to those that are 5!

When asked about their platforms and reasons for running I wasn't necessarily "stunned" by some of their "scripted" answers. (Trust me I now know many of YOUR feelings and agendas)... ;) But alas, for me, it was the motivation that I adored in why they wanted to do this. It was also the realization, during Election Day, of how few really want these positions. The fear of more work.. more fundraising, decision making and public speaking were all reasons that my young candidates began to slowly already become lame ducks. Only the strong survived. 3 out of the 6 school presidential candidates actually even VOTED for THEMSELVES!!! The ratio was higher in running-mates voting for another candidate!!! As I monitored the polls I secretly howled in disbelief that those that ran such a strong campaign would secretly concede and allow someone stronger to do the job!!! Braaaaave move I must say...perhaps wise beyond their years! This is why few brilliant minds run for political office....and yet, someone must.

I had explained so many times in the last month or so how important it was to have the liberty in choosing your leader.. I, indeed, felt guilt-ridden. I felt guilty as I did not vote in the last Presidential Election...That, mind you, from the girl who has a degree in history and feels so strongly and passionately about the American system. That from a girl who in her Senior year project in college re-enacted the 1st Continental Congress among her peers..(that was after of course driving to Philly to fetch 12 tri-cornered felt hats and quills!), And that was from a girl who sacrificed a boy-girl date early on election night in 1984 when she could vote for her beloved Ronald Reagan, and ran home from a movie I don't remember, (or the boy's name for that matter), to see Mr. Reagan become elected.

Guilty this year???...yes.. I had not been "in-love" with either of our candidates for very real reasons ....and nearly "sinned again" in not casting my vote either way. Even for the best man at that time...that was all to change.

Sin?? yes.. indeed a sin. I have been blessed and fortunate enough to be an American. I have been given the proverbial spoon in my mouth and have become so spoiled that I would even think to take for granted what my founding fathers worked so damn hard and long to establish..(have you ever seen the musical 1776?? watch it)... to consider not casting my vote...and why? Why, I tell you because I haven't been rocked to a level that I felt was worthy of my vote. Shame on me! I couldn't do this any longer... and if not for me than I would vote for America, our soldiers in the Middle East, for itself..my friends, and my family. I had to vote for someone. I needed to vote for those that couldn't.

Traditionally, I vote Republican. (I am going to get quite honest here). I come from a long line of old Yankees...(not the team either!) My grandmother served on a local women's Republican League. Republicans are not bad people...(much to what many view). It may surprise many of you that I share this perspective knowing that I am very liberal about helping others and funding causes such as poverty in Africa and supporting a national ban on hunger. I am proud that my father served his country for more than 30 years. I am grateful that men like John McCain fought for his nation and did not abandon his colleagues when given the moment to do that. However... equally I was thrilled that this country, no matter what, was going to undergo a change historically that I could teach and someday read about in history books... this I adore. THAT I CAN TEACH IT PUBLICALLY! This is what motivated me... I thought I would either see a woman vice-president or an African American president. And at that moment, I wasn't really caring how little experience ANY of these candidates possessed...I knew this country was ready to change and fortunate WE were as a country that we could do one of two great big "no-no's" that was still not in existence 10 years ago. History was being told. I wasnted to vote to vote.. not hypicritcally either... I wanted to vote because it would have been wrong, two-faced and disloyal for me to have done that. Perhaps, abit treasonistic in it's most innocuous definition. Voting was the way..and would always be, until I couldn't any longer...regardless if my decision was much like our early pilgrims voting on their compact..."lesser of two evils" or just what we needed as a country. I won't know that for awhile...but I still chose to do something.

I will tell you all now that I voted for Barack Obama. (I know.. shocker.) I will also tell you why. I did it for America. I did it for the countless black Americans who have never known justice. I did it for friends... people who have researched this and especially for a few particular ones who feel that God has selected him to heal our nation out of its wounds. ( not my personal reason).. I did it because I can't stand to go another 4-8 years of a congress in opposition of its leader... to remain forever in standstill vetoing and wallowing in unresolved issues. (more of my issue). I did it because I dig Michelle Obama. (I always carefully scrutinize the First Lady.) I did it because I COULD! I did it because one of my best friends in the whole world cannot vote because they are not an American citizen technically..(they are not an illegal alien)... and they are one of the smartest and most genuine people I have the pleasure of knowing and trusting...I did it because they couldn't and they would have given anything to vote for this individual. My vote could be donated.

I am trusting that those that seemingly know better will positively push this forward. I pray for the reformation that this country is begging for. I am hoping they are right. And if they are not...I am not a fraud any longer. I voted today..as they say. I will say..that a large educational piece is at hand here. Recently, I dressed as Sarah Palin for an adult Halloween party and found myslef liked, disliked, abused and harrassed..(death threats). I also encountered "Mr. Obama" at this same Halloween party and he is was in a suit..but with a Jamaican, Rastifarian hat and dred-locks... shameful on both counts and I plan to begin my education on such matters to my young Americans.

Today at EDS, I congratulated our winner. He was surprised, (as was I), that he won...not for any other reason except he did not lead the polls initially. He was kind and promised he would try his best to help our school. My best part of this morning after... was the graciousness of the defeated candidates. They, like, Mr. McCain humbly congratulated and supported their new president. They're were no sore losers and frankly, I think some real relief..as these positions are never easy. Our winner, an underdog, was most grateful. A perfect political ending.

I have full confidence that democracy is clearly the human way...and I have had the pleasure to watch it first hand. I could hear that liberty bell ring loudly this very morning thinking of Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Adams and Ben Franklin. I remember my favorite Republican President Mr. Lincoln and I cherished president-elects who had less than fortunate terms. All who serve the Democratic system, even EDS presidents, shall forever be remembered today and all Election Days to come as long as I am able to cast that ballot. Thank God. God Bless America.

Miss Dawn, Director of Emmanuel Day School, Newport, RI