I Voted

It's a pretty amazing thing, having the right to vote. It's a right I never exercised until four years ago, because politics weren't my thing - I found them boring, I didn't know who stood for what, and I didn't care. I trusted everyone else to choose the right person for me. And then we had four years of George W. I listened to his speech after the attacks of 9/11, and I had such a gut reaction of dislike and distrust, and couldn't believe he was in office - and I didn't do anything to prevent his getting there, so I had no right to bitch.

Four years after he was elected the first time, I was registered to vote, and I went and made my voice heard.

Now that Bush's eight years are over, you'd think I'd go back to not caring, but you'd be wrong. I like both candidates, but I have opinions on certain things - strong opinions. And I want to do my part to support the things I care about. So I got up this morning, half an hour earlier than I usually do for work, and once I was showered and dressed, I went to my polling place. I pulled my levers, and I walked out, feeling more patriotic than I ever do on a regular day. The Chancellor of the college where I work sent out an e-mail yesterday afternoon, and in it he said that he felt like they should be playing the national anthem as people voted. I kind of felt the same way - it's just such a patriotic thing. It's the most anyone who doesn't serve in the military will probably ever do for their country, as a matter of fact.

Also, I want to say thank you to all men and women who do serve in the military, defending our country, and helping to preserve my right to vote. I truly appreciate it.

So today, I'm feeling very proud and happy. Regardless of who wins when the votes have been counted, I made my voice heard.

(The picture above is my polling place - the town hall for my township. It's very small, and I was in and out in about two minutes, which meant I actually got to work 15 minutes early. Where do you vote?)