Today is November 11th, 2008. I live in Emmet County, Michigan which is located in the northwest corner in the tip of the mitt, or at the top of the Lower Peninsula. And today was my day. My day to cast my ballot.
Early this morning while surfing the Obama website I decided to check-out their handy tool for finding out where to vote depending on where one lives. After entering the requisite information my polling place appeared along with the names of people to contact who may need a ride to the polls. I called the four names and found one who had not voted. I agreed to provide a ride to this voter and after arriving at the prescribed time off we went with pride, patriotism, a sense of history, and with great anticipation to our polling place in Little Traverse Township.
VOTING FOR CHANGE.
I arrived at 9:45 two and quarter hours after the poll open. The parking lot was full, there was a line to vote and me and my new friend waited approximately twenty five minutes in line. In my 36 years of voting I have never waited more than five minutes to vote, but the line moved quickly the township arranged to have more "voting booths" available and the staff was extremely competent and well versed.
The folks around me in line seemed happy and the bantering amongst neighbors was light and friendly. Everyone seemed to be amazed with the turnout and at the line.
At approximately 10:15 EST I cast my ballot for hope, change, and opportunity. I voted for my wife, my children, for family, my friends, my country, and the world. I voted for my first grandchild that my daughter is due to deliver in two days, and I voted for each of you who have lived the dream of voting for Barack Obama. I was voter 858 of 2070 registered voters in my township. Just call me Mr.41.4%, and this will be a record I am sure in my township. And I was a small part of history. So...
IF
If you are reading this and have note voted...quit reading and GO VOTE.
If you are reading this and voted I say ...THANK YOU.
If you gave time to Barack or any other progressive candidate...Thank you.
If you gave money to Barack or any other progressive candidate...Thank you.
If you gave prayed for Barack or any other progressive candidate...Thank you.
If you gave talked to friends and family to Barack or any other progressive candidate...Thank you.
Today is a day of great anticipation. Can we as a nation demonstrate the desire and the will to usher in a new era of shared sacrifice, of elevating the discourse, of working together, of dreaming the dream? YES WE CAN!