I feel compelled to join the thousands of other bloggers out there and write about today's election...I apologize for being so predictable :)
I found myself giddy with excitement as my husband and I walked (yes, we even are voting in a "green" fashion) to our designated voting spot. The morning air was crisp and the line at the poll was relatively short. We chatted it up a bit as we were waiting until all of a sudden - blackness! Yes, the power went out. A cry erupted in the room and I turned to Aaron and said in my most sarcastic voice, "This better not be a ploy to get people to stop voting." Of course I did not mean it - sort of - and was eternally grateful when the lights flickered back on.
We waited about ten minutes for the computers to boot back up and again the line was on the move. As I waited I found myself people watching. I couldn't help but marvel as the diversity in the room. White, Hispanic, black, Asian, young, old, handicapped...At that moment it did not matter to me who would win today. I just felt proud to be a part of a process that includes people from all walks of life.
When my turn came I was handed my ballot (a glorified scantron sheet) and directed to a voting cubicle. I promptly filled in my votes, making sure to completely bubble in all circles. Double checked, triple checked, and finally glided on over to the optical scan machine (a glorified scantron scanner) to run my ballot through. At last I accepted my "My Vote Counted" sticker and headed back home.
It was only a half hour of my life but every one of those 1800 seconds felt special. Even in the 21st century there are still countries that do not allow women to vote. There are countries that do not hold a vote at all. To not look at what today in America is all about with awe is to forget the beauty of what we have and how far we have come.
Camus said, "Freedom is nothing but a chance to be better." I know that this country can be better and I know that we are the only ones to make it so. Today I made sure my voice was heard because I want to make our lives better. I hope that you feel the same way when it is your time to voice your opinions.
27 comments:
I can imagine how you felt after voting, I want to be able to vote too! I've been watching the news all day today and I love to see the amount of teenagers that went out and voted today. Also, I was proud to see all the hispanics who voted in Florida, hopefully it will make a difference and their voices will be heard. It's still 9:07pm, and we are only hours away from finding out who will be the president of the United States.
I hope everyone chose correctly, and I wish the best for the United States these upcoming years.
What wonderful speeches by both men. This is a historic moment for us all.
Congrats on being able to vote! That is kind of weird sign of the lights turning off, perhaps even on purpose.
About the results, it was an expected outcome. I saw on Yahoo! that countries around the world are celebrating Obamas victory, even France! This has to be a good sign.
I want to be able to vote already!! I want to be able to see what you saw.All the diferent kinds of people, race, gender etc.. voting. This would've been amazing.This day is going to be history for the United States of America and I would've have loved to tell my children and grandchildren that I made part of that,unfortunally I do not have the age to vote yet,but I will be able to tell them that I was there when it happened.I wish this upcoming years are the best for North America.
If I was voting and the power went out, I'd think the plug was pulled by some desperate McCain supporter. The US doesn't have my favorite form of government, but I'm glad that people have the opportunity to choose who runs the country. I always complain about how the US is a corrupt, evil empire, but I'm thankful to live where the people choose rather than only the aristocratic wealthy. The only thing that dissapoints me is that while Obama is now president, both the Senate and the House have a democratic majority. It's kind of freightening to think that the nation is, for the most part, ruled by leaders of the same party affiliation. Therefore almost anything is veto-proof and our system of checks and balances is questioned.
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail". Every time I think of elections I think of this quote because to me it is thanks to all those people who died for us to able to live in such a wonderful and free place where white, Hispanic, black, Asian, young, and old have the chance to vote. Thanks to all those leaders who followed heir own path we are able to speak and voice our opinions.
The future is in our hands.
I can't wait for the next presidential election in 4 years. I will have the ability to vote as well and experience the same feeling as you did. I was surprised by how many people went out to voice their choice and how they helped make history. November 4,2008 was the date that an African-American man was elected president. Doesn't that in itself show that this country could be progressing?
I believe that the United States, and you, made the right decision in voting Barack Obama. Lets just all hope our country can now get back on track.
I cannot wait until I can vote. I am probably going to feel so good once I leave that booth like if my voice is being heard and taken into consideration. I also love how voting is being encouraged so much on the television. My parents and I recently had a talk and my dad told me how important it is to speak your choice and they really encouraged me to vote in the future and I will. :)
Voting is something I have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing although when thought about, it maybe more glamourous then it really is, but one thing I believe is true, the ability to vote is something to enjoy to the fullest. This is now the second election that I have followed, and I must say both candidates seemed to show just what America needed although both had different views on issues they, atleast in my mind seemed to display a brightier future. Hopefully after inauguration day our new President will keep his word and improve our United States.
I 100% agree with you about every vote counting. People who think their vote doesn't count are ignorant and make a big difference sometimes. I was actually at the state capitol yesterday, on election day. It was a once in a life time experience and it was amazing. I find it very inspirational how diverse voters are today, and we should be thankful for that freedom instead of taking it for granted. Go Obama! :D
From what I've heard from my parents and others as well, the voting lines for early voting were extrmely long for them as well. However, it doesn't matter as long as you are able to submit your well deserved ballot. I'm glad to hear you were able to vote and share your voting euphoria.
It is amazing how far we have come in America. I was leaving school and noticed the long line in front of the neighbooring library, the line consisted of whites, blacks, asians, hispanics, and many other different types of people. Going back 100 years ago, the same line would consist of white males. America is changing. It is amazing that so much has changed in such little time, and I am proud to be living in a nation that has made such great improvment over the last 100 years. I am proud that individuals who have earned the right to vote are actually taking advantage of this right but more importantly I am proud to be an American.
I for one cannot wait to turn 18 so that I can get the opportunity to vote. I must admit that I stayed up until the final countdown to see who would be my next president. The second I saw Obama's electoral votes pass 270 I just screamed with joy. I think this is an extremely historic event and one that won’t be forgotten. It’s amazing that so many people of different ages and ethnicities went out and made sure their vote counted. I am definitely looking forward to see what Obama has to bring to the table and some of the improvement he will make in this country.
You helpped make history Mrs. Stoklosa, and you were part of a great historic even by going out and voting. I can't wait until I am able to vote and maybe make a bg differece in the world someday.
Mrs. Stoklosa I am sure you made a differnce in the election. I can't wait till I am 18 becuase I would love to have an impact on voting. Also I am glad that in my lifetime I got to see history be made. It feels pretty cool to be alive and see the first black president be elected.
What a historical election it was last Tuesday. I remember waking up that morning and seeing my mom walk out the door to go vote. I had this thrill run through my veins, and yet I didn't know why. I ran through my house so I could turn on CNN to see how this Election Day was staring.
Sadly I could not go to the voting center with my mom, neither could I vote. So I used my television the whole day as my primary source of information. I found it heart warming to see all the Americans go out and vote, and for me to finally see it all happen. I cannot wait for my turn to come in four years, so that I can have my voice heard.
I love the opportunity we have in this country. As soon as you turn 18, the option to vote for your president is just handed to you. You don't have to earn it, and maybe some of us take that for granted. However, many do take advantage which is awesome. It makes for such a better end result when you have diversity and density.
The results of the election have made agreat impact on the history of the United Staes. This election is something that will be remembered for the rest our lives. I just wish that I could have been a part of the voting process. It must be such a privilage to take part in such an important event. Luckily next election I will be able to participate.
Comment to Mrs. Stoklosa
History has change and you where part of it, Mrs. Stoklosa, congratulations! Whether or not you voted for Obama, you were able to give your opinion, and opportunity that is not granted everywhere. Aside from the hostility that humanity still experiences and the aggressions we have to go to, it is pleasing to se how multiracial were these elections. Year by year, people become more aware of moral ignorance, and behave in a more ethical way. It would be essential to see a more conscious and peaceful society, and that Barrack Obama would give an example that countries are able to be ruled by other races. Not leaving behind the awareness that the people should have when it comes to the government managing their rights (the unbalance between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party that is taking place) Let’s enjoy the making of new history.
P.s. I also went to the capitol and it was fascinating. Also, we almost appeared in national television! Although we didn't appear, we were able to experience the election at a higher level. How could one forget such a beautiful experience?
I personally can't wait till I am able to vote. I really wish that I was able to vote for this election since it was such a historical election, with out first black president. I personally believe that he was elected for the wrong reasons. That his plan to get us out of the economic crisis is wrong even though it is an unsolvable task because it would require the the people of America to actually be motivated to work and stop leeching from welfare. You cannot tax the rich because its eventually gonna end up hurting all the social classes. Also I don't think its fair to steal from people who actually worked hard to get there economic status.
I've never heard someone talk about going to vote in such a fun descriptive way. I can't wait till I turn 18 and get to go explore that part of the world. Voting must feel so great, knowing that you were part of picking the person who will run our country for the next 4 years. It kind of gives me chills to know one day I'll get to do that. Well the elections are over and we have a new man getting ready to lead the way, hopefully he keeps his word and does everything he promised us.
Reading this just makes me even more excited for the next election. Voting puts a citizen in a place where they are allowed to make a difference, speak their mind, and excersize their rights. There's no doubt in m mind that I'll be registering in 2012 for a chance to do just that. Regardless of my lack of a voting ability, Gobama.
Dear Tina,
I am so happy you voted!!!
This is the first blog so far from our class that I have seen have any political content. YAY!!!and your green!!!
Come check out my blog for shear fertilizer and giggles. It is progressive and humorous. The links are the most beneficial. That way the pro's can handle it!
Have fun!!!
Lucky! I wish my vote could count! I really wanted to vote specially for this election because this election meant change and it is something new and historical. If my vote counted i would have voted for obama which he won :D yayy! I could just imagine the rush you get when you vote, knowing you made a difference and that your vote counted. I just have to wait two more years ! :)
I would love to be able to vote. When I'm able to vote I want to be the first person online, so I don't have to wait four hours. My parents told be it wasn't a big deal waiting on line for a couple of hours because they voted at least 6 or 7 times. After a while you have fun siting on line looking at everyone, their facials expression about how pist they might or happy they might be. When I'm able to vote I'm going to cheerish that first time I voted for the president.
I can not wait to vote, 4 more years. I know it sounds kind of silly, like who cares to vote it's not a big deal to some people. But to me, it is. I sat at home watching every single debate and arguing with people at school, and even older people and relatives. I was actually in the capitol the day of elections and as Travled there I saw a bunch of people who aalso felt strongly about the elections. It is good to know that your vote really does make a difference.
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