Voting: Ecomonic Freedom?

It happens every time I go to vote.

Without fail. I step up to the desk, show my ID, am led to a voting "cubby" and left to make a decision that will contribute to the entire country. And when this happens, I get this large lump in my throat, water fills my eyes, and I have to resist the unbelievable urge to cry. My mind immediately goes to the many citizens of countries around the globe who will never have an opportunity to vote, will never have a say in the way their lives are run, and will die slaves to the leaders of their countries.

I think voting is the most American thing we do as Americans. It is the act of freedom as personified as it gets. And yet, there are citizens of America who actually don't register to vote.

As I was driving to the pre-voting location this afternoon, I was listening to an interview on NPR about the economic crisis. Specifically about the money given to banks so they can "get our financial sector back on track." It was depressing, listening to the interview, and I found myself shaking my head thinking, "what is happening to America?" Then, as quickly as that thought went through my head, I pulled into the parking lot of the library where I was to vote, and there were people every where. People coming and going, people talking, people walking, people letting other people go in front of them. In the library, there was an energy, a sense of purpose and passion echoed through the long line of voters. And as I watched one by one, each citizen go to vote, it struck me that America is very much alive! She is alive in the hearts and lives of each and every citizen that cares enough to exercise the freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and the right to vote.

It doesn't really matter who you vote for, though we all have our preferences... what makes America and Americans strikingly unique is this: even when the world seems to be crumbling down on us, making us wonder what's next, we resiliently emerge to let our voices be heard, to remind ourselves and each other that we live in a land of freedom. It was freedom our ancestors fought for, and freedom none of us wants to relinquish. It is not freedom found in institutions or governments, stocks or bonds. But it is this freedom that allows our economy to work, to function, to fuel itself. And based on the zest of voters today, this freedom is very much alive and well!

Comments

[W. Mark Whitlock]

Glad I'm not the only one who reacts with great awe and patriotism in the booth.

[Shelley Fuge]

Girl, I can't even make it to the voting booth. I start tearing up walking into the center. I getcha totally.