Our Right. Our Duty

 The duty is ours. The results are G-d's..." John Quincy Adams

Shalom:
The above quote is one of my mother's favourite. It took a long time to realise she was right.
You see, I was not one for politics. I didn't care. I figured that the folks in power would do whatever they wanted and my voice didn't matter.
Somewhere along the line, I had forgotten what I leaned in 10th grade Social Studies...


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic ttranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general wwelfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our pposterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

We the People. I have forgotten that those in Public Office work for us. They answer to us. If we are not pleased with the job they are doing, we have the right to vote them out.
The government is OURS. The president, whoever he is, works for us. They work for me.
Today as Mark and I stood in line with a woman who was clearly upset to see the bottom on my handbag,

Before things got heated, I reminded her that each of have our own reasons for voting the way we do. But the main thing is, we vote. We all stand here, in the cold, because we all love this country and we want the best for her. And whoever wins, we as amercians must gather around and support OUR PRESIDENT. whether it is a President Obama or President Romney.
As a woman of colour, I am fully aware of my history; of men and women who marched, who fought and even died so that I could enjoys the rights we all have as amercians.
Sadly, there are those who do not believe I have the right to vote for whomever I wish.
I have lost two friends because I am a Republican.  After all, I am an oppressed, angry black woman who needs a African-White President to fight for me. Why would I vote for a rich white guy who's faith claims me and my are cursed? Hmmm, like Mormons are the only who has taught this in the past?  I was raised Baptist and was told Slavery was punishment for Ham's sin.
Then there is the following...
"Sell out!"
"Oreo"
And then there is my favourite "angry, old white man!"
Hmmm, someone needs to get their glasses checked. Why? Because I didn't vote for a man who's skin colour as mine?
I did not vote with my female body parts or the colour of my skin. I didn't vote to right the wrongs done by Jim Crow or overthrow Roe V Wade. I didn't vote for a Pastor, Rabbi, or Elder in Chief. I voted for what I thought is the best for this nation.
This was my right. This was my duty.
The rest is in G-d's Hands.

Racist? Really?

 

 

The Reels Meet Romney

Shalom:
Today Mark and I took a break from packing.
Yesterday morning, a friend send a link for free tickets to attend a rally in support of Gov. Mitt Romney. The event would be held upon the grounds of Tidewater Community College (TCC) in Chesapeake.
So last night, Mark printed out the tickets and this morning, after dropping Monti off at Doggie Daycare, we headed off for TCC.
It was a beautiful, sunny morning. We noted it was a good thing we left early; we didn't run into much traffic and found a nice parking spot.

Making things easy for all, there were shutters back and forth to the campus, not just for crowd control,  but security, which was quite high.

We were actually excited about attending the event, the first political rally for both of us. We knew we were part of something bigger than us. Given how our lives have been impacted by Mr.Obama and not for the better, it was important that we were there, adding our voices to the "change" we wanted to see in the White House, in the direction of our nation.

The air was filled with laughter and music. All Motown hits. I have to admit, I approve of Mr.Romney's taste in music. The lines getting onto the grounds were long, but with the music playing and people swaying to the beat as they chatted, no one really seen to mind.
I found myself having my picture taken a lot. The last time I drew such a crowd was when I was in Turkey and the locals thought I was Nell Carter from Gimme a Break.
At one point, a woman asked if I was Muslim.
"No, madam, I am Hebrew and I wear the attire of my fore mothers (though mother Sarah didn't wear blue jeans).
She then asked, "do you mind if I have my picture taken with you."
Of course. I knew the reason. It's for the same reason I came, that I brought my camera. How often we hear no non-white person will vote for Mitt Romney.
Well, here I am.


As you can see, Mark and I have found ourselves right behind where the speakers would take their place. And to tell the truth, it was a pretty good point. We also recorded some video, hope to have that up tomorrow.

As you can see, we "have Mr.Romney's Back." We kept waiting for him to turn around so I can get a better picture him. I will tell you, he already carrys himself as the President. Standing straight and tall, clearly a mature man, a man secure in himself and yet modest. And doesn't look a bit of sixty-five years old.
When it came to thank our armied forces for their service, that is when Mr. Romney turned around.

Seeing Mark's raised hand, Mr. Romney nodded at him. So cool.
But I have to admit to my favourite part....
When Mr. Romney speaking, he worked the crowd, shaking hands and thanking folks for coming, for their support.
When he saw me, he reached his full length and not only shook my hand, but squeezed it. And while someone stepped into the shot so you can't see him holding my hand, it is me Mr. Romney is speaking to.

We met many folks at the Rally; young and old, Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, my newest friend, who a Mormon, a pastor friend and his wife and a lady from our shul. We met a older gentlemen, retired navy who's forty-three year old son had to return home to live with his parents because he couldn't find a job. "I'm not worry about myself," he told me. "I'm worry about my five grandchildren." I met a black student who had voted for Mr. Obama, but switch his support to Romney. When asked why.
his answer; "the dude lied."
Mark and I had already decided to vote for Mr. Romney, but being at the Rally today helped seal the deal. I like what I saw in Mr. Romney. Dull? No way. Stiff? Nope. Engaging? Quite. And that smile! The dancing eyes, the voice clear and strong. The firm hand shake. The way he looked me in the eye, knowing how tough it is for a woman of colour to go against the tide.
So after a day at Doggie Daycare and then a quick run through the Doggie Park, Monti is now sleep in front of the radio.
Mark is packing and I need to go and help. But what day it has been.