The Great American Privilege
November 6, 2008
November 4, 2008 – We got up at 6AM, just as planned, to go vote today. We walked, as a family, to our polling place and were in the door at 6:45. The 3 rows of chairs that were awaiting the long lines were quickly filled and were able to stand and sign in at 7AM.
As we looked around the room, some people were getting their ballots and waiting for a booth to open up. Others didn’t bother with a booth. They just dropped to the floor and began filling in circles. Not a very private way to vote, but then it hit me: So what? We live in a country where these people can choose to vote, even forgoing the most private means (the booth) and still feel safe. They have no reason to fear. No one is going to blow them up, or spray them with tear gas. More than likely, even if someone did see their ballot, no one is even going to say anything to them about it.
Because today is the day. We’ve heard the arguments. We’ve even given a few ourselves. But when it all comes down to it, I will defend your right to vote as you choose and I have a feeling that you would also defend my right, even if, no, ESPECIALLY if, we are voting differently. Because that’s how we do things in America. That’s how peaceful democracy works.
