The citizens of the United States of America are empowered with rights that could move mountains. Such rights should cause us to race to the polls and vote. Unfortunately, not everyone takes this right seriously.
In recent years we have seen a vast change in how we view politics. This blog is not going to be infused with politics in any form. I can’t mention voting without mentioning the elephant in the room. It is the reason we vote. I believe it is also the reason we are see an increased interest in voting and the voting process.
There is a long history of suffrage in this country. One equal to that of the vote. The topic has shaken up the masses at different times in history.
The first vote took place within hours of the landing of the Jamestown voyagers on April 26, 1607, according to their calendar. It was the first attempt at voting on American soil. It was also the beginning of corruption. The commanders of 105 colonialists of Williamsburg unsealed a box containing a list of seven men picked in England who would be the colony’s council. They would select one of the seven as president.
We all remember Captain John Smith. They denied him a seat initially on suspicion of concealing a mutiny. Because they eliminated John Smith from the vote, that left six men, less than six percent of the population, to take part in the choice for president. Six men were the voice for the 105 colonists. Ninety-nine voices remained silent, choked out by the king’s rule.
This country has come a long way from colonial Williamsburg. We have suffered many growing pains. In the early years, they allowed only wealthy white men to vote. Male landowners controlled the interest of the population. Eventually, that changed, and it allowed all white males to vote.
In 1870 they granted the African American male population the right to vote through the fifteenth amendment. Many things didn’t change for this demographic, but it was the beginning of change. It would be almost a hundred years before the civil rights movement would cause a greater change.
We went through the woman’s suffrage movement. This movement broke down the barriers that had, for centuries, snuffed out the voice of women. They finally gave women the right to vote on August 18, 1920, when Congress ratified the nineteenth amendment.
The United States is a melting pot of ethnicity. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” (Statue of Liberty). This country welcomes the masses, through its gates (by means of citizenship). In welcoming them we give them the right to be a voice for themselves as well as for the country.
I hope each one of you finds the time today to make your voice heard.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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I’m sure anyone who reads this blog will agree with both of those statements. It has been a year of struggles, disappointments, and challenges. I have not been immune, and I’m sure I share many of your frustrations that come on the heel of such a year.
I’m finally catching my breath. I’ve been fortunate enough to remain employed and in my home. These are blessings. And I’m grateful.
I remain in a place where I wonder and worry about my family and friends as they continue to muddle through the mess that, it has become evident, isn’t going away any time soon. Like many of you, my parents aren’t getting any younger and am concerned for their health.
I have adult children who are out in the world, working. One is a nurse. Need I say more. I may not need to, but I will. She works tirelessly each day to comfort and heal the sick. She councils and calms those who are concerned about the current COVID-19 situation. She is brave and beautiful. Oh, and did I mention, she and her husband are pregnant. Someone’s getting old (Hint, it’s not me). In November I will be writing another blog about the latest addition to my family.
My younger daughter spends her days making the world more beautiful by helping others feel better about themselves, working as a hair stylist. She is becoming a creative genius. She is a beautiful soul, usually sacrificing herself and her needs to make others feel better. I am blessed to have such wonderful children.
The point of my blog today isn’t to brag about my family. I love my family. I know they’re not perfect, but what family is? We work to support and help each other when we can. What more can we ask of each other?
So, the point of today’s blog is to mark this day as a new beginning for me. It is a means of holding myself accountable. To be a compass for my thoughts and actions. I’ve written three books all complete and edited. I have been querying agents. I continue to query agents.
My blog is my accountability partner. Or should I say the readers of my blog are my accountability partner. I haven’t been assertive or diligent in blogging and trying to create a fan base or group of followers, because to be honest, I’m scared. I guess I’ve been afraid of rejection. Today that stops.
Today is day one of what will become a life filled with hope and an opportunity to meet new people. It’s a day that brings with it the chance to connect with others. Whether a writer or reader or just a fellow human being searching for the silver lining in this life we live.
I hope my beginning will prompt you to begin again too. Life is what we make it. Let’s make it wonderful together.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I look forward to getting to know all who choose to interact.Fair Use Notice: This article could contain some copyrighted material whose use has not been authorized by the copyright owners. We believe that this not-for-profit, educational, and/or criticism or commentary use on the Web constitutes a fair use of the copyrighted material (as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes that go beyond fair use, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Fair Use notwithstanding we will immediately comply with any copyright owner who wants their material removed or modified, wants us to link to their web site, or wants us to add their photo. 
This week has been busy. I’m preparing a baby shower for my daughter. It’s a joyous event that has been somewhat dampened by COVID. I never thought I would have to plan an event that would require its attendees to wear masks and stay six feet apart. Such an occasion requires hugs. Something that will be lacking from the event.
cake for the guest of honor. It’s a treat shared throughout their dad’s family and she’s making a special effort to please her sister. It warms my heart.
The battle may not have gone as planned the Allies, however, by the end of June could pose 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy where they began the march across Europe.
I stepped into the room and slowly approached her. The closer I got the more I could see her at her young age of four. She stiffened as I approached her. I slowed my pace even more but continued to move forward never taking my eyes off her small body. I stopped in front of her and kneeled on the floor. I didn’t want it to appear that I was overpowering her. I wanted her to see me as a friend, not another threat.
things as I remind myself that we should not take each other for granted. For tomorrow can bring a cold reality. I’m thankful that this will not be the case today or hopefully tomorrow, at least under these circumstances.