Yesterday I voted

I take great pride in the fact that I am able to vote, so much so, that I decided to go to the registrar's office to cast my ballot early. I review all of the propositions, and candidates (at least the ones that I care about) and choose very carefully. When I do it, I feel like I honor those who fought, marched and died for the rights of all to vote. I also watch other nations whose citizens don't have the ability to make decisions about their government and are subjected to malicious dictators, and I am in awe that some don't care about this. I hear so many excuses for not voting: it doesn't matter, it doesn't really count, etc. These are all lies that some want you to believe so that you are apathetic, so politicians can continue to push through their own agendas, and that power can continue to shift in one direction without you believing you can control this. When you stop voting, THEY will stop caring about you.

I know this is a rant, but there are a few things that I'm passionate about: my faith, my family, voting, education, personal responsibility and accountability, and a few others.

Normally, I'm private about who I voted for, but this time I say with pride that I casted my ballot for Obama. It was an emotional event for me. Of course, there are a number of people who believe that I would vote for him because he's a black man, but I find it ironic that I've voted for people of all of ethnicities, both male and female, and no one questioned my motivation for casting those votes as being racially motivated. I can't say that I always vote the party line, as I have some views that each party champions. But, this is first time in my voting years that I've ever felt like there is a man of God, who represents our interests, who's genuine, with lots of character and charisma running for office. I also understand the significance of the fact that we could finally crush the racial barrier and send a message to the world, that anyone can achieve what they put their mind to.

In addition to breaking through the glass ceiling, it will also bring about a healing to a number of people of color who have lived through segregation, who have experienced or witnessed discrimination, and who will be able to gain a sense of pride in the fact that more things seem possible. And, it will also remove the excuse from some of those who use self-fulfilling prophecies to to justify their ignorant behavior or to remain in their condition, and to criticize those who are trying to better themselves by saying they are trying to be something they are not. I'm glad I didn't accept other's opinions of my capabilities, and know that I have excelled and exceeded in areas even I didn't know were possible.

When times are bad, there are a few scriptures that come to mind that comfort me. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Isn't that amazing?!

So, the next time you are considering 'hating' on someone with a dream or ambition, just think that you may be responsible for blocking the blessings that God may have in store for him or her. Don't tell someone that what they want is impossible, just simply encourage them to create a plan to get there, get as much information and education as they can, and find a support system to help him/her.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Oh yeah, and if you want to see a little glance of me at the registrar's office yesterday, click on the link below. It was shown on News 10 in Sac.
Voting Surge Could Delay Election Results

By the way, I don't care who or what you vote for, I just care that you vote. So, please do not sit on the side lines on election day.

God Bless you,

Tracy