Reflections

Most government agencies and schools are close today in the  I honor of Dr. Martin Luther King day. While I appreciate a three day weekend, I try and reflect  at least part of the weekend on what his sacrifices, and those of others that fought the battle for civil rights, means in my life. Mostly, I try and appreciate that I have lived a life of privilege, privileges I did not earn, but merely were given because of when and where I was born, and who I was born to.  I never had to see signs, in life or in a historical picture, that forbade me from using a public fountain or restroom.  I and my children benefitted from a free education through 12th grade, and then had options to select a variety of post secondary schools and colleges.  While not free, there was choice and options. I probably never received a promotion and had whispering of getting it only to serve as meeting an Affirmative Action quota, as a colleague overheard upon her promotion. While I do not believe in fostering white guilt, I do hope I have raised my kids, and have set a good example, to speak out on racism, bigotry, and injustice, and contribute to a better and more equitable country and world.

Since the historic Selma, Alabama and Washington DC marches, many doors have been opened that once were closed for non white Americans.  Different kinds of human rights have come to the forefront such as freedom to marry, immigration reform, and equal wages.  None of these movements would be where they are without the courageous freedom  fighters, who fought with words and values, not weapons, and  demanded that the Bill of Rights belong to all.  While never eradicated, recent events around the country have raised issues of racism to the surface again. The words spoken by Dr. King have the same, and yet different meaning in some ways, as violence has been woven into the discourse. 

I don't have plans specifically to attend any services or events today.  I will see the movie Selma, but probably later in the year. I appreciate that the church I belong to incorporates civil justice songs and anthems as the hymns in the worship service this weekend, and that felt right singing those songs yesterday morning. Today, I will spend time reflecting, talking with my daughter, and getting outside for a while enjoying the break from the bitter cold. Tomorrow I will go to work  and spend the day with a culturally and linguistically diverse group of men and women, job titles aside, as equals, committed to giving all children the best start in life that will enable them to be successful and contributing adults. I believe this is part of the dream Dr. King had.

The Home Stretch: Campaign Ads

"Tis the night before election day and all through the house, we can't escape hearing from PACS, special interest groups and quite a few louse."   Not exactly Longfellow, but you get the picture.  Even taking the dog for a walk this weekend proved an effort in tactical maneuvers to avoid campaign canvassers from state and federal house and senate volunteers, to neighbors and parents of kids from my daughters school vying for city council seats. 

Most everyone in the US is ready to be done with the 2014 election season, or the campaign season, but I read an interesting pop up on Facebook today. It went along the lines of how important each and every voter is to the process of a free society, and essential to the electoral process.  If we weren't all so important, why would the campaigns be throwing hundreds of thousands, and in some cases millions in advertising aimed at getting your vote.  Think about that before you choose to pass on the election tomorrow. 

There is much to crab about in government, but also much to  preserve in protecting our rights, starting with exercising  our right to vote.   Your vote is a powerful tool.