June 30, 2004
Wanna see a real American?
One that loves his country and is grateful to be a part of it? One that believes in the ideals that this country was founded on and is full of optimism? One that respects his country and those who lead her? One that doesn't take the value of his voice and vote for granted? One that knows the meaning of sacrifice and can plainly see that opportunity is his if he has the determination and perseverance to seize it? One that understands that his country may not be perfect but stands proud that this is his country?
Look for him on election day. He won't be dressed to the nines but he'll stand out. His chest will be out, his walk will be determined. You may see a brief flicker of timidity in his otherwise hopeful eyes. He may seem a bit lost, but you can tell he's overwhelmingly proud to be in your ranks. He'll have a smile on his face and will undoubtedly nod and say hello.
His English may be a bit broken.
He will be a brand spanking new American. One who has just held his hand to his heart and sworn his allegiance to the United States of America. He may have come from Cuba or Poland or Russia or Lebanon or China or Venezuela or Nicaragua or Bulgaria or Romania or Brazil or Vietnam or The Phillipines or South Korea or Haiti. He may be from somewhere else.
He will be there with you at the polls on election day. He may be an old man but it will be his first vote.
Shake his hand, pat him on the back and congratulate him. He will thank you, for it may very well be the first time he has ever had a voice.
Posted by Val Prieto at June 30, 2004 02:04 PM
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Comments
Nice, Val.
My dad told me about his first election day as a new american citizen when I was approaching legal voting age, and how he felt like a new man when he walked out of the polls, having voted in the US for the first time.
He told me how blessed I was to be born with a voice, to be born in a country that gives its people the power to make a choice, to decide own future. He wanted to make sure I never took this privilege for granted.
Posted by: ib at June 30, 2004 03:15 PM
Thanks Ivonne.
Thats exactly the message I was trying to convey.
Posted by: Val Prieto at June 30, 2004 03:23 PM
Well, consider it conveyed. It's a great post. :-)
Posted by: Ib at June 30, 2004 03:29 PM
You're right, Val. And it is sad that EVERY American doesn't think that way. I know that I do.
Posted by: JED at June 30, 2004 03:36 PM
That was good, Val.
Funny isn't it. I felt like that the first time I voted and I was born here.
There's no way to describe it except maybe being proud...and there's no other feeling like it in the world. I can never understand the logic of those people who say they don't vote because their vote doesn't matter.
Never will understand them...as long as I have the opportunity, I will be at the polls...
Thanks for the reminder, Val.
Posted by: WB at June 30, 2004 03:38 PM
Thanks Val, enjoyed it. Very true. I make a point of voting in every election that's available for me. Guess I buy into the idea of use it or loose it.
Ray
Posted by: Ray Smith at June 30, 2004 06:44 PM
Welcome. That's the word I like to use to go along with that pat on the back. I'm a bit prouder to be an American myself each and every time I meet someone like that. --s
Posted by: j.scott barnard at July 1, 2004 09:01 AM
