Proud To Be An American (cue music!)
Alicia’s skirt + “Vote” sweatshirt and t-shirt: Box Turtle | Alicia’s shoes: Golden Goose
It’s 2020. This has been the year of all years, huh? This is the year that we’ve been preparing for by spending all those times watching ‘Armageddon,’ ‘Day After Tomorrow,’ ‘12 Monkeys,’ — all the end of the world movies— ‘MAD MAX!’ All of them.
Don’t you think we’ve all earned Google Medical degrees to enlighten us through the beginning of COVID? (Kim spent more time googling COVID-19 symptoms, history, and facts than “what to expect when you’re expecting” stats.)
We’ve championed for Black Lives Matter and voiced hope in helping be the change for the fight against racism.
And now we’re bringing 2020 to an end with a Presidential election. These things are tough, even in a “normal” year, much less with all the over-stimulation of this one.
We love history. Like LOVE IT. Now, let’s not get crazy, we’re not lining up to watch recreations of live action battleground wars on the hills of state parks, but we enjoy seeing how far the world has come.
Take voting for instance, did you know that it wasn’t until 1971 that 18-21 year-olds could vote? 1965 for African-Americans. That’s our parents’ lifetime. That is not that long ago.
Residents of Washington DC couldn’t vote until 1961.
Native Americans could not vote until 1924 - (AND IT WAS THEIR LAND.)
Women could not vote until 1920.
Y’all: Voting began in 1789 - that’s 131 years before women could vote and 178 years before African Americans could… that is insane!
We are not here to give you our two cents or tell you who to vote for, that is for you to research and decide. We’ve heard repeatedly the last few weeks people commenting that they don’t like either candidate running for president, so they’re not voting: and that’s why this is our topic this week.
We are so lucky to live in this great nation. Most of us have no idea how wonderful our “freedom” is, it’s easy to take for granted something we’ve always known.
We read something recently that basically stated, if you don’t like the face of it, look for the guts. True leadership comes from within: A “leader” is nothing without their “ship” and all the people holding them up. Do your research, find the political party that you align best with, and vote for the party. More importantly than deciding on which presidential candidate to vote for, is voting for YOUR LOCAL seats. These elected officials are so important to the foundation of your community. Take the time to research your community candidates, find their Facebook pages or websites, talk to your mutual friends. Find a sample ballot. Research any “ISSUES” that you’ll be voting on, so you’re prepared when casting your ballot.
Be a proud American. Perform your civic privilege and cast your vote. You’ll be glad you did. (We’ve never heard anyone say they regretted voting.)
Top 5 Pretty Takeaways to VOTE THIS YEAR:
It is YOUR RIGHT. We all throw that terminology around so often, that we forget how precious it is. There are a lot of countries where the citizens do not have rights for much of anything. We do. And voting is one of the most important ones. (Read here about citizens rights around the globe.)
Your VOICE. The old adage says, “you can’t complain if you don’t vote.” Truth. You may think your one vote doesn’t matter - but it does. Do you want someone coming in and picking out what clothes you’re going to wear or what car you are going to drive? You have a say so in those things. So don’t you want a say so in the laws created that you have to obey?
It’s not just about the TOP position. Get out and vote for your COMMUNITY. US Representatives, Senate Seats, Congress Seats, City Council, Judge Seats, Local School Board positions. These are all elected officials that effect our every day community. These are the people you can actually communicate with and build relationships with when you have concerns or needs. Research the candidates, find their Facebook pages, see if you have mutual friends to connect with and get more information on them.
Be an EXAMPLE for your friends, your kids, even your parents… Sometimes, just seeing someone you admire and respect taking steps to do something brave and important, is the push to start a chain reaction. You could be responsible for getting your whole street to the polls, or your family members that have never voted.
Everyone loves a STICKER. There’s pride in wearing that sticky badge. You’ll wear it all day with a little pep in your step.
Stay safe and well, friends! Choose happy and GO VOTE!!!
XO, Kim + Alicia
