politics

I got an email forward last night taking a political stance on Arizona’s new illegal immigration policies. And now I write.

The email came from someone I love, and though I apparently disagree with her on this issue, I’ll not berate her for committing the heinous crime of having an opinion that’s different from mine, nor for spreading her opinion around. After all, that’s what I’m doing here, right?

But I won’t shy away from saying that the sentiment behind the email had me sad, discouraged, and angry all wrapped up together with a bow.

My morning began like the beginning of any other week. On your mark, get set, go. Work may be stopped in Washington on this auspicious day in history but around here the kid still needs to be fed and the household still needs to be run.

Two hundred thirty-two years ago, a whole bunch of people stood up to protest taxation without representation. They put their lives on the line so that you could have your say.

What did you do with that right today?

What would they say if they knew that today only about 50% of Americans show up to vote on election days? That many of us make time to sit at home and watch reruns of Friends but won’t make time to cast that vote that they shed blood to earn the right for? 50%.

I’m asking no such sacrifice from you. Just that you stand up and be counted.

Check this out. Starbucks is offering a free “tall” coffee to anyone who comes in today with an “I Voted” sticker. Doesn’t it seem like a good time for a cup of coffee? You could take a coffee break now, go vote, get your sticker, and a get free cup of coffee on the way back to your office. I spoke with many people who have voted today and none of them have had to wait in line. You’ll spend more time waiting for the nice person at Starbucks to pour your coffee than you will getting to the voting booth. Go vote. Free coffee.

Luke would like to point out that if you vote you get a free sticker.