Outside

Rallies, campaign fund raising, event organizing, spreading the word, volunteering. Yes, these are all activities that would be, by definition, engagement.  These are ways that I could have been involved. There is no doubt that if these and many other activities were not done by volunteers, that any candidate would be hard pressed to be elected. It is not just that the candidate has the credentials to become the next mayor, governor, or president. Indeed it is the team of supporters and volunteers that makes the difference. It is their tireless efforts, dedication, and self sacrifice that can so heavily impact the final outcome.  These supporters and volunteers are the backbone for any political contender. Perhaps the knowledge of participating at this level should breed feelings of contentment. Perhaps realizing the impact that these people can and do make should elicit feelings of accomplishment. On some levels they do. On other levels, they do not.

The right to vote has been touted as the most important of all the rights Americans enjoy. Voting is the cornerstone of any free democracy. It is the foundation of our leadership structure. It is the means by which we convey our will. It is how we express our support, or cast our disdain. It is our chorus in society. It is our voice. Taxation without representation was the driver of change that led to a new nation – this greatest nation in the history of the world. It is called a right, however it might be more appropriately referred to as a profound privilege. A revered privilege. The requirements for eligibility to vote seem simple and straight forward. However lacking these requirements, or loosing this privilege, casts one to a different side from those who maintain this right. Without this voice, one becomes alone in a crowd of millions. Distinctly set apart. Excluded.

During this time, all at once, I feel that I was experiencing and living thru history, and all the while detached from it. Isolated and lonely. Helpless and weak. Utterly alone.

For those reading, and more importantly listening, realize what I am saying. Do not squander this, or treat it lightly. Take this right, this privilege, and use it wisely. Use it willingly. Use it well. Many have shed blood, sweat, and tears so that others might be counted and heard. Many have paid the ultimate price. A nation was created for it – for us. Honor that. Join in.

Time passes, as it does. I revel in the change that occurred on that historic November night. I take pride in the brotherhood of a nation that overcame such a wicked and violent past. I believe in the hope of things to come, for generations to come. I take comfort in the family and friends that I openly admit I need, cherish, and love deeply. I continue on my journey to have my voice heard, my will done, my vote count. I anxiously await the day when I am fully engaged, uncapped, unlimited, uncontained. I do not ask for pity. I do not seek quarter. I realize how my current situation arose. Although I seek to maintain my privacy, I do not cower from my circumstances, I do not curtail my condition. I am confident. I believe in the higher power of both man and God. I will appeal to it. As I look around, I see that I am blessed in just what I have. I am grateful. When the time is right, I will tell my story – the whole story. But not here, not now. For now, my story goes on. For now, I will continue to be spoken for by others. I will be guided and handled. I will never give up. I will endure. And when all else is finished, I will remain and be included.