Proud To Be An American

Posted by: Cathy Arnst on November 04

Like the parents of fellow blogger Karyn, I took my daughter to vote with me, using it as an opportunity to give her a civics lesson in democracy. As we stood there peacefully in a long, long line, with people of all races, creeds and colors, I told her about the many countries where elections have to be monitored by international observers, or voters are set upon by government soldiers, or terrorist bombs.

I also told her how remarkable it is that the people in line have a chance to vote for an African-American man or a woman, in a nation that once denied both the right to vote; a nation that was founded on the notion that blacks were property. As Jon Stewart said on the The Daily Show last night, this is a truly historic moment, the first “show not tell” election. No longer do you have to be a middle-aged white man to be president. When people tell a child “anyone can grow up to be President of the United States,” well, they’re right.

So, no matter who you voted for, consider how far we’ve come, and how few other nations can say the same. Need some convincing? Watch this inspiring video, share it with your kids, and remember that the events depicted took place only 50 years ago.

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