politics as usual

i have wanted to remain neutral about politics here for the simple reason that this blog is about my kids. sure i was diverted by the pomp and circumstance of the dnc and sarah palin's legs. but being passionate about politics is as much a part of me as anything else. seriously. i can think of almost nothing else these days. this election is so important - not for myself, but for the sweet goodness in those little men i am raising. i'm taking a stand. be kind and indulge me or do not read on.

my dad was a vietnam vet. i learned from his experience how important it is to support the troops - while they are home and away. he strongly opposed war, but was drafted to serve and served to the very best of his ability as long as he was required. it is no different for us as citizens. we have a duty to serve this country by participating in the process of politics whether we believe in it or not. our lives are not a matter of convenience; we are drafted for this cause by simply choosing freedom. agree or disagree, we must fight to retain our constitutional liberties. we must be part of the debate.

i heard a good friend invoking the overused campaign slogan "hope is not a strategy." i couldn't disagree more. without hope we would continue down the path of failed domestic economic policy and continue to lose our standing in the global market. we would give up and watch the ice caps melt. we would not rebuild our homes after natural disasters. we would sit idle while our leaders take liberties with the institution of government. we would fear dissent, lest our patriotism be questioned. without hope there would be no change (just more of the same). and change is the only strategy that everyone is talking about.

what does this have to do with sweet pea and beans? absolutely everything. we were at the jefferson county democratic headquarters this week. i was teaching them about the political process. i hope they will grow up to be free thinkers and separate themselves from the politics of their parents. i hope they will always speak their minds and fight for what is right. i hope the world they grow up in will help them to be patriotic and serve their country for all of its good and bad. i hope they will be responsible citizens of the world. i hope they will learn and then make their own choices. until then i will insist that they be involved as we vote, argue politics, support candidates and participate in the process.

hope is a strategy
amen. sermon over. fall off the soapbox. back to work.