My Civic Duty

Make no mistake about it: I do not like this country.

Wait, wait, wait - let me back-up/backpedal:

I do not like the state of this country. Of course I like this country; technically, it belongs to me by way of my ancestors - everyone else is just a visitor. And I am not nearly so delusional as to think that actually matters. So why am I (most likely, as I am writing this while watching Boston Legal Monday night) standing in-line, waiting for the chance to cast my one, paltry vote for whomever it is I plan on voting for?

Well, the odds are 60 million:1 that my - or any - single vote will actually decide the election, but in 2000, I was one of maybe five other Americans who knew the Electoral College actually decides the election. I learned that in the 6^th-grade - we all did, I guess I was just the only one (along with the four others) who actually remembered it.

Since moving to Decatur County, TN in 2005, I have been continually harassed by the local law enforcement and legal community. I have been discriminated against by literally everyone over about 25 (I rock the long hairs and am dead sexy). I was falsely arrested - not once, but twice! In the last three days, I have witnessed the offending officer behind all of this creeping around me and my home twice (luckily I was with witnesses both times - not that it really matters). I was told I cannot request FBI intervention - or even investigation - because only the DA in the region can call for such.

I would love to change all of this.

Again, not delusional: I know none of this will ever change in the South. I personally believe a modern American goal should be to carry-out Sherman's plan to its conclusion. Not delusional! None of this will ever happen and my single vote will do nothing to help any of it get any closer...

But I honestly feel I have to do this because if I don't, I don't have a right to bitch and complain about any of it! Obviously, I would like to vote-in someone who will actually do something that makes a difference, but I have no real hope for that. Despite the fact that I am voting "for Change" (hint), I will be absolutely shocked should the candidate I vote for actually do anything other than sell right the hell out the minute his right hand falls to his right side after being sworn-in. But I have to hope - otherwise, there is just no point and the Revolution can start today.

So, right now, I am most likely braving the elements (and the horrible bigots of Decatur County, TN) to cast my single vote which will have absolutely no effect on anything for a candidate who lied his way into office and will do absolutely nothing to change the living hell that is America.

And I am doing all of this for you!

Wait...

I am doing all of this because it is a freedom I respect and one that - while almost completely symbolic and totally pointless to any practical length - is at least a ceremony of honor, one I can feel proud for having been a part of and actually stand tall in any political discussion with anyone else, knowing I did what I could, even though it didn't count and doesn't make one damn bit of difference!

© C Harris Lynn, 2008