Today is your first presidential election day! I am so proud to have the opportunity to introduce you to our country's democratic process. I had a lot fun working on my sample ballot with you as we "discussed" the national, state, and local candidates over breakfast.
Working on being an informed and active citizen.
As much as I love taking part in our election process, I do get concerned by the negativity that surrounds it. I certainly support expressing your opinion, but in an intelligent and thoughtful manner that respects others' beliefs systems. It's hard to escape it, but you don't have to be part of it. I always think back to an experience I had when I was younger.
During the 1992 election, my fifth grade class held mock voting. I remember one of my classmates calling me an "Independent Idiot!," so I, of course, called him a "Democrat Dumbell!" I then remember our teacher taking us out in the hallway and having a nice long chat with us about respecting other people's opinions and the value of collaboration. She also told us that name-calling was petty and did nothing to advance intelligent discourse and it certainly didn't make people think well of you, your opinion, or your party. And it darn sure didn't accomplish anything productive. This moment has always stuck with me. I hope it resonates with you too. Remember, all sides have to come together in order for anything to get done following this election. All we should want is a Congress and a President that are willing to reach across the fence and make the real winner of elections the American people.
During the 1992 election, my fifth grade class held mock voting. I remember one of my classmates calling me an "Independent Idiot!," so I, of course, called him a "Democrat Dumbell!" I then remember our teacher taking us out in the hallway and having a nice long chat with us about respecting other people's opinions and the value of collaboration. She also told us that name-calling was petty and did nothing to advance intelligent discourse and it certainly didn't make people think well of you, your opinion, or your party. And it darn sure didn't accomplish anything productive. This moment has always stuck with me. I hope it resonates with you too. Remember, all sides have to come together in order for anything to get done following this election. All we should want is a Congress and a President that are willing to reach across the fence and make the real winner of elections the American people.
Anyway, I was so proud to take you to vote with me today. I tweeted the picture of you working on our your ballot to the Today Show, dressed you in patriotic colors, and headed out on a jog to our polling location.
Ready to vote!
All the workers at the polling location loved my little voting buddy! And you enjoyed playing at the park afterward.
Driving the firetruck!
After our busy morning, we headed home for our shower. Obviously, civic duty had worn you out because you were ready to take a nap directly afterward. And I mean directly afterward!
Later on tonight, though, while you were asleep and I was at class, something pretty cool happened. The Today Show posted your picture on their Facebook page and on their website! It was so neat to see you as a little celebrity. We've printed the pages and put them in your memory box for you. Sadly, no call to come meet Al Roker. Yet.
Love you Little Buddy,
Momma
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