Guest Blogger: Paloma on Voting

Today I'm proud to present my first guest blogger post, authored by the indomitable Pomme Bomme:

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Only a few weeks ago my sister was urging me to exercise my rights, and at times threatening me if I did not do so. I didn’t think my voice would be heard, anyway.

I’ve never been the over enthusiastic patriot, I’ve never flown the stars and stripes in my yard. I’ve never had to rally for my rights, or stood with my hand over my heart saluting the flag unless told to do so. I had never before used my vote. So I was late in hopping on the band wagon to even consider casting my ballot. I knew that this election would be different, and that there were two propositions that I felt so, so strongly about, 4 and 8. “A historical race”, everyone was saying. “How can you not be a part of this?!”

Well, I did take part. Late in the race I just got the feeling that if I didn’t rise to the occasion I would regret it for the rest of my life. It also helped that Skyla was still threatening me. If I wasn’t going to listen to my lawyer, who would I listen to?? Mica also threatened to steal my ballot and cast it herself.

I went to the local voting poll yesterday, signed my name and sealed my envelope. I was given a sticker. I went to my sister’s house and hid my shaking hands, hoping as hard as I possibly could. I haven’t pushed so hard for anything since I popped Isobel out. The man I voted for won the 2008 presidential elections.

And so for the first time in my life, my heart is swelling with pride to be an American. I see a bright future for my home country. Today I feel that I have brought my child into a great world, not a scary one in uncertain times. Things are going to change, I believe that. Last night Barack Obama made history. We have overcome, and I say that with tears on my cheeks and the image of Dr. Martin Luther King’s face in my mind.

I’ve had a political epiphany, I have come to realize how important it is to take part and pay attention to what is going on with my government. For someone as opinionated as I, who always has something to say, and always does say something, often without thinking of the repercussions, you’d think it wouldn’t have taken me so long to get the point. I’ve always made myself heard to those around me, just ask my family. I know why I didn’t vote before. I didn’t care enough to do so, and that was wrong. I mislead myself into having that mindset.

I don’t have many regrets, but today I regret that it has taken me so long to get in touch with the political side of my mind. But that is yesterday, and today marks a new era in our lives.

I have hope today, I am brimming with it. We will continue to persevere, I will continue to persevere. With hand voluntarily over heart, I tell you, I am proud to be an American.