Election Day Jetters!!!

As I read through the volume of e-mails this morning regarding the election, I figured, NOW, it was a good time to share my thoughts!

So much emphasis is on who to vote for and why? I am so glad to be apart of one of the most historical events of my lifetime! Flashback, seven years ago-- I can remember sitting home on the couch crying about how the world was coming to an end and how things were so bad. A few weeks before September 11th my grandmother passed away, I remember my thoughts were I am so glad that she didn't have to see this, "Boy, she would have really flipped". On another note, I was home pregnant thinking about what opportunities will my daughter have in the world with all the chaos that is going on.?

Fast forward eight years, the job market is unstable. Unemployment rates are at an all time high. People are losing their homes and minds as well. So with this election (hopefully), the general public will vote for someone that can turn around this confusion! I hope that everyone who is informed and qualified to vote WILL do so...

As an African-American Jersey girl, everything seems to be MY RIGHT! However, as I learned quickly-- I have NO damn rights, except to VOTE. When it comes to driving it's a privilege, and boy I am happy to have that privilege. But voting, is my right! I think about all the horror stories my grandparents and elder relatives have shared about their civil rights and liberties. I am so amazed with how optimistic they are about this election. It tickles me to hear them say, "I never thought that there was a possibility of an African-American president". I was talking to my grandfather the other night, and he said, "with the stuff I seen in my lifetime I never thought I'd see this". Now, for anyone who knows how much I love my Pops, this was really amazing to me! I couldn't imagine! Pops is Seventy-Something! (I have omitted his true age because he will read this, I don't want the backlash. LOL). He has been to the army, at a time when African Americans were not favored to be there, he has lived through a few riots and many wars. He lived through a time when there were colored-only fountains... and to him the idea that an African-American man would actually run for President is beyond belief.

I have been referring back to history, and what I was taught vs. what I learned, and now it all seems valid. Meaning, over 45 years ago, MLK, made the I have a dream speech. I could never imagine that the dream ever being true until, now! For the first time in my life, I am proud to be an American and take my stake in the American dream. I can remember my trip to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and all the wonderful things that I learned about being African-American and what my people have endured. If anyone has ever been there, then you know it starts with the beginning of civilization, moves through slavery, and ends with Room 306. And at the end of my visit it was like the horrible end to a GREAT movie! Here I stood in the same place where Martin Luther King was shot. At the time of my visit (which was a number of years ago), there weren't any prolific African-American leaders. So, my thoughts were that Martin Luther King's dream died along with him.


Fast forward 45 years, and so many other GREAT accomplishments for African-Americans. As I write to many of you, please look at the very blessings you have obtained through the struggles of our ancestors, white & black, of the past. Many of you are homeowners, self-employed, or have jobs that calibrate your lifestyle way above poverty. This would not be possible it is wasn't for people taking a stand a seeking a common goal.


In closing, many people ask am I voting for Barack Obama because he is Black. Well, the short version is NO. Although, there are many that will and many that won't. I have sat back and listen to both sides of the issues and made my decision as to who represented my views and beliefs the best. I WILL be voting for Barack Obama, and him being African-American isn't too bad, either. So for all of those people out there, who think their vote doesn't count, the lines are too long or they don't want to vote for Obama for his safety. Please think about what the next (8) years will be like with Bush in a third term. I don't know about you, but it breaks my heart pull up to every stop light and there is a sign of desperation from our fellow Americans, black, white, hispanic with signs looking for help. It is heartbreaking to see people without hope!


So if you haven't already... vote Barack Obama for President!

I am on my way to the polls, with my clan (Jayla, Jeremy, & Jaden)... will I see you there?

Be blessed & I love all of you!


Keyona