Florida4Obama has an inspiring diary that I recommend you read. She relays her experience of 8 hours of canvassing today and a remarkable encounter with a McCain voter who came to her rescue. Her diary reminded me what it means to vote in America. We can get so fixated on our efforts to encourage folks to register and vote for Senator Obama, and yet we forget what the privlege truly means.
My efforts are small potatoes compared to many people here. I am painfully shy with strangers, hate the phone and dread organized canvassing. My small effort has involved my neighborhood -- chatting up strangers, educating them about Obama, but generally respecting their choices. I live in a small city, although it is the largest in Northwestern Connecticut. It is a Republican stronghold, comprised of blue collar workers who have seen their jobs shipped overseas. We have a good Republican mayor -- all of 26 years old -- who has maintained the city as a clean and relatively safe haven. I admit, I voted for him twice because the first incumbant rival was convicted of drunk driving and dissed the firefighters -- the second rival was an asshole.
I have gathered 27-28 Obama supporters who will join me on Tuesday to vote. One of the group is an African American 70 year old vet who was homeless. I convinced him to go to a shelter a month ago so that he could register to vote. I've found him a permanent safe place funded by vets and good people. Another is "Mary the Walker." She is one of those poor souls who is compelled to walk miles every day in all kinds of weather. She has a home with her brother, but, until now, no friends.
Prior to our walk to the polls (5 blocks away), we are having a sidewalk breakfast. Everyone is bringing something to eat or drink. We will be joined by McCain supporters. One couple I approached said firmly they were voting for McCain. I told them I was happy they were voting and invited them to our neighborhood breakfast. They were thrilled. The wife is making a coffee cake and calling her relatives.
I love my country and it makes me happy that citizens take their responsibility to vote seriously. My new McCain friends know that I respect their opinions -- thus, they were happy to listen to mine. If they are not persuaded at the last minute over coffee and biscotti, they might consider the next Democratic candidate in 2010.
Thank you to everyone who is engaged in the election of our leaders. We may disagree vigorously, but casting a ballot speaks most of our democracy. I now know that Tuesday is not the last day to persuade. I will be living with these neighbors for several years -- and they are open to my opinions.
Blessings to all of you have worked so much harder than I can imagine. Let's get it done.