“Elections? Really? Odd,” you might understandably say. In fact, you might think that I meant “election”, as in the Reformed doctrine thereof.
Naw. I meant elections, as in the U.S. elections going on tomorrow.
Here’s a little background about me: I have to admit that I have not always been the most idealistic about the United States. You could even say that I have often been a jaded American. I would politely refrain from the Pledge of Allegiance, for example. I would cringe at words like “patriot” and phrases like “freedom ain’t free”.
And then I moved to Bolivia.
Now, don’t get me wrong: I like Bolivia; I like the people and I love the setting in which our little school is set – surrounded on all sides by amazing mountains, including the insanely high Illimani (always, always covered by snow!). But, once in the taxi on the way home from school with some friends, I made an amazing discovery…
Bolivia had made me a more patriotic American.
The discussion that made me realize this was with two fellow teacher who are just in love with the place and who, for one reason or another, have actually become a bit more critical of the U.S. What amazed me was that I found myself on the opposite side of the discussion. I was actually glad to be an American.
Proud? Not really. Humbled? Totally.
I am a citizen of a nation where the electoral process, though not perfect (2000 is proof of that!), actually works. We have free and fair elections, voter fraud is shocking because it is rare, and we can be sure that the leader is the one who was freely and fairly elected.
Where I live, I can’t say as much.
I’m not really a “God bless America” kind of guy (more of a guy to yell, “Bless God, America!”). But I am suddenly more thankful that we can drive on election day, and meet in public on election day, and trust that our dead relatives are not voting for the local “elected” dictator. More thankful, and less jaded.
Bless God, America. He’s been good to us.
November 4, 2008 at 11:39 am
Like you, Tom, I’m probably not one of the most fervently patriotic people around. But I, too, am thankful for what we can do and be here in the UK, that so many around the world can’t do and be. Sometimes I’m not hugely motivated to go and vote at election time — I know that where I live the likelihood of getting anything other than the local conservative politician elected is slim at best. But in the past, people fought for my right to cast my vote, and it would dishonour them if I didn’t bother. So I always vote, no matter how much I feel my vote might not count for much.
November 7, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I think – as unique creations in the image of our God – each of our voices matter so much! I’m glad you and I make ours heard. Peace.