Reflections

(Blogs give voice to the voiceless. If only we could force those in power to listen.   – promoted by Kathy)

I am not a political person, but I vote.  It strikes me as sadly amusing how many politically minded individuals start campaigning for their prospective offices years before the actual election begins.  Why is this funny?  It seems to me, a voice lost in the masses, that the only time someone cares about what I might think is when my vote is being solicited.  Once a candidate is assured of my tacit approval, he/she disappears into the ether and any discussions that may have been had rapidly vaporize like an early morning fog.

After the longed for office has been achieved (or not, whichever the case may be), those vapors may occasionally resurface, like the wisps of a barely recalled dream, only to typically be shoved aside.

Mine is not, nor ever will be, the swing vote needed.  I am a single mother living a quiet life in poverty raising my daughter in a small town, born and raised in a state I dearly love.  In a state rapidly approaching the same poverty levels I 'enjoy'.  No one knows my name, not really, nor do they truly care about my story as long as my vote is cast and taxes are paid.  Yet, I remain.

I have had many ask why I do.  They are rarely satisfied with the answer.  I stay because this is where my people are.  This small community is where I choose to raise my daughter, so that she will also understand the depth and strength of roots and binding ties.  

I rarely agree with the decisions my 'leaders' have made for me, so far from my small home.  I do understand the saying 'for the good of the many, not the few (or the one)', and comprehend well that I am exactly that sole one.  Am I?  I am not the only single parent that votes.  I am not the only person working 40 hours a week, for a check that would come much closer to making the bills for luxuries such as food, shelter, communication and electricity if I didn't have to pay such a large portion of it for the health insurance I cannot afford to use.  At least I have a job.  I am not the only person in my reality, much less my town, who has had to take any job available when my career went to hell in a handbasket during the recent housing crisis.

However, I am a voter.  Ladies and gentlemen in the political climate, pray remember me when you vote on something next.  Because it was my vote that helped to put you in the place to speak for me.  A voice lost within the many, I am the one. 

I am a writer, a student, a teacher, a philosopher, a parent, a child. All of these components have been essential in creating the woman writing to you today. Everyone has a purpose in life, be it huge or minor. We all have a role to play. Mine is to help others along the way, regardless of the Path they are called to follow. My students come to me of their own will, adapt my teachings to their own experiences and move on when they are ready. To my thoughts, this is exactly as it should be.

Soapie

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