January 23, 2007 was the fifth best day of my life, preceded only by the births of my four children. That was the day I became an American citizen.
The single biggest reason I decided to renounce my Canadian citizenship, and become an American, was to have the right to vote. Prior to becoming an American, I lived here as a “Resident Alien” for ten years, and enjoyed all of the benefits of this great country. However; I never really felt that I was part of the American fabric. I considered it my home, but I felt like a visitor. On Tuesday, any of those lingering feelings will disappear completely.
I will be in line by 6:00am. My 18 year-old daughter Jeri will be voting for the first time as well, and we will be going out to celebrate afterwards. I am so pleased with how engaged she has become in the political arena. Interestingly enough, I am most proud of the fact that she is voting differently that I am. It demonstrates independent thinking. I do not agree with her position, but I have never made any attempt to convince her otherwise. Instead, I have enjoyed learning the reasons behind her choice. It is a wonderful thing to see your child blossom into a committed, well-informed, and rationale adult. Besides, any attempt to sway her decision would reverse what the right to vote is all about.
When I first moved here, I was stunned to learn how low voter participation was in most elections, although the upcoming election is poised to have record voter turnout. I certainly hope that trend continues.
When I took the citizenship pledge, I was surrounded by 120 people from 40 different countries. It was an incredibly emotional experience. All around me, families stood tall and proud as tears rolled down the cheeks of the adults. In that room, people’s lifelong dreams were being realized. For most, they were delivering a better life for their children. Many of these were folks who arrived in the USA from indescribable situations, and truly believed they now had their place in the land of opportunity. Their ideals were right then, and hold true today.
It is very easy in these difficult economic times to discount the wonders of America. Yes indeed we have some near-term challenges, but this too shall pass. America was, is, and always will be, the envy of the world. There truly is no better place to live.
Please make sure you take the time to vote. Keep in mind that the majority of the world’s population would do anything to enjoy the right that many people in this country take for granted. For those of you that own businesses, allow your employees ample time off to exercise this glorious right. If you are planning on buying a business, make it a policy to do so once you are the boss. You will feel good about it, and it is simply the right thing to do.
Tuesday is going to be a phenomenal day in my family, regardless of the outcome. We waited a long time for this day to arrive, and there is no doubt in my mind it will become the sixth greatest day of my life. I cannot wait.
