Being a Yankee, I haven't been affected as strongly by the tactics used in the rural south to impede the progress of Civil Rights for Blacks and I am empathetic. Being a transplant to the relatively unchanged south, I have seen the manifestation of the attitudes that linger. It's not just the flying Confederate flags or the systematic shunning of educated, dedicated Black employees, but also the air of entitlement and deniability that is nearly palpable. But I digress.
In this, an election year, we are faced with the devil we know and the devil we think we know. The next years of our life hang in the balance since our choice will be able to leave their mark if we need a new Supreme Court justice or new legislature or, fingers crossed against this one, we go to war. No matter your beliefs about the fairness of or the validity of our votes, I'm thrilled to have the right.
Here in America, I am elated to be able to express myself freely, though I may be heavily scorned, as well as other rights. I am grateful to those who fought, bled and died in Selma and other places to ensure my right to vote. And come November, I plan to honor them at the polls. See you there.
