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Just Vote
November 06, 2006
I consider myself a relatively busy person. My accomplishments, however, pale when compared to those of George Washington. He alone managed to survey the better part of Virginia, run a farm, serve as a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, fight a war, take on the role first President of the United States, and to top all that, he also authored a small pamphlet, Rules of Civility and Etiquette (http://www.patriotist.com/gwroc.htm).
If you have a few moments, scan Washington’s rules. Though many are more relevant to the 18th as contrasted to the 21st Century (Kill no Vermin, as Fleas, lice ticks &c in the Sight of Others . . . .), others remain quite relevant today (Let your Conversation be Without Malice or Envy . . . .).
I mention Washington and his writings because this is the day before Election Day. We have survived, just barely, another hotly contested election season, in which tempers have flared and voices have been raised in heated arguments and angry attack ads. Too often, our political discourse is now mean and baseless. It unfortunately is filled with exactly what Washington urged us to avoid, malice and envy.
It is my hope that in these last hours before the 2006 Election season ends, we can set aside our anger and consider instead the people and the actions that will best benefit our country. As a nation we face critical issues and dangerous times. We will overcome our challenges far more successfully if we enter the future with a sense of shared purpose.
No matter which candidate or side of an issue you choose, I urge you, please take the time to vote. It is an amazing privilege that we collectively can determine the future course of our Nation. Relatively few others within the world have this same right. It is one we should never take for granted.
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