As a first generation American (my mom came over on the boat...literally) I take pride, like the rest of you, in my right to vote. As I waited in line starting at 7:00 this morning I was surrounded by people young and old. My neighbors, and new friends and I shared stories of our children. Not once did we mention who we would be voting for. I found great pride in this as well. One of my neighbors who is an American by choice had a smile on her face as she too has the right in this great country. The next three hours I spent out and about with my kids and I saw lots of smiles exchanged as all of us voters proudly displayed our hard to miss, red "I Voted" stickers. I think it is awesome that the lines are long at voting sites around the country. Our great nation affords us the right to cast our opinion and vote. I am surrounded by people who don't agree with my stance on politics, but we remain friends and loved ones. This is because, first and foremost, we are Americans, then we are a political party. I think the past 22 months have made it difficult to focus on the fact that is stated all over our great country "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" Although we may disagree whole heartedly on the issues, one fact remains the same, if we allow the outcome of an election to divide this great country we are allowing our rights as Americans to fall away. So regardless of the outcome of this election, let's stand UNITED as a nation and support the country we love so much. Go America! Go Soldiers! Go Elected Officials! Go Civilians! Go Neighbors! Go Families! Let's unite! When I was serving our country both stateside and overseas in different locations I never ran across someone who didn't believe in our country. We may have stood on separate sides of the aisle on different issues and some times the same side. One thing we never forgot was our patriotism to this great nation. Whether born American, or American by choice, we are all Americans despite any difference we may have. We have and are continuing our growth as lessening gaps set forth by God-chosen differences that not one of us can control, whether it be age, race, sex, ethnicity... we are all here; with red, white and blue running through our veins. We are afforded the right to vote, the right to fairness, the right to have an opinion and not be abused or forced another direction. Today we have been afforded the right to have a say. I suggest we reach across our figurative aisle, grab the hand of your neighbor, co-worker, family member, and say, 'let's stand united today! Let's stand united always.' Go America.
