Patriotic Conviction

Today the billions of Americans who call themselves registered voters are fulfilling their oh-so-important civic duty. I have to admit I am not one of these people. It's probably a good thing that not many people read my blog, because I am a bit ashamed of this fact, and I'm sick of coming up with excuses why I'm such a slacker. I truly wish I had remembered and found the time to send in that silly little paper before September 31, or whenever the deadline was to postmark it. Why didn't I register before this year? Well, I honestly haven't felt the need or pressure to. Until now. Of course, it's only pressure I'm feeling at the moment. Everyone who has asked me about it and discovered my terrible transgression has been somewhat angry with me for not registering and voting this year. They make me feel like such a terrible person. Interestingly, though, most of these people are my fellow students. It is quite amazing how so many young people are finding it more and more important to be a part of this national ritual. It seems that way, anyway. I genuinely commend them and admire them for this. However, I don't personally regret not voting this time around, and that makes me wonder if I ever will understand the importance of voting. I see that it is partially the principle that matters. The fact that every single eligible citizen in this great nation has the opportunity to give their own input is truly inspiring, even if it so often is undermined by the overwhelming majority. It is the fact that you are participating, truly becoming a member of this grand brotherhood of Americans, that seems to fuel a large amount of conviction. It's kind of like singing in a large choir. If you were to step out in the middle of a song, it is doubtful that much will change. However, being a member of that choir is what makes you care. If everyone decided to stop singing because their one voice was unimportant, there would be no sound at all. I never really felt that twinge of patriotism that runs through the blood of far too few Americans until I took American Heritage at BYU. I believe that it is because I grew to know those people who fought for something stronger, more stable, and more safe for the wild variety of people in this world who just want the right to be themselves. I learned and gained a testimony that God truly had a hand in the founding and stabilizing of this great nation, so that His restored gospel could bless my life today. I guess I just need to find that conviction that will inspire me to claim and contribute my seemingly insignificant ballot. Maybe next time... Just don't murder me before then for not really caring too much right now.... ... P.S. I didn't take this picture. I just think it is very beautiful. The URI to TrackBack this entry is: http://americantraveler.blogsome.com/2008/08/31/statue-of-liberty/trackback/