The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Voting - It's An American Given

by Dessa Rodeffer, Publisher/Owner

13 March 2002

Next Tuesday, March 19th is election day and being able to vote is a given if you are an American.

It kind of makes you proud, then again, ashamed of how many people take that for granted here.

After 9-11, I hope all of us will say a prayer for that blessing and thank those who fought for that right.

Tuesday, when I walk into the polling place to punch my ballot, I'll make sure there are good strong punches, no hanging chads.

I'm tempted to carry one of the small flags I have to show my pride for this free country.

I'm tempted to wear red, white and blue.

Pride in the right things are good for individuals. It makes us work a little harder to keep things in order, least someone talk disrespectful about us, and about our home we love.

I know in my home, I need to do regular house cleaning to keep everything in order just in case some one might drop in. I also need to do Spring cleaning, where I really take a good look at things and make some major repairs and replace things that are no longer at their best.

Elections can be compared to these types of things.

We want to be proud of those who keep our government offices running. We want to make sure those serving us are living up to the task at hand. We want to make sure they are working at a level that is acceptable and not getting comfortable or have out-lived their purpose, like the old furnace did at my house this year.

My furnace started getting loud, drawing attention, causing all kinds of commotion, and it was time to move it out and a more efficient replacement in.

The new one not only runs quieter and smoother, but its efficiency will save us money.

America is our home, Illinois is our home, and the county we live in is our home, as well.

We must all take a part in taking care of how our homes are being run. We can't leave it to others and live here.

At the polls on Tuesday, give those a pat on the back with your vote of approval. Collect information and proudly make your choices. Our American home will be better served, and you'll be proud for being a part of what makes our home great.