The partly cloudy patriot.

I'm reading Sarah Vowell's 'Partly Cloudy Patriot,' which is a collection of memiors where she explores U.S. History and and, in doing so, relates them to experiences she has had in her own life. Its really a good read and I will let anyone borrow it when I am finished.

Anyways, I was reading last night before bed, and in one chapter, she states that while she may not have a religion, her faith is in the idea of American democracy. Her Bible is the Constition and the Declaration of Independence. And then she spits out the prettiest little paragraph about voting:

"All of which is to say, look up the word suffrage in the dictionary. In mine, after noting the main meanings-the priveledge of voting is the "exercise of such a right," the third interpretation of suffrage is this: "A short intercessory prayer." Isn't that beautiful? And true? For what is voting if not a kind of prayer, and what prayers are not declarations of hope and desire."

Anyways, I thought that was wonderful and the whole chapter from which I lifted it made me realise how much I take for granted that right and what women had to go through to give me that right. Tough bitches. While I have always voted, its almost been more of a chore to me. Like, ugh, I have to get up early before work to vote. This year, thanks to this book, I will think of it as a little prayer for our future.

Okay, I feel like I should go watch Mary Poppins or something now. Don't worry, my next blog is going to be about how much I hate when people tell me they prayed.