Voting "Dress Code" First Step in Restoring Respect

I know you probably think I am completely insane for accepting rules the government sets for me.

I know that my acceptance of such regulations goes against my exceptionally conservative viewpoint. I should be demanding less government, less bureaucratic rigamorole, and less waste of my money to fund bullshit programs.

Just for the record, I'm all for less taxes :)

But I truly believe the government needs to establish some boundaries for the ridiculous people it has to rule. I truly believe that the United States government is smarter than me, and is therefore better equipped to protect me from evil that is greater than my puny mind can even conceive.

The article I read today is not about any of these grand scale issues, but it is, I believe, very important. I do not know that my typing fingers can accurately portray the message I am trying to convey, but alas, I must try.

Here's the bottom line (or topic sentence as some fancy schmancy writers like to call it): Regardless of your opinion, you MUST show respect. Period.

That is how I feel. That is how I have ALWAYS felt. For my parents, my teachers, my elders, for any human being who has made a small difference in this world, I will show respect. Patriotism, in my opinion, true patriotism is shown through respect.

Now, I could go on and on about the "polarizing politics" that have divided this country and have degraded and warped the respect factor in our culture and society for generations, but I think I would be wasting my time.

I could go on and on about the disrespect of opposing opinions in all facets of life - religion, politics, child-rearing, the military, feminism, etc. - that have also contributed to the degradation of the basic tenements of respect in the American people. But really, would you listen?

Instead, let me tell you about an article I read today.

In Texas, they have decided to enforce the code that says, "electioneering shall not be allowed within 100 feet of a ballot box." How? By telling a woman she cannot wear her Obama T-Shirt within 100 feet of her local polling place.

Why is this significant? Well, first, most will decry the dress code. "It's our right to wear whatever we want!" But I say, "Bravo Zulu, Texas!" There is a serious lack of respect in this country, and it starts with politics.

My problem is not that this woman supports a President and a political party that I do not. My problem is that when this woman was told the rule, she refused to follow it.

Every day, I try to teach my stepson respect. If he does not like what I tell him, he is more than welcome to seek understanding and explain why he disagrees with me. But first, he MUST obey. You do what you are told first, and then you seek a diplomatic, respectful, non-violent, friendly and fair way to change the rule you do not like. I realize I ask a lot for a five-year-old to "work the system" like that, but if I don't, who will?

Certainly not Gavin Newsom.

Tamika Francis could have turned her T-shirt inside out, as the election judges requested, and proceeded to vote. And then, she could have went through the proper channels to try to change the "electioneering" rule she seems so diabolically opposed to. Instead, she chose to NOT vote - which also meant her disabled mother could not vote either. Ms. Francis then alerted the news media that she had been denied the right to vote. A complete bastardization of the truth that only serves to further "disenfranchise" people who already have a jaded view of our republic.

Here is my basic problem -- voting is a priviledge. And the majority of Americans have a complete lack of respect for the beauty that is the most sacred freedom human beings have ever been allowed. Every two or four years, the power in this country changes hands without violence. It is a miracle. It is beautiful. And it is our gift to the world. Peaceful democracy. When America was forming hundreds of years ago, they said it couldn't be done. But it is the one thing that survives year after year.

And the majority of Americans choose not to partake.

This woman's blatant disregard for her one patriotic duty is disgusting, disrespectful and deplorable.

Vote, people. It's the one time you can actually control the future.