Director's Column: Changing Seasons
Fall, beautiful fall with blustery winds and leaves dancing on their gusts. It is a great time of year. One can savor the smells of apple pies baking or simmering soups cooking all day for a warm evening meal. It is a plentiful season with much to inspire, appreciate, and experience for all.
In contrast to the pleasantness of the changing season it is also an important time in the future of our nation. Our economy lingers on the edge of collapse. The war in Iraq remains. Troops are deployed, soldiers die, and terrorists plot in other foreign countries. Abortion is still a politically charged topic of discussion. Unemployment rates are growing, foreclosures are common place. Uninsured people receive diagnoses that cripple them financially and they lose their American dream. These are real issues that affect us in our daily lives and creep into our neighborhoods. In light of the devastation many families/individuals are feeling these days it is easy to wonder how we as one person can do anything to make a difference. But I assure you, each of us can and must do our part to make the world a better place.
Regardless of what side of the political fence you sit on, or if you teeter on the fence itself, on November 4th you must vote! It is one way each of us can become something bigger than ourselves and join with others with similar hopes, dreams, and beliefs in the future of our great nation. Voting is a responsibility not a privilege. Everything we enjoy, dislike, or take for granted in our daily lives is political. How much gas costs, where you can go to school, city ordinances, rights or lack of, and everything else is about politics. If you don't want to vote and speak up for yourself-how can change truly happen?
The other day in the La Crosse Tribune there was a letter to the editor from an eleven year old who was encouraging people who could vote, to do it. She wrote about the history of how women got the right to vote and that we should not waste their efforts. I agree wholeheartedly with her. If you need reminding or a glimpse into the fight that was fought for women to vote watch Iron Jawed Angels, an HBO film. As women, our rights to our bodies, our ability to access health care, and birth control and similar laws are primarily voted on by men. Our ability to vote helps our voices be heard on these issues.
As for men of color they were afforded the right to vote in 1870- but had many state imposed road blocks to overcome in obtaining that right throughout the nation. Women followed fifty years later by being granted the right to vote in 1920. These were struggles that past generations fought and won to ensure future generations had the right to vote. I believe that if we fought the fight we would turn out in larger numbers on election days and realize the importance of doing so.
Regardless of your political views, it is imperative that each and everyone of us vote this year in the presidential race. It is a pivotal time in the future of our nation and it does matter the outcome of this election. I myself would rather participate and know I did what I could by casting my vote for what I believe is the best choice for change.
Not only will the leaves keep falling and the air become more crisp as fall embraces our days-the election will either provide me with a warm feeling of hope and belief in my nation or cause me to fear the bitter coldness of the next four years. I refuse to just sit by and not be counted. I am a woman, a lesbian, a mother, a feminist, a college student, and an American. I am voting on November 4th! Will you?
Peace & belief,
Rosanne St. Sauver
Executive Director