We need to stop the huge division of our country into red and blue. Our nation’s future is not a competition between the winning Super Bowl teams, red against blue. We are forging a path to a future that will benefit all generations, with no one left out.
There is a reason our flag has three colors. It is not because we copied the French or the British. These colors stand for something much larger than any individual or country.
We are an inclusive nation, despite the shouts and rants of different voices on every media, including social.
White is in our flag, not for ethnic reasons, but for color values. It was chosen as a bridge between red and blue, because white light is the presence of ALL colors, leaving none out. It also represented the purity of the ideas which formed this nation. Even as we struggle to maintain them.
Red was for the blood shed to achieve our freedom, for the strength of our life’s blood to preserve our country, and for valor, courage. For what it costs our communities in military lives lost, and for what it costs legislators to dedicate their lives, their families and their health on the line to protect our rights.
Democracy isn’t free, it isn’t something you were just born into … people paid a price.
Blue was for perseverance, vigilance and justice. Democracy does demand vigilance from its citizens.
Democracy is losing ground around the globe as extremists and nationalists in many countries are steadily crushing the rights of their citizens and unions.
The founders of our nation chose symbols to share the beliefs of the citizens of the time. Just as our Constitution has received amendments to update ideas in the original plan, our ideals must transform to keep pace with a changing world. We have to do the tedious work, of watching, learning and speaking out. Either with our voices, or our votes.
We are a nation that was built around ideas, not nationalism or imperialism. (I know, it is hard to believe today.)
Our founding citizens were creating a new country, a land that would be distinguished from others, because it was built around an idea of freedom of all people. The pure ideals of democracy, even though our human failings would lead many down false pathways of oppression.
Amendments were entered into after the Civil War, in 1870, to grant male African-Americans the right to vote. The 15th Amendment determined that the right to vote should not be limited by race, color or previous condition of servitude.
Fifty years later, in 1920, it was determined that women were allowed the same rights as freed slaves in the 22nd Amendment. However, this was after multiple failed attempts for this privilege, involving jailing, beatings, forced feedings that killed some women. A very high price was paid for women’s voting rights.
In 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was proposed, as women still do not have the equal rights of men in many areas. While it was ratified by 34 states, it did not get the additional four states needed for ratification, and Congress had created a ratification deadline, which was not met. The measure failed, leaving women still struggling for equal treatment, equal pay and protection from discrimination, 46 years later.
If we were to achieve equal rights, we would have to start all over again. One more job for overworked women to take on. We need men to partner in this fight for their mothers, wives, daughters and future generations.
Given that it took 50 years to get women’s voting rights, we are due for protection in four more years. Please take note of this. Your daughters and granddaughters will be struggling with state and federal programs for equal treatment for years to come. They are tired of working two jobs, childcare and elder care and are exhausted.
The 27th Amendment is particularly interesting regarding congressional compensation. They can’t vote themselves a raise during their current legislative term. It will only apply if they get elected again. No wonder those incumbents fight so hard for their seats.
On behalf of the blood that my father’s generation shed, that my brother and husband shed, that many of your family members shed, remember how much power you have with your vote. Your vote counts.
It isn’t just friendship, family or ohana, business partners, when you go into the privacy of the voting booth. Your best friend may know a lot about cars, but you use a doctor for your body’s health.
Your brother-in-law’s cousin may be an outstanding banker (but you know he gambles), so maybe he isn’t the best person to manage county finances.
Inside the voting booth, you open your heart and mind, and pray you are making a good choice. It is the best any of us can do. Please do your best for Kauai’s future. Aloha makes us great.
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Virginia Beck is a resident of Kauai.
