October 9, 2012
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
Let Your Voice be Heard
I remember the brisk morning when my father and I walked to the polls to vote. That was almost four years ago and he was ecstatic. Barack Obama, a senator at the time was running for President of the United States. My father, who was 79 years old was still uncertain if he would live to see in his life time an African American president. We were all wondering the same thing but we remained optimistic. The line to vote that morning was long well before 8am. People of all ages stood in line speaking about the history we hoped we would make later that evening. After voting my father went home and I went to work, prouder than ever. Later that evening my parents went to sleep but I remained awake to see who would become our 44th president. When it was announced that Barack Obama won the presidency I immediately ran upstairs to wake up my father. I softly shook him and he opened his eyes. “Daddy, he won,” I said. My father, trying to get his thoughts together sat up in bed and said, “what?’ I repeated, “Daddy he won. Obama won!” The look on my father’s face was priceless and one I will never forget. My father smiled as tears filled up in his eyes. “He did,” he softly said. I responded, “yes daddy, he did.”
Here we are, four years later and it is time to vote yet again. The contenders for President of the United States are President Barack Obama and Senator Mitt Romney. As we all know each candidate is trying to convince the American people that they are the best choice. I personally know that my vote will go for our president to have a second term but there are some who may not agree. Whatever the case, we have to turn out in record numbers to vote. This election is just as important as the last. If President Obama is not elected I feel this country, especially the poor, minorities and the elderly will not have a voice. It is extremely important that we pay close attention to both candidates’ platforms and their intentions for the American people. If we have someone telling us lies and trying to convince us they are the truth even before they are elected, how can we expect them to be honest as head of state? So we have to vote to make sure the right candidate who will speak for us will be elected.
Voting has always been an issue in the African American community. For many years we were denied the right to vote. However, we still fought for our voice to be heard. It is not only our right to vote but it is our obligation to those before us. Although many think their votes do not count, they do. One vote not cast could be the difference between the wrong candidate getting into office instead of the right one. Just like we stand in lines for the latest Iphones to go on sale, we have to be that enthusiastic about standing in line to vote. We have to show our children that voting isn’t an option but it is a necessity. We need to make sure our children and those within our communities who are eighteen years old are registered to vote. When voting, we need to take our children with us to introduce them to the voting process so that it will be as familiar to them as their favorite show. It is imperative that we educate them. So as November 6th approaches make sure there is a conversation with your children about the importance of the election. Educate them about each candidate and inquire about who they would vote for if they could. And be sure to rock the vote and let your voice be heard!!!
Charlotte Marshall Templeman
Let Your Voice be Heard
I remember the brisk morning when my father and I walked to the polls to vote. That was almost four years ago and he was ecstatic. Barack Obama, a senator at the time was running for President of the United States. My father, who was 79 years old was still uncertain if he would live to see in his life time an African American president. We were all wondering the same thing but we remained optimistic. The line to vote that morning was long well before 8am. People of all ages stood in line speaking about the history we hoped we would make later that evening. After voting my father went home and I went to work, prouder than ever. Later that evening my parents went to sleep but I remained awake to see who would become our 44th president. When it was announced that Barack Obama won the presidency I immediately ran upstairs to wake up my father. I softly shook him and he opened his eyes. “Daddy, he won,” I said. My father, trying to get his thoughts together sat up in bed and said, “what?’ I repeated, “Daddy he won. Obama won!” The look on my father’s face was priceless and one I will never forget. My father smiled as tears filled up in his eyes. “He did,” he softly said. I responded, “yes daddy, he did.”
Here we are, four years later and it is time to vote yet again. The contenders for President of the United States are President Barack Obama and Senator Mitt Romney. As we all know each candidate is trying to convince the American people that they are the best choice. I personally know that my vote will go for our president to have a second term but there are some who may not agree. Whatever the case, we have to turn out in record numbers to vote. This election is just as important as the last. If President Obama is not elected I feel this country, especially the poor, minorities and the elderly will not have a voice. It is extremely important that we pay close attention to both candidates’ platforms and their intentions for the American people. If we have someone telling us lies and trying to convince us they are the truth even before they are elected, how can we expect them to be honest as head of state? So we have to vote to make sure the right candidate who will speak for us will be elected.
Voting has always been an issue in the African American community. For many years we were denied the right to vote. However, we still fought for our voice to be heard. It is not only our right to vote but it is our obligation to those before us. Although many think their votes do not count, they do. One vote not cast could be the difference between the wrong candidate getting into office instead of the right one. Just like we stand in lines for the latest Iphones to go on sale, we have to be that enthusiastic about standing in line to vote. We have to show our children that voting isn’t an option but it is a necessity. We need to make sure our children and those within our communities who are eighteen years old are registered to vote. When voting, we need to take our children with us to introduce them to the voting process so that it will be as familiar to them as their favorite show. It is imperative that we educate them. So as November 6th approaches make sure there is a conversation with your children about the importance of the election. Educate them about each candidate and inquire about who they would vote for if they could. And be sure to rock the vote and let your voice be heard!!!
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