For the Love of Your Country

Tuesday was election day over here in the US. I had the opportunity through my civics class to actively participate in the midterm elections. I was one of the clerks at a precinct in Cypress. Most of the time I was checking voters in by finding their name on the roster, but I also worked the computer which issued access codes for awhile and was called on as the eslate (voting machine) expert whenever a voter ran into a problem. Apparently that also entailed explaining to people that yes, you can vote for more than one Associate Justice, Court of Appeal, 4th Appellate District, Division One. It was an interesting day. Here's a picture of me doing one of my many jobs:I enjoyed performing a civic duty for my city and country. It was an interesting experience. Even though my particular precinct was slow, we did get a 37% voter turnout, not counting absentee ballots (which is only .5% off from my prediction of the overall election, I might add). I'd say that's not bad for a midterm election. I got to see quite a few interesting figures, and many devoted Americans. I admire the people who spent over an hour trying to find the right precinct so they could vote. I admire the people who come to vote despite physical handicaps or language barriers. I admire the people who take the time out of their day to jog over, bring their whole families to vote, or their toddlers.
I can't wait until I can follow your example to the polls.
I am also contented with the results of the election so far. The Democrats have taken control of both the House and the Senate, though only by about 1~2 seats in the latter. Prepare for two exciting years of vetoes and filibusters. Not that I find that the most effective means of conducting business in our country. But I do hope to see some bills addressing healthcare and welfare reform and minimum wage pass through Congress. We'll see. As for the returning governator, I must admit he is the better man for the job, so I'm content in that area as well.
I'm feeling patriotic now (ie, more so than usual), so here are some pictures which inspire me and make me think of California and our country. Enjoy! And to those of you who wore an "I Voted" sticker on the 7th, I have to thank you. Your voices are the ones which echoed from shore to shore on Tuesday, and moved the United States into a new, positive direction.