For a while now I have not blogged about current events or things off the top of my head.  I have pretty much stuck to my fashion focus blog, which I am having a lot of fun with and will continue for awhile.

However, I would be remiss if I did not pause at this point and mention Tuesday’s upcoming general election throughout the country.  This blog focus is not to tell you who to vote for, for that is up to you and your conscious.  My intent is to tell you that you must vote.  Apathy or lack of concern is unacceptable in today’s society.  

If you think your vote does not matter, think again.  Ask yourself why is it getting harder and harder to exercise your right rather than easier?

Speaking from my own personal experience, voting has not been easy for my ancestors.  Oppression, suppression and straight out threats kept my grandparents and great parents from exercising their right.  The price that has been paid for me today to cast my vote has been a costly one for them.  It is not one that I take for granted.

Seeing my hero, Congressman John Lewis yesterday, continues to be an honor and a privilege.  This humble, kind hearted man has been on the battle field for Civil Rights for many, many years and has paid with his blood and with torment to his body to help get us to this point.  I can never, ever thank him enough for how he continues to command justice and equal opportunity for all.  For me, he is beacon to remind us of the good out there and the ability to overcome good with evil and for reminding us that justice will prevail over injustice.

Meeting Stacey Abrams for a brief moment also was an explosion of joy and hope, for she represents the new vanguard who is ready to pick up the baton and carry out the work that the foot soldiers for justice have so diligently worked at and brought to this point.

I voted absentee because I wanted to make sure my vote would count.  I did not want to chance anything keeping me in case I could not make it to the polls on Tuesday.

This midterm election is far different from those in the past.  There is a different climate in this country and people are engaged like never before.  We also have a division like one unseen before.  There is a moral and ethical addition to consider which goes far beyond casting a ballot for a political party.  People are going to have to really search their hearts and minds.  

I would encourage you to call your friends who do not have transportation and offer to take them to the polls.  Volunteer in any way you can to help expedite the voting process for others.  Be prepared to stand in long lines.  Don’t give up.  If the weather is bad, dress accordingly and plan to wait for the duration.

This election is far too important to blow off.  It is far too important to think “my vote won’t make a difference”.  It is far too important to think that if someone is leading in the polls, they probably “got it anyway”.  It is far too important not to cast your vote.  

So I encourage you to VOTE as if your life depended on it…..