Messages From Carrie
Remember to Breath, Remember to Laugh - and Vote!
October 31st, 2008
I've just posted a free downloadable demo of the song "If Not Now" on my website. You can find it on the Free Gifts page.
There is also a slide show video of the song at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7lFBZasjsQ
Send on the links if you know anyone that might want the song or the encouragement these days!
This past week I joined the Sing Out the Vote in Ohio with Holly Near, Emma’s Revolution, Laura Love, and others to encourage folks in Ohio to vote early and volunteer if possible. It was such an amazing experience to be with these amazing artists who are risking a lot to be so up front about their hopes and convictions. The tour was based on reminding people that this election is not just about what we are against, but rather what we are for. This election has become increasingly ugly. There has been much misinformation and downright lies that have been repeated again and again. I have seen the worst aspects of our human nature called forth - fear, hate, racism and greed. I have heard the far religious right calling for people of faith to vote for these worse aspects of our nature, which is stunningly ironic. But, I have also heard an appeal to our better angels, invoking the possibility of a positive change in direction concerning the environment, peacemaking, care of the poor and vulnerable. I have seen the possibility of a huge step toward not just tolerating diversity, but cherishing diversity and what it brings to our communities.
Remembering what we believe in. Remember what we hope for. Remember the best of who are. There is reason to believe in positive change and new direction. Finally, remember to breath and to laugh. I think Tina Fey has been a Godsend in this political season. I was just reading a book by Frederick Beuchner on the flight home last Sunday. He wrote that laughter originates from the same deep place that sorrow is born. Sorrow and trouble is our companion in this life. There are times when God can seem distant or disturbingly quiet "God is of all the missing persons, the most missed." There is no way around it; we're just going to have to live with worry and trouble. But there in the middle of all that struggle we encounter something so unexpected, so tender, so absolutely wacky that all we can do is push the sorrows aside, shake our heads in wonder, and find hope and reason to believe in life's goodness. Remember to laugh, and breath. Work hard for change - and then hug someone you love and be the change you’ve been longing to see.
As we get closer to Election Day I want to encourage everyone to vote early or vote on Election Day. This it has been a long year and many of us are weary, but now is the time to step up and work in earnest for a change in the political system as we have known it for the past eight years. I voted early last week and I must admit I stood in the polling booth with tears in my eyes. I am old enough to remember the grown ups having conversations about Jim Crow, and now I was standing in voting booth marking my paper ballot for an African American man for the highest office in this country. Be assured that the world is watching us and holding its breath. After eight years of Bush policy and preemptive war making that has squandered the good will of the world toward the United States, we have to opportunity to show that we are still a people of hope, courage and conscience. When you stand in that booth, take a deep breath and know that the mark you are making on your ballot is an important mark on history.
I will personally be a poll watcher from 6am to 6pm in the State of Indiana. I was nearly deigned my right to vote in the last election on a false premise. If I had not demanded that the election board be called, refused to except their pronouncement that I had already voted (when I had not), and finally let them know that I would be sitting at the polling place until closing time and that my lawyer would be called, they would have never allowed me to vote. I feel it is important that there are witnesses to monitor this election, make sure votes are fairly counted and that no citizen is disenfranchised from exercising their right to participate in the political process. If you are interested in being a poll watcher, or provide rides to those without transportation, contact the local office for the political party of your choice and offer your services.
Finally, breath, laugh, go to the polls with a friend, and know that on November 5th we will renew our hope and work together for a better kinder world.