I remember being 5 or 6 years old in downtown Charleston and watching my afro-wearing Mom, wearing a red, white and blue dashiki, walk into the voter booth and pull that curtain behind her. I wondered what happened behind that curtain that I was not old enough to see. It seemed so important. I knew when my afro was big enough I too would pull a curtain behind me.
Well it is 2008, and unless I missed a hair appointment, I do not wear an afro. I do however pull a curtain behind me, but I make sure our 6 year daughter is standing right next to me. She loves watching the political process unfold (she was a little confused about the primarys/caucuses. She said those people “got a headstart” on voting). Undoubtedly, she she is showing signs of becoming a responsible citizen. She wants to know who likes animals, and who turns off the water while brushing his teeth (a sure sign of caring about the environment). There is no greater gift I believe we can give our children than the knowledge that we can vote for people who share our beliefs for a building our community.