From the Age of Innocence..........Politics

From the Age of Innocence............Politics

Entering the homestretch of a nearly two year presidential campaign, I've tried to recall earlier political seasons as a much younger and much less politically savvy human being.  Religion keeps returning to the forefront, therefore it must be JFK.  "He's the first Irish Catholic President," the parents smiles were their signature of approval, nothing else mattered and as a child it meant, all was well in our world and then..........?

Through the teen years, my recollection is a society in turmoil; the parents protected our youth, answering all questions without bias.  As a former Marine, one would have thought my father would never question his government regarding conflict.  He was torn, he was thankful and praised his country, regardless of how he felt.  "Take nothing for granted, question everything and know your path if the answer is undesirable. He always voted, "don't forget, it's your right, it's what many have fought and died for."

Over the years, he voiced his opinion of those in office, at times, less than flattering, each conversation, thought provoking; always reminding, "you can do, you can be whatever you want, settle for nothing less."  His guidance and continued approval, my right of passage to adulthood. 

So......conversations get tucked away, life and it's lessons continue, current events plucking them from the farthest recesses of the brain, the poignant one from the heart. Political conventions for this election year, now history. Conversations with my father, have been recalled, "don't forget, it's your right, it's what many have fought and died for." 

Whether a right of passage into adulthood or someone who has recently become a citizen, choices may be difficult, but there are choices.  Many do not have them, use your choices wisely,  "Take nothing for granted, question everything and know your path if the answer is undesirable." Whether it's one person's decision or a decision decided by the masses, it leads to change.  From the Age of Innocence I learned, "life is all about teaching and learning, we are all teachers;  there is a lesson plan for each and everyone, " never stop learning, listening and participating.