In the small town of McDonough my voting place is just a mile and half from our homestead, very convenient for such a rural community. As I drove to vote I was happy knowing how important it was to me to cast my ballot. If you don't vote, you really don't have any say in the matter.

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Some people continue to say **my one vote doesn't matter**, umm, yes it does. Think of how many people say the same thing. If they were to vote, it could change the outcome of an election, especially in local elections. Since more people's voices would be heard, a greater number of folks would be represented.   

I think it's perfectly fine if you chose not to participate in our democracy. I understand, many of us are just too busy taking care of our families, working our **buns** off, I get it. No time.

At my age I have time to enjoy and learn more about how democracy works or how it is supposed to work, I truly do believe in our institutions. I believe in the rule of law, freedom of speech, the right to **PEACEFULLY** protest, marry who you love, the right to healthcare, but most **importantly**, **The Right to VOTE**, without obstacles and barriers.  Having a say in who will represent us is democracy.



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Back in the day, when America was just discovered, the first settlers came to this strange land for one reason, religious freedom. All I can say about that is it's a personal choice, all of us should have the freedom to worship or not. This is an American value we all cherish.


Democracy should be fluid, and able to adapt to the times but the foundation should never be shaken. America is the land of the free, it's a remarkable country, beautiful, and full of natural recourses, but nothing is perfect. We can all learn from our mistakes hopefully, with age comes wisdom. I have witnessed so many events here in the USA, events that changed the way of life for many.

I've experienced so many major events that have changed our way of life. 911, the cold war, Vietnam, the Cuban missile crisis, the pandemic, assassinations, and attack on our capital, I was in tears that day. How could any American desecrate "our" house, with such disrespect. With all of the turmoil here and around the globe, the **USA STILL LOOKS PRETTY GREAT TO ME!!** 



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, 
<center>**DEMOCRACY WORKS**</center>


Sometimes the garden needs to be **weeded**, the soil **amended**, and **young seedlings to replace the old ones**. Some better choices would be great, getting bored with the same old plants. I think I will vote for a red rose, white gladiolus, and blue-violet, yes, I think the red, white and blue will make a beautiful bouquet, especially in my multicolored vase, perfect.

That's who the vast majority of Americans are, the red, white, and blue flowers that grace our multi-colored ~~country~~ vase.

We are all Americans, be kind to each other.



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Our elected officials did an incredible job on Jan 6th, they fulfilled their oath to certify a free and fair election even though they were in danger of bodily harm and possible death, ask Mike. 

Thanks to their bravery and commitment, our elected officials certified the election. The votes were counted, and the people spoke. Our great country must reject violence, learn to speak the truth clearly and quietly, listening to others whether you agree or not. Having a healthy exchange of ideas and doing what's best for all of our citizens, compromise and consensus is a pretty good place to start if you want your garden to grow.



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I am looking forward to a new start as 2022 comes to an end. I pray covid will leave us alone. I hope the children can bounce back to a normal carefree world of learning; they are the future.

I pray our world can find balance and that love and respect will become ingrained in our thoughts as we all face the challenges of our complicated lives.


Hugs,
Jackie O