Taking Liberty for Granted

When my husband and I were invited to dinner by our Bosnian neighbors I appreciated the invitation, but did not know what to expect in terms of commonalities and conversation as we had always exchanged pleasantries and were cordial, you know, neighborly. We had watched their cat while they were away, they had watched ours while we were away, but that had been the extent of the relationship. That was, until my husband shared the task of rebuilding our shared fence..
Upon completion, the invitation for dinner was extended by Vladamir's wife, Maria. So, with a bottle of wine, we went  and as we sat outside on their covered patio, we ate, drank and talked. Before dinner, I glanced down at the glass patio table which was adorned with fine china and crystal glasses. It seemed a bit overboard for a casual dinner. I remember thinking how similar their china looked to the pattern that Jeff and I had selected as our wedding china, which was only used for very special occasions.
While we ate, I inquired about the china and Vladamir commented on how one should enjoy the things they have when they have it. A bit puzzled I contemplated the comment, then he expanded.
The Family Cingel (our neighbors) immigrated to the United States in 1993 after fleeing Bosnia during the Bosnian War. They were forced to leave their home in the middle of the night and left every single possession behind; other than what they could carry out in a backpack. They had left their photos, their clothes and other personal items behind for freedom, which included the wedding china bought for them by their best friend. "Now," Vladamir said "we appreciate what we have and use it when we can."
My neighbors now are citizens, own a home, have stable jobs, contribute to society and have wonderful, civil serving children. They are kind and generous people, people that I am proud to call friends and a great representation of an exemplary U.S. citizen.
Over the last twelve months I have come across similar stories. Stories of immigrants turned U.S. citizens. People who left the confines of their inherent nation just to become citizens of the United States of America.
Those who know me, know  that I volunteer for the 2012 Obama campaig; for which,  I make countless phone calls to former Obama supporters and on Sunday, I called Ron, a name on my call sheet,  twice, as my first call went to voice mail so I tried again later.
Which brings me to today. While watching television tonight after a long day of work, my Democratic Party designated phone rang and when I answered I knew not what to expect on the other end. On the other end was Ron who was returning a call that he thought was attributed to a Craigslist ad that he posted. I explained to Ron the reason for my call,  and our conversation made an otherwise frustrating day amazing and rewarding.
I learned that Ron came to the US for school and fell in love with this country. He attended Cornell University and gained a PHD and subsequently employment here. He became a citizen in 1994. He married and had two American born citizens who are now in law and medical school. Later, his mother immigrated and became a citizen at the age of 65 years! Ron said it was the proudest moment of his life.
He is a proud American citizen and supports our President. He believes the problems that face Obama are the product of a past administration. He still supports the President and believes in American government.
These stories of people impassioned by the American Dream and have seen it realized, makes me cherish what it means to be an American, no matter what the political view. We have an amazing country and should never take our liberties for granted.
It is a truly wonderful privilege being a citizen of the United States. We should be grateful for our opportunities and realize that it is the difference in opinion that keeps us free.

Today, I remembered why I am a Democrat

I am a small business manager; a job that intrinsically is much different than my former career choice. In addition, I volunteer for a Pro Obama organization in an effort to take the pulse of the community and determine how they feel about the current administration and President Obama.
Most days, I resolve my volunteer activities without incident. Of course there is perhaps a hang up or an "I hate the president" comment, but most days people are cordial and treat me with dignity and respect. Today, that absolutely did not happen.
While I was on my lunch break and in between meetings I decided to "canvass" part of my designated "turf" which is essentially the people in which that I need to communicate and interact with in order to find out whether or not they support the president and how they feel about how the country's trajectory is going.  Unknowingly I encountered,,  which was by far, my most difficult and combative individual/Republican, with whom I have ever engaged.
My friends and family know that I am a Democrat: No question. Growing up in Salem, Oregon where the majority of residents are a bit more on the conservative side, my views often rub many of my friends the wrong way, but we accept each other for who we are and look beyond our political differences and identify with the individual and who they are at the core and not their political views.
While canvassing, I ALWAYS say," I don't care how you vote or who you vote for, just use your Constitutional right and FREAKING VOTE!" So, today I approached a few people who were admiring a particular rose bush with the question: "Are you registered to vote at your current address?" Unknowinglly I had embarked on a quest.That simple question led to the most painful and frustrating experience with the opposing side.
I was called "foolish" which insulted my  intelligence. I was also called ignorant and a sheep. "A woman who could not think for herself."
He told me to get a job and when I explained to him that I was a manager of a successful business he replied with "Than how can you have time to do this?" I then explained that I was able to allocate my time in accordance to my schedule demands and that was none of his concern.
He told me that President Obama was a racist and that the only reason he was elected was because people felt badly that there had not been a black President.  He implied that I had no concrete evidence of the President's accomplishments or lack there of.
This man was unnecessarily cruel and harsh. I politely asked him to stop calling me names and tried to engage in a polite conversation, but it soon became evident that there was no way that I could dissuade this man's interpretation of reality. He was spewing FOX news propaganda and told me that "Just because I was educated did not mean that I was smart." Women have no place in politics apparently, according to him.
I handled this lashing with as much poise and kindness as possible, and as he verbally assaulted me, I tried to assure him that I heard and understood his concerns and promised to look into his arguments. This man insulted me personally and tried very  hard to break my composure, but I would not give him that satisfaction.
I left the conversation with "I appreciate your input and hope that you have a great day." The ONLY thing that this man did was make me appreciate what the non-judgmental attributes of the Democratic Party.
It is very clear that the repugnance and stench of the Republican Party is beyond repair and it is clear that the drastic personalities of the extreme right are against the very nature of our Nation's Constitutional Beliefs.
Our Constitution clearly identifies that we, as people have the right to hold difference in opinion and still coexist; then why would any American find it necessary to make the conscience effort to diminish the competence or legitimacy of another person's view or efforts?
This was a hard day for me and a blow to my efficacy of a human being of the female variety. This man can hardly help himself with FOX news relaying misinformation to the  perfect ear. I try not to take it personally and know that he was not directing his anger toward me, but it was still hurtful and difficult and a day that I will not soon forget.
The upside is that this man made me realize why  I am a Democrat and proud to be so. As far as I am concerned, although he verbally assaulted me, he did not , in anyway diminish my passion for my country  or my President.