Hazel

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” — Emily Dickinson

Hazel is happier and more hopeful than she has been in such a long while, so she’s here today to share her joy. She is very hopeful about our future here in America, and, of course, she’s looking forward to voting on November 5. As we look forward, there is so much to celebrate these days. Our world is now on the other side of a global pandemic that shut down countries, ruined economies, and ended so many lives prematurely. America has come back stronger than most other nations with an economy that is the envy of many.

As there has always been and will most likely always be, there are still troubles and problems, both domestically and internationally. But, we have two main groups in our country going into this election – one that is forward-focused and optimistic about our future and one that is grievance-driven and focused on the past. We have one group who believes in the America that Hazel has always believed is great and has always loved. The other group would like us to believe that we are a nation in decline and that everything is broken. As Hazel watches the news cycle carefully, she’s just so excited about what she sees from the happier, hopeful group.

Hazel watched both political conventions. On an emotional plane, one convention made her anxious because of their angry rhetoric and calls for punishment of their perceived political enemies and the deportation of large numbers of people. The other convention was inspirational and unifying. Hazel was filled with joy as she envisioned the kinder America we all love. She loved all the references to freedom and the chants of U.S.A. Hazel believes that integrity matters.

Hazel felt that she needed to share that she only wants to vote for people who:
1. believe that the democratic republic that we have created and fostered and depended on for 250 years is still worth fighting for
2. will abide by the Constitution and not think they are above the law
3. will work to unite rather than divide the American people
4. will condemn domestic violence
5. will declare that they will accept the results of the election
6. will acknowledge that we still have work to do, but say they love America now and believe it is and always has been great
7. will work to enact much-needed immigration reform legislation
8. believe the government has no role in women’s health care and that legislation to that effect is needed
9. believe in the protections of the 2nd Amendment and think background checks and red flag laws make sense
10. will work to support the world order and our friends, including Ukraine

Hazel and I are wishing you a peaceful day and hoping some of her joy finds you and causes you a minute to take a deep breath and enjoy the diversity and love that surrounds you.

October 21, 2024 is the last day to register to vote in California in order to vote in the election on November 5, 2024. To register to vote, visit registertovote.ca.gov There are prompts at that site to answer questions you might have. It will only take a few minutes of your time, but its very easy to do.