Confronting ignorance (Update II)

Changing into my swim suit in the women's locker room at my gym, I overhear three women talking about the election. I move in closer and hear them laughing out loud. One of them says that Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream will be realized come November. I mutter, "Amen to that." The same woman says loudly and boldly to all of us, about ten others, dressing and undressing in the locker room, "I am a Republican - always was - but what do they think they are doing? They can't just throw us any old woman and expect us to fall for that! We just aren't that stupid! No, sir. I am voting for Barack Obama in November! Republican or not!" Lots of tittering and twittering now, nodding of heads and smiles of agreement. I go out to the pool, smiles and hope growing and beaming within. Perhaps the nation is evolved after all, I think to myself as I plunge into the soothing pool waters to breast stroke my way back and forth, back and forth for the next twenty minutes or so.

It is these types of small moments that keep me hoping that we are headed in a progressive direction. I used to fear ignorance, and try to side step when it crossed my path. Lately, I have decided to confront it head, heart and mind on. And, like all fears, once I stare it down, it begins to whimper and back away.

Let us hope that everyone realizes, like that woman in the locker room yesterday that: "We just aren't that stupid!"

A year ago at Mining Nuggets: Lessons learned

Update:

This just in from sister Sue. Enjoy!

Update II

And this just in from JJ: 'Alaska Women Reject Palin' rally is huge!

Comments

[ainelivia]

That comment you quoted "throwing us any old woman"; yes that's what I thought when Sarah Palin was announced as running mate. Republican's targetting those disappointed at Hilary not getting the nomination. Palin reminds me of Margaret Thatcher.

Hope lives.

[tamarika]

ainelivia,
Take a look at Update II - interesting!

[Claudia]

"I go out to the pool, smiles and hope growing and beaming within. Perhaps the nation is evolved after all, I think to myself..."

For the first time in eight years, something other than the outright theft of civil rights, accountability in (at least) this administration, systematic deconstruction of the middle class, genocide (or turning a blind eye to), the list goes on. We NEED hope--America has lost its soul.

[tamarika]

Claudia,
That's why I keep right on hoping ... gotta have hope!