Nothing in Life is Free

I don't like to debate, and I feel like my political positions are really noneyabizness, kind of like religion, it's a personal decision that I've cultivated over years, studied, and come to decisions on. I don't like a candidate because he's got personality or is attractive or is a female, pro-this or anti-that. I make decisions at the ballot box because I believe certain things politically, economically, and socially.

For those of you who don't know, my husband is Army National Guard, and as of today is on active duty. I helped him pack his bags last night, and this morning I managed to kiss him goodbye without crying (mostly because I was still half asleep and will see him around noon). Getting to this point has been a process, a wandering through anxiety and a wasteland of my own fears, wondering how I'll get through the next year, and asking for the support of family and friends.

When we're out and about, sometimes it comes up that he's leaving, and people always thank him for his service. It can be awkward. Yes, he signed up for it, and yes, he's getting paid for it. And by marrying him, I signed up for it, too. Whether I believe we should be in Iraq is a long, involved historical question, but the bottom line is that we ARE there. The US committed many decades ago to export democracy and capitalism (which are NOT the same thing)--Democrats and Republicans have both done so. The place of our country in the world is at issue, and we could go on and on about being the only superpower and the balance of power and where that's going...

But in the end, none of this is free. We are one of the few developed western countries in which military service is not mandatory for young men. Lots of Americans never consider "joining up" or did so because of the benefits (which I'm finding are complex and loaded with yummy bureaucracy just like everything else). When I go to vote, I always think of the sacrifices people have made for me to be there, from the Founding Fathers all the way down to men like my husband, who defend my choice (our choice?) and work for the people we elect as Commander in Chief whether they voted for them or not. People don't understand the difference between rights and privilege, but that's another rant--I may get to that one later.

Freedom is not free. Ask me on Friday morning, when all I have to look at are his civilian clothes in the closet, the cost of your right to vote for whoever you want. I won't judge you by the party you endorse--do what you want to do, what you feel is right, and I hope you carefully consider the options. That, my friends, is what we've paid for, and continue to pay for.