Sheryl Crow: A New America

[marmar]

from HuffPost:



Sheryl Crow
Posted November 4, 2008 | 11:37 PM (EST)
A New America


In Australia, if you do not vote, you are fined $200. In Tennessee, if you walk into a Krispy Kreme Donuts, Starbucks, or Ben and Jerry's wearing your "I voted" sticker, you get free donuts, coffee, or ice cream. Needless to say, there were some very amped up Tennesseans today, myself included.

I am an American. I love my country and I am grateful for all the opportunities she has given me. As I walked into the voting booth this morning I reflected on what it means to be an American. I considered how growing up in America has shaped my consciousness and whether I have given my country as much as my country has given me. And, of course, I thought of my son and what kind of direction I hope to see this nation move in for him and all other young Americans.

It has been a long, embittered road to this moment of choosing a president. The question begs to be asked whether we can now unite ourselves as a strong compassionate nation after a campaign so deeply entrenched in negativity and anger, no matter who wins. Can we heal the wounds of the last eight years and the kind of leadership that has instilled in us a sense of mistrust in our political leaders? This will be one of our defining moments. Let's hope the answer is, "yes, we can!" ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheryl-crow/a-new-america_b_141230.html