A Day When America Works

This past Tuesday, Election Day, my church hosted a polling place and offered hospitality to voters and poll workers all day. It was a rather simply outreach: coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bottled water and cookies. Perhaps more significant was the friendly smile and a happy "good morning" to those who came to exercise their citizenly rights.

We met some wonderful people. There was no talk of politics (not allowed that close to the polling place), not really any talk of religion. Just friendly talk and friendly smiles. It was really nice.

But what I gained most from the day was a new hope in America. Americans still believe in democracy. Americans still vote, and they still care.

There was a steady stream of people coming to vote. Even though "they" say about half of voters vote by absentee ballot, there are still lots of people who come to the polls to vote. I still vote at the poll because there is something good and satisfying in voting at my neighborhood polling place. Apparently I am not alone in that thought.

So, that's all I wanted to say. Election Day is a day when America (and all that America stands for) still works, and works well. God bless America; America, bless God!