Appropriate

Posted on October 20, 2004 in Campaign 2004 Myths & Mysticism

I just noticed that Election Day falls on November 2, the Day of the Dead or All Souls’ Day. Don’t make this out as a bleak sign. In Mexico and many other places, this is where they invite the souls of the ancestors into their homes. Let us do so and hope that our progressive ancestors who created the framework for the society which gave us some of the finest advantages any citizenry has ever seen will come with us to the polls, advising us to preserve and protect the Union.

I intend to honor other spirits as well: Lyndon B. Johnson*, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony are just some of the souls who will be welcome on this day. In addition, let me remind you that the day before is All Saints Day. We might not be harmed if we ask them to work with us, too.

Just remember: none of them is eligible to vote.

*Johnson worked harder than any other president to secure voting rights for every citizen. The Vietnam War stands as a black spot against him, but one must take a low bow when we remember his work to get the Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed. The eighteen year old vote, founded on the principle that if you can die for your country you can vote for it, also stems from the philosophy of enfranchisement that LBJ carried forward.