Election Day

Misleading arguments, outright lies, vitriol, more lies and more vitriol... the 2012 campaign will be a good one to put behind us.  And it's not just the candidates.  I find myself mustering all sorts of criticism for the "other side"--likely spreading half-truths myself; condemning family, friends and strangers who think differently than I do; and (although I believe everyone should vote), secretly hoping only my candidate's supporters will show up at the polls today.   

I care deeply about equality and justice for all, how our foreign policy impacts the everyday lives of families in other countries, and what kind of economic and environmental policies my daughter will inherit.  But as I look at this short list, I realize other things I'm passionate about aren't even on it. 

The first amendment.  Other than partisan ramblings sparked by the anti-Muslim video, freedom of speech has not been a serious part of the election conversation.  You know why?  Because - like the right to vote - we take it for granted.  

Today's censored IHT in Pakistan.

Three days ago I read an article in the New York Times titled "Gays in Pakistan Move Cautiously To Gain Acceptance."  Today, when Pakistanis open up the International Herald Tribune, this is what they're finding;  a rectangular white out covering more than half the page where that same article is supposed to be.  

It's easy to say "Don't take things for granted," but harder to put into practice.  Even harder to realize too late that what you've taken for granted, you've now lost.  Freedom of speech isn't designed to protect what is inoffensive or benign.  The ideas that need protection are the ones that are most provocative and motivate others to take some action as a result of those views.  Haven't we been trying to be provocative with our recent political Facebook posts, twitter feeds, blog entries and emails?  

Today, "freedom of speech" and "the right to vote" sound like old rhetoric.  They aren't.  

Speak up and vote.