Voting brings hope: It feels different this time | Rosalind Tompkins
I voted early in the primary election as I have done for the past several years but this time the experience was different. I have been voting since I turned 18 for four decades now and for some reason this time just felt different to me.
I felt a tangible presence of intimidation as I drove to the location to cast my ballot as I thought about all that has transpired over the last couple of years with cries of election fraud and the passing of S.B. 90 in Florida, a voter suppression law.
Voting: Early voting in Leon County begins Aug. 13, may bounce back after pandemic-era dip
I also thought about how hard my ancestors fought for the right to vote and it left me a bit melancholy but determined.
Watching the insurrection at the Capitol that took place on Jan. 6, 2021 unfold and the subsequent public inquiry into what happened, lit a new fire in me to make sure I do my part to keep democracy standing strong.
The very least I can do is vote and encourage others to do so. That is what brings me hope.
'Democracy Under Siege'
Under Siege, I can’t believe what my eyes have seen. Democracy crumbling. Trumpers grumbling. In the light of victory, creating dark history. They ran to the Capitol with tear gas and weapons, holding flags while shouting rhetoric.
Under Siege, I can’t believe what my eyes have seen. Domestic terrorists, Insurrectionists, I’m so tired of this. People died while the police tried to stop the rioters from coming inside. Congress had to hide while the president lied, saying the election was stolen from him while telling the mob how much he loved them. As they broke the glass in the windows so did the hearts and souls of those who looked on in horror. They tried to stop tomorrow when a new president will take the helm. Ready to heal and unite a nation in spite of them. Much needed change is near. We must move from here and get off this slippery slope by embracing the power of hope.
Under Siege, I can’t believe what my eyes have seen. But my eyes don’t lie and time will tell. We must never let democracy fail
Four years of anarchy, four years of pride, it’s now time to lay it aside and get on with the things that really make us great, like integrity, character, and love. Taking care of people both big and small while creating a world that is safe and just for us all.
Rosalind Y. Tompkins received a doctorate of humanities degree from the Five Fold Ministry Theological University in 2012. Find out more at makeahopeconnection.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Voting brings hope: It feels different this time
