Just the other day, my husband and I were headed home from a soccer game, and of course we were listening to talk-radio. Side note: I would prefer to listen to Michael Jackson, but hubby, of course, has to know the "traffic and weather on the 8s!" Anyway...the upcoming presidential election was the topic of discussion...AGAIN. I mean, what else would they be discussing on the radio? There's really nothing else happening in the world other than Hilary Clinton's emails and Donald's Trump recent shenanigans, right? Long story short...hubby and I got into a little conversation about the candidates, and Mr. President #1 shouted from the back seat, "What time do I need to go vote for the President? Will you pick me up from school?"
"I need to vote for Donald Trump because he's a boy! I can't vote for a girl! YUCK!........Well, can I just vote for President Obama, then?" I just looked over at my husband and laughed silently. I thought to myself..."First of all, you are too young to vote. And how do you even understand what the heck is going on right now?" A few days later, hubby and I were watching campaign updates on CNN, and Mr. President #1 yelled out, "I know who I'm voting for!" When my husband asked him who he is going to be voting for, he firmly stated, "I'm voting for Donald Trump!" I was obviously a little shocked when Mr. President #1 said that, but when I asked him why he wanted to vote for Donald Trump, his response was quite hilarious: "I need to vote for Donald Trump because he's a boy! I can't vote for a girl! YUCK!" I definitely understand this six-year-old logic, but I said to him, "Are you sure? I don't think Donald Trump cares too much for black people like us." Mr. President looked up at me and said, "We're not black, Mom. We're tan." Of course I turned my head away and snuck in a little laugh, but when I reassured Mr. President #1 that we are black, and even if we were "tan," I don't think Donald Trump would care too much for "tan" people either, he immediately responded by saying, "Well, can I just vote for President Obama, then? He's tan like us, and he's a good president!" I'm just glad Mr. President #1's reasoning behind choosing Donald Trump was because he is a boy, and not because of his values. You already know how adamant we are about raising our boys to be good people. We are teaching our boys to be accepting, considerate, non-judgmental, compassionate, and loving. I think most of us share the same sentiment as Mr. President #1 when it comes to President Obama--well, at least I do! But I think this begs the better question: What the heck is Donald Trump, as a presidential candidate, teaching our children about the world we live in? "I'd be the biggest hypocrite if I decided to vote for someone who did not exemplify those qualities. Take my advice, and put your vote where your mouth is!" Someone who holds the highest office in the land, cannot be devoid of the qualities and characteristics we want our children to possess when they're adults. I am teaching my sons to value women, to live by their religious and spiritual convictions, and to have sensitivity towards people with disabilities--I want them to see that they are different, yet the same as the rest of us. For my fellow parents who are voting for Donald Trump, I entirely respect your political views; I only question how you're demonstrating these important qualities through your actions. I'd be the biggest hypocrite if I decided to vote for someone who did not exemplify those qualities. Take my advice, and put your vote where your mouth is! Anyway...if my six-year-old son is this eager to vote, I might as well get him started a little early. This evening just might be his first trip to the polls! Why not? And on the way, I'll be sure to have a conversation with him about those who came before us and fought for our right to stand at the polls and exercise our ability to vote. You better believe it! One last thing, moms and dads...I know I'm constantly pushing the point that our children are always watching us, but it's true! Remember that! And today, remember they're watching you, even in the voting booth. I love all of you, regardless of who you decide to vote for (or have voted for already), but in the words of Spike Lee, "Do the right thing!" Happy voting, everyone!
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