I just love the 4th of July! I love the pageantry of a parade, the smell of meat grilling on a barbeque, the patriotic music, and, this is strange for a dog, but I also love the fireworks. I spent my holiday weekend espousing my puppy patriotism in a number of ways.
As you, dear readers, know by now, I am a patriotic and political pup, and am keen on participating in our democratic process. I’ve mentioned, in previous posts, my longing for the right to vote, but, sadly, Freedom Fido (committee promoting canine suffrage) has not yet taken root. Given the opportunity, I would vote in every election, unlike a certain gubernatorial candidate, who’s trying her hardest to buy the election, but never votes.
Since my rights as a canine citizen cannot be fully realized (yet), I did the next best thing; encouraged humans to exercise their rights, and register to vote. Wilbur and I, along with mama, were honored to walk with our Congressional candidate, Dr. Ami Bera, in a local parade this weekend. This precocious pooch has been involved with campaigns in the past, and I feel very strongly about this particular race and candidate.
Dr. Bera is running against incumbent Congressman Dan Lungren in California’s 3rd district. In this dog’s opinion, it is imperative that Mr. Lungren be replaced, and I am proud to be supporting a strong, opposing candidate. Dr. Bera was the Associate Dean of Admissions for UC Davis School of Medicine, and was Chief Medical Officer for Sacramento County. “I am running for Congress because I know things can be different. Together, we can change our course and begin to create a more compassionate, sensible, and sustainable America”, says Bera.
Compassionate and sensible are two qualities lacking in our current representation. For the past 2 years, this Lungren cat, who is supposedly working for us (his constituents), has not been a part of the process. When a Congressman (or an entire party), decides to become obstructionist, just saying “no” to everything out of resentment towards our democratically elected President, he is not serving the community who sent him to Washington. Political debate and discourse are appropriate in the process, but to consistently sit on the side and declare “no”, regardless of legislation, is not working on our behalf.
The humans in my district pay our representative’s salary, his secure retirement package, and excellent healthcare. For that price, we deserve a thinking-person, who will work the process and stay engaged, for the betterment of our district. Regardless of position, this dog feels that it’s crucial to have a Congressperson who will work for their pay, and Dr. Bera is certainly not deterred by hard work.
Though my paws were getting hot on the pavement, I was one proud pup, walking with my future Congressman in the parade. Friends, I encourage you and your humans to get informed, get exited, and get out the vote for candidates who are willing to work for their paychecks. Even Wilbur and I understand, that if we don’t do our work (stop barking, sit, stay, dance…), we don’t receive treats. Just saying “no”, without thought, is not working…
For some reason the part about you current congressman just saying “no” to everything out of resentment towards our democratically elected President, puts me in the mind of a 2 year old who has gotten mad, taken all his toys away from everyone and pouts “no” to everything.
Lisa Ann Landry – Corporate Trainer – Unleashing the Genie!
oh, Lisa… you are a woman after my heart! I couldn’t agree more!
I’m afraid I can’t vote (not a US citizen yet) but totally agree that everyone should exercise that right – in fact we moved here from Australia (though we are British) and it’s illegal not to vote there! Makes much more sense. Good on you for getting out there and spreading the message Atticus!
wow, Louise, I had no idea that voting was legally binding in Australia. I think that’s brilliant! I am frustrated about my non-voting status, and am constantly amazed (and, again, frustrated) that some American humans don’t exercise their right to participate in the electoral process. My feeling is that if one doesn’t vote, then they have zero right to complain about political events.
Makes me want to read the Declaration of Independence again! I read it every July 4th. Also, I’ll ask Nadine, my cat (she has a Blog and is on Facebook) what she thinks.
cats always have a different perspective than us dogs. I’m curious to learn Nadine’s thoughts…
I walked to the parade with my grandhuman. There were so many service men in the parade. One float particularly touched my human. It was a retired Navy Veteran. He looked so proud. It was a reminder that we should honor our service men and exercise our right to vote.
Mr Pickles
aka Julia M Lindsey
Our Little Books
Nice, Mr. Pickles. The veteran’s always pull at my heartstrings as well.
Oh, Atticus, you are so wise! I believe that nothing worth having is easy to get and it is sad to see so many today feeling entitled instead of privileged. I also believe that this is a time in history where every citizen of our great country needs to stand up and speak loudly through their right to vote and let’s get fresh blood and creative thinkers in there to represent us!
Thanks, Donna. Yes, humans, vote! No need to squander your rights.
Atticus, I too believe that we can make a difference just by casting our votes. It is one right that I’d like to practice especially for issues that truly matter. Good for you for showing support for your candidate and spreading the word!
Anna
Thanks Anna! This pup appreciates your support and your engagement in the electoral process. Vote on!
What a wonderful way to celebrate the 4th Atticus, by supporting your human and their commitment to voting and making intelligent and informed decisions. Would that all of us humans were so committed to preserving our hard won freedom and taking a stand…what ever that may be.
Atticus – well said! This phrase, in particular struck me: “The humans in my district pay our representative’s salary, his secure retirement package, and excellent healthcare.” Those we elect should strive to provide the opportunity for the same benefits for their constituents that they enjoy themselves. Smart pooch, thanks for your thoughts.
You are absolutely right, Pat! Thanks for your insight…
Love the perspective that this is written from! Atticus is one smart, cookie, I mean doggie!
Shawna E Anderson
“Your Brain Search & Rescue Program”
So my dear Atticus you’re a political pooch huh? Good for you! We cats tend to not be too politically involved. As long as we food, a sunny place to sleep, and someone to clean our cat box, we are happy.
I do know that my human Ron believes everyone should vote. He votes by permanent absentee ballot as it make it really easy for him. He also can not stand the current state of things with all the infighting between the major parties. So he whole heartedly agrees with the, vote them out if they will not do anything, plan.
Maybe I should be more active, start a “let cats vote movement”, but then again it might just cut into my sleep time a bit too much.
-Kiri-
Goldie here, I just jumped up on the keyboard while my human is eating dinner. Smells good and I am excluded. Voting is essential, we must stop these obstructionist that act out of spite, instead of for the good of all hairy creatures. (I suppose I can include the hairy human race, even though they walk on two and not fours) If humans treat each other with dignity and thought, which includes sharing their voices and demanding rights, getting out to vote and standing for humanity, a dog or cats life (hello Kiri) will improve too. I implore you silly bunch to get out and vote. Think of all the animals who need your voice, because they cannot speak.
thanks for sharing your astute + wise thoughts on voting. i couldn’t agree more with your thought, ‘When a Congressman (or an entire party), decides to become obstructionist, just saying “no” to everything out of resentment towards our democratically elected President, he is not serving the community who sent him to Washington.’ we have our fair share of that in tennessee, + it can be discouraging. i’m happy that you + your human compatriots are doing your best to make positive change in your community!
Has your representative actually said he’s going to vote “no” because he’s a democrat or is he voting “no” because he thinks the current president is forcing stuff through congress.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a more compassionate, sensible, and sustainable America. If a canine (and I know that Atticus is not just any canine) can understand that, why can’t humans???