Yesterday was election day! The country's bi-ennial electoral process is complete and the results are in. The result? Exactly half of you are in ecstasy and the other half are in agony. The only people who are one hundred percent happy are the cable news networks.
Like most of you, I voted. I cast my ballot and affirmed the right granted to me by our forefathers and inscribed in our constitution. I made my voice heard and ensured that my vote was counted. Yes, that’s right. Yesterday, I proudly cast my vote for… State Mine Inspector!
Seriously? They want me to vote on mine inspector?
Look, I am not saying we shouldn’t inspect mines, in fact, I’m pretty sure that’s good idea. I am just saying that I might not be your go-to guy on this one. I don’t know anything about mines or any other holes in the ground, so it is unlikely that I am going to be able to make the right call. For this decision, you might be better off talking to my dog Rexi. She has considerable expertise and experience in hole digging and is, dare I say, somewhat of a savant in this area. Don’t believe me? I have a back yard full of evidence that says otherwise. Heck, Rexi should run for the office of State Mine Inspector. But she didn’t so I voted for someone else.
Joe Hart is the guy who got my vote for State Mine Inspector. You know why? Not because his party affiliation. Not because of his qualifications. Not because of his impressive background in all things mine related. I didn't vote for him because of his website, campaign literature, or his incredible performance in the Mine Inspector Debates. I voted for him because he was the only one on the ballot.
That’s right, he is running unopposed. And he’s not the only one. His candidacy is joined in its singularity by the offices of State Treasurer, City Constable, two State Supreme Court Justices, three appeals court judges, four school governing board members, and the County Dog Catcher; where once again, Rexi would make for a more informed voter.
As a country, we like politics in the same way we like our schools: we talk a lot and walk a little. We want to expend very little effort but achieve great results. We want to spend no money but achieve great things. We create a fuss when we are mad but don't praise when all is going well. We want ACTION, as long as it coincides with our beliefs. Most of all, we want accountability for everyone else, while we sit on the couch and watch re-runs of season sixty-four of Survivor
Through it all, you take the beating and keep on teaching. You do the job that everyone thinks is important, but no one wants to do. You work longer hours, achieve greater results, and do it for for less money than ever before. While everyone (myself included) talks about democracy, you teach it. While everyone else cries for better schools, you build them. While everyone hopes for a better future, you create it.
Thank you for your service to our country and our children. Thank you for teaching them in your classes, eating with them at lunch, and supervising them while at play. Thank you for caring for them morning, noon and night. Thank you for safeguarding the minds, hearts, and bodies. Just… Thank you!
Yes, our mines are now safe, because of Mr. Joe Hart, but our children's minds are safe because of you.