"It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less."  ~Susan B. Anthony

 A friend sent me an email that reminded me of the sacrifices that were made so women could vote. The suffragists endured horrible treatment because they believed so deeply that women deserved the right to vote.
 I enjoy the freedom to cast my vote today because of the tenacity and dedication of those women in history.
  I had an opportunity to vote, last week Tuesday, for our local government officials. I didn't feel that I knew about the candidates enough to make an educated decision. As a military family member, I qualify for an absentee ballot. For much of the last decade I have voted this way. A paper comes in the mail and I get to bubble in my votes then drop it in the mail. It doesn't get any easier than that. I even get plenty of time to cast my vote, and can research the issues with the vote in front of me. It is like an open book test.
 My absentee ballot came in the mail weeks ago and spent the total time in my house being shifted from one place of prominence to another, so I would get to it in time. The yellow envelope, half the size of a sheet of paper was distinct and met me every morning when I poured my cup of coffee. The answers I needed to find were in my morning paper in the editorial section as they explained where each candidate stood on the issues. All I needed to do was put the two together to make my decisions.
 I am ashamed to say that I didn't cast my vote. I was too busy, then I was too late, then I ran out of time. All excuses that don't hold up in the face of the ladies who fought for my right to be heard. All excuses that don't hold up in the face of the Service members who serve our country. I owe it to all of them to take the time and exercise my rights. I owe it to all of them to cast my vote for our government.
 My husband came home Tuesday and handed me a sticker that he earned by voting. He cast his vote for our government officials, and they happen to be all women.
 I've learned my lesson. It definitely won't happen again. Next opportunity I get to vote, I'm making it my priority. Those who have come before me didn't waste their energy and time. They deserve from me the same dedication to my own freedoms as they had fighting for theirs. Nothing less....