Moment of silence

On a local radio station today they named fallen soldiers from the metroplex. Their reading of the names is chilling. We are sure it is more so to the families of those lost. Hopefully it will remind some to pause and give thanks for all those things we take for granted. They ended the reading with, "Home of the free, courtesy of the brave". We agree and are very thankful to all serving, have served, and the families that have supported them while they did so.

We wonder if soldiers are bothered that they protect a right and a freedom we posses but do not use? (We would ask those we know, but they happen to be busy protecting us at the moment, a special thanks to our Texas boys!) A right that many people were beaten, imprisoned and even died for. What would those involved think of today's elections? (6% voted).

It was important enough to die for, but those in the coming generations wont even use it? There were many people that we have to thank for our right to vote. People don't vote in their own city elections, why on earth not? These are as important as those in Washington.

When the polls open on Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote. It is a right we take for granted, one that defines our nation as a democracy. But universal suffrage — letting everyone vote — did not appear overnight with the ratification of our Constitution. Two hundred years ago, you had to be white, male, and wealthy in order to vote. The three people profiled on these pages dedicated their lives to changing that fact. Without them, suffrage might still be the privilege of a chosen few.

One of those dedicated was none other than Susan B. Anthony. She got in some legal trouble because she voted for a president in 1872. You can read her speech here.

Another sad mention for Memorial Day, kids attending school Monday. What? We have gotten the same response from everyone we told. "Are you kidding?" No, sadly, we are not.

How long was Fort Worth ISD out for Swine Flu? Did those kids have to make up all those days? Are the teachers going to get paid? (We think they should, but we also think kids shouldn't make up one day, especially if that day is Memorial Day). What, exactly, are we teaching them?