For the first time since I was old enough to vote, I left the polls yesterday more depressed and dejected than ever.

I always loved hitting the polls. Going to vote for who I believed in.  Feeling all "yeah! I did something, go (whoever dude I voted for)"

It was not so today
I felt like a traitor to myself and my beliefs leaving the polls yesterday.

I's like, how low will I go to be sure that a Dem gets the white house...

So today, I put aside my hopes, beliefs, and wants to vote for a candidate who doesn't inspire me.  For the good of the party

Dear Little Bro:

When you called Tuesday night, I wasn't prepared for the news you were going to give me.  When you were told you were going to be serving a tour in Iraq, you asked that our phone chats revolve around happy things stateside and the amusing and endearing actions of your brothers in arms. You asked that we speak as if nothing was different, to give you a taste of simplicity. To remind you of what's important. I thought we'd start chatting about the fun things we all were going to do when you came back from Iraq.  I thought that we'd start talking about fun places to eat, who could kick who's hiney at pinball, and chatting about larper gamer drama.  I thought I'd tell you that I finished my Calculus final and that if your wife needed help with her classes to give me a call.  I thought that we could just talk like you asked that we do, like nothing was wrong, nothing was different, and everything was ok.

I thought wrong.

A date which will live in infamy.
And today, I promise

I promise to remember (as best I can) the stories that the Vets told me when I went to play for them at the Veterans Hospital.

I promise to remember (as best I can) the stories that their families told me when I went to play for them.

I promise to remember (as best I can) all that I have read and will read about their sacrifices.

I promise to remember (as best I can) the songs that you liked, so that I may play them in tribute to you.

I promise to remember (as best I can) never to forget.

And I promise to fight for you to thank you for fighting for me.

When I was much younger, I used to go to the VA and play for the patients there.

When I'm able to get my Clarinets and Bass clarinet back, I'll go do that again. Maybe I can make them smile. Maybe my stupid little performance can express how grateful I am for all that they have done.
Maybe, just maybe
It'll help me remember why I must keep fighting.

I will fight for the day when our Veterans no longer have to worry about benefits and future and only have to worry about what their next "request" will be.