Just Like You

By Dawn Garcia

Shortly before the election in 2008, I became very afraid. It wasn't an "all of a sudden" feeling, but rather one that had been slowly escalating. Not having been particularly savvy in regards to politics, I didn't really understand what was going on. But I knew it was very wrong.

In tears I prayed and then I called my grandmother. I expressed my concerns to her and asked her opinion, expecting consolation. Instead, my wise, sweet grandmother said, with her heavy German accent, "America today looks like Germany did just before Hitler took power". And she would know, she suffered her entire life from the after-effects of the concentration camps in which she resided while in her young adulthood. I hung up the phone and in tears I prayed. I suppose I cling to my religion...

But who am I? What gives me the authority to write opinions in a newspaper? I am a Christian. I am a mom and a wife. I am a business owner and a home owner. I am in my mid-thirties and I am middle class. I own pets, a mini-van, and lipstick. My husband and I get up in the morning and we go to work. We have bills to pay and children to play with. Just like most of you.

My journey from political apathy to Tea Party Treasurer began a few short years ago. The local AM radio station played Dr. Laura in the afternoon and I always tuned in while at work. One day, Dr. Laura was gone and some loud mouth named Sean Hannity was in her place. I called the radio station and voiced my upset. Then I began to listen to Hannity.

Even through my younger and more liberal years (I believe it was Winston Churchill who said "If you are in your twenties and you are not a liberal, you have no heart. If you are in your thirties and not a conservative, you have no brain. I suppose I have both!) I always listened to Rush, but Hannity was a new and different voice. He had opinions that I hadn't really heard before but that I identified with.

I began to pay more attention to what was happening and I realized that what happens in D.C. doesn't stay in D.C. I began to feel concerned. Then along comes Obama. Concern turned to downright fear. I could clearly see who he was even without the help of Rush Limbaugh and FOX News, The fear though isn't about the man Obama is, but the mind-set of the people who elected him. A family friend walked into our business one day and began talking about John McCain. Horrible, nasty things that simply were untrue. I questioned her source and she replied "It was all right there in Rolling Stone Magazine". Yeah, and she votes.

So now what? Fear turns to anger; real, hot on fire anger, and where am I supposed to channel all of this energy? How am I, little average Jane me, going to help set our country to rights? I have to do something. I have small children (and grown ones too). How can I kiss them goodnight each evening and know what I know and see what I see coming and not protect them? How do I explain to them where I was when there was still a chance to make it right?

Glenn Beck did a special show a year ago last March. He based it on the concept that we surround them and not the other way around. He insisted that people gather together and watch his show to prove to us that we are not alone. I went on-line and found that there was a gathering arranged in Gallatin Gateway. There was standing room only. The Gourmet Gas Station was filled beyond capacity. The woman who organized the meeting (and who is now my very beloved friend) put a shout out for a camera. I quickly volunteered mine because I knew it would put me in a position to contact her again and keep myself involved.

I have begun to educate myself. I never knew how much I didn't know! I have attached myself to people who are doing and not just talking. I have learned that we need to begin in our local government to create "Real Change" so I went to the courthouse and applied to be a precinct person. I am going to attend a short two hour class this month and become an election judge in my county. I have made it a point to meet candidates and shake their hands. Amazing how you really get a feel for someone through a hand shake. My husband and I flew to D.C. and marched on Washington last September. What an experience! I camped out overnight in sub-freezing temperatures and met Sarah Palin. She was gorgeous, and real. I attended the town hall meeting with President Obama, he was not real. I have called my senators and congressmen. I have phoned the Attorney Generals office. I send e-mails.
I just do.

And, like most of you, I have no degrees in journalism or political science. So what qualifies me to write opinion pieces and expect someone (hopefully) to read them? Nothing. Nothing, except LIBERTY. In our incredible country I can do and be whatever I want. My oldest son fights with other brave heroes in our military to defend our freedom. I will honor them and fight with you to defend their sacrifices.