Doves All Around

It sat unnoticed and motionless in a Jasmine I planted some years ago. I might never have noticed, had I not used a garden hose to spray dust off its vines - it flinched. It made the slightest move when the water struck, but remained still, as it had for weeks even as I passed within inches to feed my two dogs underneath it each day. I can stand now a foot from its face as it stares back at me resolute, unwilling to budge.

For weeks, I have been in awe of its devotion and patient, sheltering courage. I was like seeing Doves for the very first time. They may not have claws and fangs but Doves are damn tough. And now, as I look out my office window and see its two young peering from the vines ready to test a first flight, I think how lucky they are that someone cared so – cared that they get this chance to fly.

I will think of them today, as I take the dogs on an early morning walk through the park and go to the grocer. I will think of them every time I see someone wearing a mask to protect me. I will think of them when the shielded clerk cleans the counter after every patron. And I will think of them when I read the latest reports from your staff at VoteSmart.org. Each and every one patient and devoted to sheltering, not themselves, but you and every fellow American. 

Vote Smart staff stands rigid and resolute, protecting the covenant between us and our nation’s Founders: a tradition of self-governance anchored in absolute dependence upon every citizen’s access to the facts. It is because of them and what they are struggling to build that we all still have a chance to fly.

Please have our backs, join us at VoteSmart.org