"Why do you have a fake I.D. anyway?" "So I can vote."

The first major election I voted in was the Presidential race between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. It was a big deal and I remember my father taking me to the polls that morning.

Celebrating the democratic process is ingrained in me. It is a responsibility I take very seriously and I am grateful for. Being able to cast a vote is amazing. Think about it, my friends. Think of the oppression that existed for our ancestors and that still exists in this world of ours. Think of the women marching in this country to be considered as equal counterparts to the men in their lives. Remember the sacrifice of so many individuals that ensured that each and every one of us can cast a vote and make our small voice heard.

Amazing.

Today was election day. I was running late this morning and wasn't able to vote before work. Coming home, stopping to vote seemed like a chore. I was tired, my nose was runny and I felt another cold coming on. All I wanted to do was go home.

But I drove to the local school, parked my car and cast my vote. For how dare I allow a little sleepiness and a slight cold stop me from allowing my voice to be heard?

As usual, the voter apathy made me sad. Besides myself, only two other people were voting.

However, I recalled the Presidential election last year. I drove to the same school to vote and saw a black man and his two small children walk into a voting booth. I remembered my father at the Bush/Clinton election. I saw the passion for the democratic process being planted in another family and I hope those children grow to be informed and involved citizens.

I hope you all voted today, my friends. You owed it to yourself.

My title is from The Breakfast Club.