Mood:
brightTopic: "Followin' Ava" (4)
Quite some time ago, Frodo passed on some information to you, dear reader, about a young woman who was trying to do something about ending the Pre-Emptive War. She had designed and sponsored a blog entitled "Peace Takes Courage" (www.peacetakescourage.com). She was desperately trying to do something, anything, to influence if not to deter the conduct of that which still shackles our nation. Her blog was receiving national publicity and was inspirational to many, like Frodo, who opposed a War for which the case had never fully been made.
Frodo had not visited for quite some time. Tonight he found that Ava Lowery, age 18, from Alabama, was preparing to vote in her first Presidential election. Her blog is full of the hope that comes from those who know only how to look forward. Looking back is anathema to those who have the vast majority of experience in front of them. Frodo is envious of the ferocity of Ms. Lowery's desire and the eloquence of her action. Truth be told, it is for her that this election is so pivotal.
Frodo's eyes well with dreams unfulfilled, and stolen. He reaches out to those to whom the day to come will be a fulfillment of something that required a lifetime of sacrifice, in order to share in the achievement. It is to the younger however, that Frodo feels a special sense of obligation. It is they who must to suffer the costs of a financial burden that will yield them nothing. Their dreams will be deferred until the bonds are all retired.
Looking forward, Ava Lowery must know that her life will encompass technological change equivalent to Project Apollo. Energy, economy, environment, education; these are the directions they will follow, and arguments about who pays the most taxes, and who associated with unusual characters are of little relevance.
Relevance? A word that Frodo remembers well. He just hasn't used it in a long, long time. When Frodo looked only forward, he argued for relevance. Today, he pleads for it.
Cast your vote, young Ava Lowery. Cheer your champion. Understand that the work does not end here, it is as formative today as it was when you initiated "Peace Takes Courage." What you did, and the time you spent, was relevant. When the last soldier comes home, don't you dare rest on your laurels. Take what you have learned and open another door.
Thank you for what you do, young lady. May your champion lead you down a path that is wide and free to walk. Frodo follows.
