I've said it before, and I will say it again: Parenting is political. Parents can't afford to turn a blind eye to politics, no matter how busy they are changing diapers or helping with homework. That's because politics shapes the world we leave to our children.
Will it be a world with clean water and air, or a world devastated by global warming? Will it be a peaceful world, or a world of never-ending violence? Will our children grow up free to speak their minds, or will they grow up in fear?
It's important for parents to take political action for other reasons, too. Children need to see their parents stand up for them. Through a child's eyes, a parent is a powerful being. Parents give life, bring food, rid bedrooms of monsters, and make sure seatbelts are buckled.
When bad things happen - when there's a flood or a shooting - children need to hear that their parents are doing everything they can to make things safe again. Parents can point to the President, the Governor, or the police as authority figures who are bringing order and security. When parents are politically involved, they become part of that team of protective grown-ups.
Children also need to learn that it is possible to take on tough problems, even if success isn't a sure thing. One of the hallmarks of depression is hopelessness, the feeling that things are bad and there's not a thing one can do about it. The best medicine for hopelessness is action. When parents take political action they teach their children that the way to deal with a "hopeless" situation is to talk together and work together.
A good president is like a good parent: Both tell the truth, both look to the future, and both lead by example. But unlike parents, presidents get chosen. As I write this blog, the Super Tuesday voting is less than two days away. By the time you read it, one or both of the nominations may be wrapped up. However, I suspect that the races will be going strong.
I hope you are taking an active role in the campaign of your choice. For my part, I'll be doing whatever I can for Obama. More than any of the other candidates, he has shown the ability to inspire people to join the process. Like a good parent he teaches us to take political action, and without softening the truth, challenges us to hope.
