Today was a momentous day in my small, fledgling foray into the world of politics. On Maryland Day,
Start School Later witnessed history, with
legislation successfully passing the House of Representatives to start the conversation on the long-standing problem of early school start times in public high schools.
I could go on and on about how thrilled I am about the Bill passing and moving onto the Senate. But, really, what I'm really inspired about is the fact that anyone, with hard work, tenacity, and a bit of know-how, can get started and influence decision-makers in this country to enact laws.
I was able to witness the House in Session, and being a political rube, I found the whole process fascinating. Aside from the common perception that government is slow and ineffective, I really was able to observe a very methodical approach to lawmaking that allows for checks and balances. While much of the proceedings may not have completely held my interest, there were some particularly moving aspects for me that I would never have appreciated if I wasn't there.
Imagine my surprise when the bell rang, the Session was called to order and over 100 people stood to pledge allegiance to the flag. Of course, I promptly stood up and followed suit, happy that there was a flag in my line of sight that I could salute to. But, having not really done that since grammar school, it was amazing to see the pledge in action, with everyone, regardless of belief, position or background, affirming a common allegiance to our country. Unlike a baseball game, where a song is played, every delegate stated the allegiance and it was quite moving to hear it and see it coming from adults and not children. I was particularly captivated by a number of delegates who added a fervent "Amen!" There was a certain reverence, not unlike the prayers Christians begin with to set the tone for church meetings.
The delegates were a mixed lot. Young and old, from many ethnic backgrounds, from all walks of life. These people were indeed our representatives, delegated to the task of representing their districts with the issues their constituents care about. They were regular people, just doing their jobs. It was particularly moving to me that the oldest running legislative building in our country is not far from the Market Place, the first stopping point of the transport of slaves from Africa in the 1700's. Steeped in history and tradition, Annapolis harkens to a cruel time of the past, and while it's certainly far from perfect, a glimpse into how far we've come forward.
The fact that I, as a common citizen, can be privy to these proceedings, either by sitting in the gallery, or listening through a live online audio feed, makes governance that much more transparent. During the announcements in the beginning of each Session, homage was paid to the holidays of Passover and Easter. In Session I, the story of the Israelites getting safe passage out of Egypt and the LORD's protection was recounted and commemorated. In Session II, the announcer commemorated the Christian observance of Easter and the hope for Messiah by reciting the
Virgin Mary's prayer.
This reverence for the spiritual tradition of the law reminded me that public service is a civic responsibility to care for others. This is real democracy in action. I'm not naive enough to think that there are no flaws in our system of government. But, compared to other countries, where people do not have a say about how laws are enacted, or who gets assigned to help shape the laws in the first place, our democracy is something that can be grasped and experienced. I treasure it as a gift that our insightful forefathers blessed us with.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he.
- Proverbs 29:18
