Tuesday, November 4, 2008

A big hot cup of democracy

Did you get all your Election Day freebies today?

From Starbuck's coffee to Krispy Kreme donuts, you could get plenty of free hot (and cold, thank you Ben & Jerry's) food to match the warm spot in your soul left by voting.

My favorite moment today came when I stopped into a Georgetown Starbuck's on my way home from a Washington election party. The half dozen or so people in the store were in there to proudly flash their cherished "I Voted" stickers to the baristas in exchange for their free tall cups of coffee.

Waiting next to me were two Georgetown students, one sporting a "Karl Marx for Obama" T-shirt. The two youts were eagerly slurping down their cups of free Ben & Jerry's ice cream to prepare for their free tall coffees. Once we all had our free non-plumber Joe in hand, I mentioned that it looked like they were making the rounds. They laughed, and appreciated the tip that they had missed the free taco at California Tortilla.

That's exactly why I love about Election Day. Beyond the banners and the bunting, way beyond the attack ads and the slogans, it gets neighbors of all ages, races and backgrounds talking, laughing and discussing the future of their country, if only for a few minutes over a free cup of coffee.

1 comment:

Erin said...

I did, i did! I worked last night, so I went for a long run with a friend, stopped at her polling place (she came out with a huge smile on her face, jumping up and down), stopped at my polling place and then got coffee. How amazing, indeed, it is, to see everyone unite on voting day. It gave me the chills several times over. I miss you! Can't wait to set out knitting date!