Sunday, June 6, 2010

Arizona Politics



Last night I attended and helped with a fundraiser at my cousin Yaya's house. The fundraiser was for a lady by the name of Lela Alston who is running for the Arizona House of Representatives. Lela was in the state senate for many years and is a very strong proponent of education in Arizona. Even though I can't vote for her because she lives in another district, it was a pleasure to be there to support her.

Yaya made enchiladas, beans, and green chili meat that were all her husband, Tony's recipes. (I must say that I think her enchiladas are even better than Tony's.) Kerri and some of the cousins were the bartenders and I helped Cecilia in the kitchen.

It was a huge success with well over 100 people there. It was great to see that people of both political parties could join together for education in Arizona. I truly believe that is what we are lacking, not only in our state, but in our country today. People on both sides of political issues need to learn to compromise and talk together. There is so much hate perpetrated by talk radio and television shows that I truly believe we have lost sight of working together for the common good.

The election that was held May 18 for the 1 cent sales tax is an indication that we can all still work together. It passed overwhelmingly. People came together and voted for education.

I remember my mother telling me that her dad always voted for public education even though all of his children went to Catholic School. My mom said that he believed that education was what made this country what it is. That is so true. Anyone in the United States can still get an education at any age. That doesn't happen everywhere.

The highlight of the evening for me was getting to see and talk to former Governor Rose Mofford. She was a good friend of my mom's and it was great talking to her. She spent quite a bit of time talking to Teresa. She was so glad to meet Kerri and asked me later if Margaret didn't have a grandson, too. I believe that she is in her 90's. She looked great and is "sharp as a tack."
All in all, it was a great evening. I love politics and it would be so easy to become cynical with all that is going on. I firmly believe that we can get past so many of our issues if we listen to each other and stop all of the hatred and spewing of ugly words towards each other. Maybe I am too optimistic--I truly hope not!!!!!