Our American Flag

I am not new to the idea being said that no one should talk about religion or politics in a bar – but what about in your own home? As I grew up, I had parents who sat on either side of the political poles, at either side of a long dining room table, sparred lively over presidential candidates and political hot topics while enjoying the meal at hand that was made with love.

Did this keep my family together as I grew up? Well, I knew this, it made dinner conversation more interesting while asking someone how they thought their politician liked their steaks cooked all the while passing the steamed vegetables down.

I bring this up since last night, while eating at a couple’s home while lamb stew was simmering in a slow cooker with carrots, onions, prunes and fresh hard boiled eggs that were literally hatched that morning, I wondered how the night would end when the conversation got a little hot. One couple who are very pro-Obama couldn’t believe the Host’s position in politics and in the Host’s particular vision of what’s wrong with this country.

Ironically, the Hostess, whose house it was, had left before we arrived and never returned due to ‘Severe PMS’ – and as odd and possibly rude as that was – it only made me wonder more about our Host who didn’t once call her to see if she was ok or to politely ask her to return to her own abode.

I kept my mouth shut, since one, the host who has lived in this country, my country  – for over 25 years without becoming an American citizen and further, cannot vote in this Country – This host though is living legally in our Country. My own personal feelings will be kept mum on this – as I do not have enough patience to write a dissertation at the moment – BUT….

It is possible to have a delightful dinner while sparring over politics – it’s not only permissible, but I believe we should TALK about our feelings, fears, cares and hopes. By learning not only how one cooked an amazing meal, you might also discover how little or how much other people know and believe about politics.

My thoughts are this, if you can’t vote in this Country, you have no right to spew your mouth off in ridiculous statements that show off only your ignorance, unless you can support your wacky sense of beliefs. If you don’t vote and are able to, you too shouldn’t be running amok with your mouth in irrelevant thoughts that you didn’t like who won the election. There are so many ways to vote if you are not able to actually reach the voting polls in person.

So go out and vote, and before Tuesday night, have yourself a wonderful homemade meal and talk shop with your friends and family. Even if they can’t vote, won’t vote, don’t believe in Santa Clause or Satan, their opinion at the very least could make for some lively conversation – just watch out while you are chewing in case you start laughing…. it could be dangerous to your health!

I bless the person and the new administration who ever wins this election – since we are in for a ride regardless who is sitting at the Oval Office. I know who I am voting for and hope you do Chef Maven proud, but going out and voting for your choice…which ever that may be.

America the Beautiful
Written by: Katherine Lee Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion’d stress
A thorough fare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.

America! America!
God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov’d
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev’ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.