J.C. Watts: “we take it so blithely nowadays. Every 2 years--sometimes more often--we go to our local library, school, dry cleaners…”

“we take it so blithely nowadays. Every 2 years--sometimes more often--we go to our local library, school, dry cleaners and pull a lever, darken a circle or punch a hole--all to cast our vote for the representatives of our choice. Whether it's the school board, county assessor, or the highest office in this land--voting has become commonplace, even sometimes considered a burden by some. But in 1965 in Selma, AL, it was not commonplace--it was not a burden. In fact, voting was worth marching for, demonstrating for and even dying for by those whose choices were restricted by oppression. It is those heroes who marched from Selma to Montgomery--we all remember the famous names like King and all of the other not so famous names who had a burning desire to make sure all people--red or yellow, black or white, had the right to vote freely. On this 30th anniversary of the march from Selma to Montgomery, it is fitting that we reflect on yet another recent voting success. In South Africa last year, black Africans had the opportunity to vote for the first time.”