Women from Adult Day Center Reflect on Presidential Election

The Salvation Army holds a monthly writing workshop at its Adult Day Center (ADC) in Maplewood, a licensed facility that provides quality care and daytime activities to dozens of seniors and disabled persons.

Although the topic of a recent workshop was “What I’m Looking Forward to Most in 2009,” the three women in the class wanted to write about something else - politics.

Jerusalem Tekuare (pictured, middle) wrote about what it was like to cast her ballot in the 2008 presidential election – her first time voting. She moved to America eight years ago, and had not been allowed to vote in her home country of Ethiopia.

The other women – Helen Hallman (right) and Cate Coonrod (left) – remembered being moved the day Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream Speech” in 1963, and compared the late civil rights activist to President Barrack Obama.  

Helen Hallman, 91

We are living through a tremendous change.

It’s been less than 50 years since Martin Luther King was assassinated for saying the things we are now embracing. It’s been less than 200 years since Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves.

Now we have a black man in the White House. Isn’t that tremendous?!

President Obama has a heavy burden to bear. He has made no promises. He has told us, honestly, that this year will be bad, but that it will get better. In the meantime, he has approved some stimulus packages.

He needs our prayers. The president needs all the help he can get.

I have faith in our new president. He has gathered men around him who know what they are doing.

Jerusalem Tekuare, 68

I came to America from Ethiopia eight years ago. We could not vote in Ethiopia. This past presidential election was the first time I ever voted.

In Ethiopia, the people in power choose who will lead, even if the people’s vote is different. Our presidents hold office until they are overthrown.

I like the freedom in America for campaigning and having town hall meetings – you get to know what the candidates represent. 

The American style of government is better than Ethiopia’s. I like the abilities Americans have to voice their opinions and say what’s on their minds.   
      

Cate Coonrod, 58

When Barrack Obama became president there were so many people at his inauguration. When he was sworn in he sounded a little goofy, but he got back on track.

I knew from the beginning that Obama had a lot of talent. During Obama’s inauguration speech, he sounded like Martin Luther King.

I think what Obama is trying to do in office will take some time. But I think he may do well.

Editor’s note: The Salvation Army does not endorse any political party. The stories above represent the views of the women who wrote them.