We can learn a lot – even about voting -- from the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known by his pen name, Dr. Seuss. Take "Horton Hears a Who," a book Seuss published over half a century ago.
The message of Dr. Suess – making all our voices heard -- is as valid today for adults and children as it was in 1954. Some of us who read the book as children may have forgotten that democracy is not a spectator sport, and that we protect the freedoms inherent in the Constitution only by speaking up.
Seuss knew. He began his career as a journalist, illustrator, and political cartoonist. He joined the army in 1943, drawing posters and writing films as the commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit of the United States Army Air Forces. Geisel’s real success came from writing children’s books after the war.
With only days to go before the election, and because so much is at stake, it makes great sense to heed the advice of the mayor of Who-ville. With their lives hanging in the balance, the Mayor exhorts the last little twerp who was not making a chirp to speak up. He says:
"This," cried the Mayor, "is your town’s darkest hour!
The time for all Whos who have blood that is red
To come to the aid of their country!" he said.
"We’ve GOT to make noises in greater amounts!
So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!"
"That one small, extra Yopp put it over!
Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover
Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean.
And the elephant smiled. "Do you see what I mean?...
They’ve proved they are persons, no matter how small.
And their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!"
Who knows which one of us may change history? New Hampshire as one of the smallest states, might just swing this whole election. Your one small "YOPP" might put your candidate over the top.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Lee McGrath taught World History and US History for 20 years. She is currently a freelance newspaper writer and photographer.
