money where my mouth is
Tonight I contributed to a political campaign for the first time in my life. About a week ago, I received my new voter registration card (I had to change from being an independent to register with a party in order to participate in the primary, since my state holds closed primaries). Last weekend, I volunteered some time to help with a voter registration drive. I’ve been dropping voter registration forms on every bus I’ve traveled on this week. I have a button pinned around the strap of my purse. I have a bumper sticker taped to the back window of my car. I’m looking forward to seeing how I can pitch in next weekend to help my candidate of choice with my time. But I decided, after some mulling it over, that part of the benefit of being responsible with my money is that I can spend money without guilt - I can make a contribution to a political campaign without worrying how to pay a bill, or thinking the money could have went towards debt. I did use a credit card that I’ll have to pay off by the end of the month, but I kept the amount modest enough so that I should be able to pay it without sacrificing my own personal goals for my upcoming paychecks. It felt good to press the button and financially support the candidate I favor.
