Auxier: Election outcome better when we all use our privilege to vote

I have always thought of myself as very patriotic. My grandparents, who raised their family in the depression of the 1930s, always talked about the American dream, that is the ability to achieve what you are willing to work for, and I bought into it hook, line and sinker. I had a belief that this was achieved because of our unique form of government allowed for self-expression and self-direction. There is usually a tear in my eye as we say the Pledge of Allegiance as I think of what this country has done for me and my family and just what our responsibilities are in turn.