A Rare Political Moment

While I am a firm believer in political involvement (people have fought for our right to vote, and it’s a freedom we should value and use), I don’t often get involved in politics in a public forum. I have firm political ideals and beliefs, I just usually share them privately.

That said, we did have a rare treat this week—Mia Love, a Utah politician running for a seat in the U.S. Senate, visited our home office. Last week, Mia spoke at the Republican National Convention, and I was impressed with her speech. She’s articulate and passionate and genuine, and I was grateful for the opportunity to meet her in person.

We chatted for a few minutes, and it was fun to connect with her on a few different levels. First of all, she said both she and her three children use our product—how could I not like her after that? (smile)  Her husband even surprised her last year with a craft room!

 Then we started talking about how she works hard to balance the demands of being a wife and mother with the demands of being a politician, something she believes strongly in and thinks can make a difference.

I certainly connected with her on that level as well. I remember so well during the early years of Stampin’ Up! feeling that I was really doing a good thing and believing we could make a difference, yet feeling pulled in so many different directions. It was a difficult time, and certainly something I was only able to do with the support of Sterling and the girls.

Mia feels just as strongly about what she’s doing, and I was impressed. I am one of those people who believs that one person can make a difference. . . even in Washington. If she can be true to herself and maintain her perspective and convictions, I believe she can do hard things and make a difference.

So there’s my rare moment of political commentary. . . we’re surrounded by it, right now, aren’t we? While I don’t always like the tone politics takes on, I am truly grateful to live in a country where we enjoy the freedoms we have.

Comments

[Julie Davidse]

Thanks, Shelli! I really enjoyed Mia's speech also! I wish she was running in Nevada instead of Utah!

[Evelyn Santiago]

Thanks, for sharing. I'm thankful too to the freedom of being able to vote.

[Sandra Johnson]

Thank you for the sweet words and that someone in a high rank enjoys all things stamping. Shelli- I love your posts and your company.

[Lisa]

WOW two beautiful, strong and amazing ladies

[Janet]

America - the land where everyone can vote, but not everyone can get married ... YET!!!

[Carol B]

I am not a fan of mixing politics and stamping. That being said, this was a good post. You stated clearly why you liked this candidate. It wasn't about her party or her religion. It was about who she is and what she thinks. Isn't that the criteria we should all be using when we vote in November? Nice reminder to ignore the hype and find out where a candidate stands on issues that are important to us.

[Aliss]

I love Mia Love! We will be going to support her tomorrow here in Vegas!

[Katie]

Thank you for posting this! I was not aware of this woman until I read your post today. She definitely looks like someone to follow, especially if she wins election to the US House of Representatives. Just to clarify - my research shows she is running for the US congressional seat in Utah's 4th district, not for the US senate.