Every old crow thinks hers is blackest

Every old crow thinks hers is the blackest.

This idiom is most commonly a statement of parental pride. Every parent thinks their child is the sweetest, smartest, and most beautiful. And of course they are!

But I chose this saying for Election Day 2016 because of its greater meaning. Everyone thinks their cause is right and just and good and noble. Why? Because it’s their cause. It’s your cause. You’ve taken it up — whatever it is — devoted a lot of time, effort, and thought (hopefully more thought than anything) to it, and you are convinced you are in the right. This cause is your baby, and just like an old crow, you think yours is the rightest.

But don’t forget, there are many others who think their position is just as right as you do. So just like you wouldn’t insult someone else’s child (at least I hope you wouldn’t), be just as considerate when talking about their issue. After all, just like you’ll never change a mama’s mind about her own chick, you’ll never change someone’s mind who’s truly devoted to a particular belief.

Another important Election Day idiom? “Crows are black the world over.” No matter where you’re from, no matter your race, color, or creed, or sexual orientation, no matter your personal choices, no matter if you’re on the left, right, or somewhere in the middle, we’re all just crows. And all us crows deserve respect, compassion, and love.

So today, when you go to the polls to vote, remember the crows.