Granted, “big person” or “big sibling” are more inclusive phrases.

But the idea of each is the same, and all are equally reprehensible in the sense of someone looking over our lives.

Like others, I am being bombarded by political ads of all persuasions, and all are equally intrusive and annoying.

But, wait, there’s more.

I received the following text this morning:

“Mary, public records show you voted in both 2022 and 2024. There are 4 days left to vote early in Arizona. Early voting ends 10/30. Who you vote for is private, but whether you vote is public record. Voting info: https://azsos.gov/elections/voters

-OurBallot

Stop to end”

I saw a TV ad over the weekend that claims that Arizonans, starting with the November 3 election, can monitor others’ election participation. To be clear, not HOW we vote, but IF we vote. Your mother, your father, siblings, maybe friends can check out your participation. Then, they can butt into your private business, in ways both little and large.

My right to vote is one of the treasures of my life here in the United States. But I am disturbed at the idea of being monitored. Access by officials is not new. But this notion of a friends and family plan can be frightening.

Imagine, if you will, a voter who lives in an abusive environment being “called to task” for failure to vote. Something so seemingly benign can unleash untold terror on the vulnerable, whether that terror be  physical, mental, spiritual. Or all of them.

Borrowing wise words from Jesus, “Keep awake.”