I had zero interest in watching the Presidential debate, in part because I've already made my decision, but then Alexis happened.
ALEXIS.
She is really super interested in this election. She's been researching issues on her own and forming her own opinions and, um, Hillary? Do you need a tiny campaign manager? Because I think I have the right 10-year old for the job. This happens to be the same 10-year old who tonight asked a series of questions that basically led her down a path that I'm not sure many adults have found.
Alexis, and remember, she's TEN YEARS OLD, was trying to understand why people say that homeless people are just lazy and need to get a job. Something about it has always unsettled her, and a few of the questions during the debate caused her to be more bothered. In trying to untangle the mess, she asked me to explain the process for getting a job. I explained that you have to fill out an application in person or online, go in for an interview, and generally present yourself as the person who is most qualified for the open position. And then Alexis took that bit of information and analyzed it.
"But how can you fill out an application if you don't have a computer? Homeless people don't have computers."
"But how can you go apply in person if you don't have a car?"
"Okay, so maybe you live in your car or can take the bus, but how do you take a shower? You can't go to an interview if you haven't showered."
"How can homeless people have nice clothes to wear when they go apply and interview?"
"But you can't get a phone call to go for an interview if you don't have a phone."
One question piled on top of another and then another. Before long, Alexis looked me square in the eye and said, "It seems to me that if you're poor or homeless, it's really hard to change that."
And then Little Miss Gets It went back to focusing on the debate, complete with play-by-play of what the candidates were saying, and my head exploded. HOW IS THIS ELECTION REAL LIFE?
Maybe your head exploded, too. Maybe you deserve a break. Here, have a photo of a cute toddler wearing crazy Minion pants.
