for granted

I was reminded just now of how much we, as Americans, take for granted.

On the TV, a businessman in Iraq spoke of his excitement about the upcoming elections. Before this businessman, a series of scenes showed the danger of going to vote in the war-torn country. A woman was quoted as being afraid to leave her home to vote. Afraid of the explosions, she said. But this business man, with enthusiasm, spoke of how they could now choose one way or the other, instead of just one way. He said, "I tell my customers. Vote. Vote even if it means you are going to die."