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Across the Fence:  Election day banter  |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 06:11:11 AM
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It's election day here, in Kentucky (as it is in every other state), and our gubernatorial race will be decided, among some other not so interesting, but vital offices. I will preface this by saying, I work for an attorney, and our judicial system is obviously politically rooted, but my interest in politics is limited in that I listen, learn, make (what I feel are informed decisions) and vote. I don't volunteer or work campaigns. I'm simply a voter, and I learned at an early age while accompanying my father, that (he felt) it's one of the great gifts we are given as Americans. Our choice may not win, but we CAN choose. We can even write in a name, like "Stetson Kennedy" if we want to, if we think he can do better.
Our receptionist, who is 25, asked me if I voted--(my sticker on my shirt says that I did) and when I asked her the same, she said, "NO, I don't like politics or understand politics, so I don't vote. I'll vote for the president next year, though..." I simply said, "you don't get to comment then--you don't get to complain, or have your voice heard, if you don't vote. Why wouldn't you want to vote on what happens where you REALLY live, in your state?" "I know, I know," she said. "I just don't think it's that big a deal."
I was kind-of floored, because she's not the only one (both young and old) I've heard say this. And I wondered if maybe I was led astray, maybe I take my right to vote--to possibly effect change--too seriously?
Just food for thought.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 06:19:38 AM
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Jonni - When anyone asks me if I'm going to vote, I just tell them I vote in ALL elections - and that Nelson Mandela takes me to the polls. I used to work with an otherwise intelligent woman nearly my age who has NEVER voted. I have another close friend whose own sister has NEVER voted. This is unthinkable to me. When I lived with my parents in a very small suburb of Louisville, I saw those local elections be won or lost on ONE single vote two separate times. Yes, your vote counts.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 06:25:01 AM
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Unfortunately, that's a lot of peoples' attitudes in my state, New Jersey. We have the highest property taxes in the country...and there's no relief! There's a lot of political corruption and the same people are voted in...*sigh*... It's expected to a low turnout today, but I definitely am going to vote. There's a movement called G.R.I.P. (get rid of incumbent politicians), that at least if you vote against the existing representative, hopefully, it will send a message.
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 06:29:55 AM
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by KYgurlsrbest
I was kind-of floored, because she's not the only one (both young and old) I've heard say this. And I wondered if maybe I was led astray, maybe I take my right to vote--to possibly effect change--too seriously? [e][quote]
Jonni, You can never take your right to vote too seriously. When people take it for granted, and don't bother to vote, then, like you said, they have no right to complain! As far as I'm concern, people who don't vote are part of the problem! Ok....off of my soapbox.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
Edited by - junkjunkie on Nov 06 2007 06:32:05 AM |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 06:35:06 AM
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I don't know how to do the quote thing. :)
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 07:17:01 AM
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Jonni, I don't think you are off base at all.
American-born citizens have the right to vote, and many choose not to take advantage of that right, while others forfeit it. Naturalized citizens greatly appreciate this right because it is something we were not born with, but had to earn.
As a Canadian living in the USA since 1967, I was passive for many years. Several years ago I actualized my strong loyalty to this country by applying for and obtaining naturalized citizenship.
While it felt a bit strange at the time forsaking allegiance to the country where I was born, I am filled with overwhelming gratitude and pride and allegiance to the USA and I am very proud to be an American, by CHOICE!
I voted this morning and proudly wear my sticker.
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Peanut
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jennifer
Waverly
Virginia
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 07:27:44 AM
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I'll be voting later.
I live in the Surry County, VA. The same county where Michael Vick is in trouble for dogfighting... our local elections are hotly contested this year.
"What is a farm but a mute gospel?"
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 07:46:28 AM
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I'd like to sling some mud on Michael Vick! GRRRRR!
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 08:04:54 AM
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I'm glad to hear that folks feel the way I do about our right to vote in this country. I like what Janice said, "Nelson Mandela takes me to the polls". I really do feel that if we want something, we have to speak up.
To each his own, but I'm having a hard time looking at her, today. I just keep thinking "duh"...I don't care who you vote for, just vote for heaven's sake!!!!
***Regarding New Jersey....I watched a documentary called "Street Fight" on the mayoral elections (2002) in Newark, (New Jersey) about newcomer Cory Booker and long time mayor Sharpe James and I just found it frightening to see, in this day and age, some of the old machine style tactics that James used to deter voters for the other candidate. UNBELIEVABLE...and more so, because he was an african american man. I've seen the footage of the voting registration in Selma, anyone else? It was like he'd taken a page out of the history books....I was absolutely disgusted...I understand that Booker eventually won, but Newark is one tough city.***
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 08:05:56 AM
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Oh, and for the record, tar and feathering Mr. Vick is "ok" in my book.
Wanna vote on it? 
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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Firemama
True Blue Farmgirl
1731 Posts
Amanda
Medical Lake
WA
USA
1731 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 08:11:24 AM
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I vote Yes to Tar Michael Vick,lol. Andany otherperson who commits crimes against people or animals. I guess that would be ALOT of tar.Sicko people. Anyway I voted here.I have ever since I was 18. I do not know of a person in my family who has voted. Neither of my parents,or grandparents. My brother doesnt voteand neither has DH. I want my kids to know it is important, and our right and privlege. Just out of spunk I asked my mom if she had voted she said nope, never had and never will,Honey do you really think 1 vote is gonna count. My answer to that is that yes I DO think 1 vote counts. They all add up right?
Mama to 2
Your FreckleFaced Farm Girl!!
http://myfarmdreams.blogspot.com/
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 08:13:49 AM
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1+1=2, 2+2=4, or so I was always taught.
Good for you for voting, and teaching your children that it IS really their birthright!
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 08:42:16 AM
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Rob doesn't vote (for people-but he does for referendums and such...)and it's because he feels that is his vote. he chooses NOT to elect as he doesn't see that any candidate is worth his vote and the fake votes-like writing in Mickey Mouse-get tossed, not counted. Also, Rob is a pascifist and often they dont vote. He serves in every other way he is able though and I don't feel like he is any less American or like he is refusing his birthright-in fact, as I said already, he IS voting. He is choosing, however, he is choosing NOT to elect.
I vote. I voted today. I'm the letter writer and the voting registration card passer-outer-and I have come across a number of people who choose not to vote for the very same reasons Rob doesn't vote. Very active, intelligent, politically outspoken people who do not feel anyone is worth their vote.
I support those intelligent decisions just like I supported others decisions to mark the x by G-dub at the last presidential election.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 09:21:58 AM
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I think I did say, I was disturbed by the fact that our receptionist didn't UNDERSTAND politics and didn't want to,and because of this,didn't LIKE politics, but would still vote for a candidate for president. I'd rather she didn't vote in that election, really.
There's nothing wrong with making an informed decision whether to vote or not, there is something wrong with "not thinking it's "that bigga deal", and making an ignorant choice (ignorant meaning uninformed in this instance, or just "because"). For me, it IS that "bigga deal"...I've not voted before because I didn't support any candidate and couldn't in good faith put one in office. I also don't vote straight ticket because of the same reason.
The electoral college doesn't matter with statewide elections, which is what we're voting on today. The electoral college is bunk on this level. So, yes, your vote DOES in fact count.
Your vote counts for circuit and district court judges, who you have to sit in front of if you do something illegal--I want a choice in that, if I do something very wrong--and it doesn't matter for the office of the Secretary of State, who's office is directly responsible for counting the votes for each state to tally for the presidential election.
Whether you vote or you don't, it is your choice. Nothing wrong with making an informed choice.
"She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Nov 06 2007 : 09:33:18 AM
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oh and in speaking on the electoral college-I was only referring to the presidential election. Of course your vote counts on state levels, but not on federal levels. I have a friend up in Canada who told me once that when she was in high school and learning about the US way of electing a president, her whole class questioned how it was that we actually vote in our president. They were a might confused-and I dont blame them. When other countries realize that we dont each individually decide who our president is, but we all run about saying our vote counts in choosing the prez. there is something seriously wrong with the common idea that most of us have regarding the whole process.
But yeah, since this is local, state stuff happening today, it does matter. There are many issues here in MN that are being voted on today, though no serious races among candidates. There are a few states though whose leadership is changing after today. State elections are what matter, not federal. the president is always a talking head no matter what party is in office and we don't chose the president. A lot of people (and this might open a whole different can of worms) don't really realize the sovereignty of each state. That is why there is homosexual marriage in one state and not another. That is why there are states that are able to ban abortions or say kids can marry at 16 or or or or or...we each have our own sovereignty and so the home elections are what matter.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://womonandsprout.wordpress.com
http://youtube.com/profile?user=GaiasRose
Homepage:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
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Across the Fence: Election day banter |
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Election day banter
