We have the misfortune of receiving network television stations from both North Carolina and South Carolina so we have been blasted with advertisements from candidates of both states. Almost all of them proudly proclaim they are Christian, as if other religions cannot possibly know the needs of the people. A vast majority of the candidates emphasize that they are "native" and have lived here X number of generations. (Please don't tell them that the Cherokee are the only true Natives around here.) Because we declared a specific political party when we first registered to vote, the "do not call" list does not apply to that political party. [Note to self: Run down this week and change your party preference to "Independent."]
So this very apathetic voter headed down to the polls. Why? Because that's one of my jobs as an American. I did want to cast a vote against a certain person running for County Commissioner but wouldn't you know? He's a member of the other party so I couldn't vote against him in the primary.
I got this sticker as a reward for my vote.
Our polling place is a rural community center with lovely old trees all around and a horse farm across the road. A very pleasant place to be.
Here some of the political signs indicate the theme of the day: God, Country, Constitution, Character.
I must admit I don't understand what the "Trust in Freedom" means, but I think it refers to the fact that the government shouldn't tell individuals what they can or cannot do, even to other individuals.
A faint orange line is visible on the driveway and parking lot.
It is replaced by orange flags in the grassy areas.
The orange area marks the area in which all "politicking" must stop. Once you cross that orange line you better have made up your mind because no one can influence you once you are inside that perimeter. A very sweet lady representing a tea party (whatever that is) told me, "I can't accost you if you stay within that orange area." I can't imagine her accosting anyone for any reason and told her so. (But I didn't cross over to hear her commentary.)
I love this wonderful old tree and I was so glad it did not suffer from last winter's storms. It's such an inviting place. It makes the community center seem small indeed.
So I did go and vote. It's quite easy to cast your votes when you are enthusiastic about a candidate and his or her ideals. It's a real chore when you are selecting the least of the evils. But I did it and I'm glad I did. I will always vote. It's my right and it's also my duty.
I don't believe the late Senator Paul Wellstone foresaw the political climate of today, but perhaps he did. He said, "When too many Americans don't vote or participate, some see apathy and despair. I see disappointment and even outrage. And I believe that out of this frustration can come hope and action."
We certainly have disappointment and outrage on many fronts. I would like to believe that hope and action can indeed come out of this frustration.
11 comments:
Well done! I'm embarrassed to say this is one of the first times I didn't make it in to vote -- partially because I got so annoyed by the automated calls, partially because of lack of enthusiasm for anyone on the ticket. Not good excuses and I shall do better next time.
24 hour news cycles and television ads really bring one down during election times.
That tree is beautiful. Thanks for voting. I think it's important, no matter who you vote for. I wish everyone thought like that.
We just registered to vote in our new county. We thought about registering GREEN, but knew we would not be able to vote in any of the primaries. I'm not sure why some parties get special privileges and others don't, but that's the way things are these days. So, we registered in one of the major parties, and will exercise our privilege in June. None of the prospects look good, but we will take our civic responsibility seriously, the way you do, and do our job as citizens.
Nice to be reminded of Paul Wellstone.
We moved last summer & waited too late to register in our new county to vote this time. I really wish I could have - there were a couple of things I cared about.
You know, I don't remember check Democrat when we registered, but I probably did & didn't even think about it...
I shall vote tomorrow.......I also feel it is my duty to do so.
I must say I am totally sick and tired of the election broadcasts on Tv and radio. I will be glad when the whole thing has come to an end. I just hope and pray that my party gets in.
The tree is amazing......makes the building look so tiny......
As a registered independent in North Carolina, I can tell you two things - (1) the Do Not Call list applies to NONE of the parties if you are an independent, so you actually get more calls - (2) you choose which party you want to vote in for the primary, so you can choose the party and then vote for or against any candidate within THAT ballot.
P.S. - I rarely turn the TV on, so I avoid those ads.
Thanks for voting!
I have voted in every election and every primary since I became eligible to vote.
Even when the choices are woeful, I vote.
HOpe your vote wins! I loved that big ole tree too!
I can understand why many people don't vote today. Probably they feel it is futile to vote for folks that are bought out by corporate powers. They might feel that their vote will indirectly help special interests rather than the interests of the people. The American society is becoming a two layer one -- wealth and under-class. The middle is disappearing -- not my words but those of academics.
Paul Wellstone. Sadly missed.
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