My Mom worked as the computer operator for the county courthouse in a small town years ago. She also was involved in helping nursing home residents vote, by taking voting machines (the punch card version) and explaining candidates and issues to those who wanted to vote. She involved the family on returns night, having us carting the ballot boxes from cars to the counters in the court house.
Why did she get so involved? One reason was she believed in the democratic voting process, of the little guy having our say in what goes on in our community. Another reason? So we could rightfully bitch about the outcomes. She believed that if you don’t vote, you gave up your right to bitch about the process, the candidates/issues and the outcome. She was very vocal about asking ‘did you vote?’ If they answered ‘no’, she would say “then don’t bitch about it.”
I vote every election and every issue, but I don’t stand on a virtual soap box about it either. My Grandfather would vote as well, having fought in numerous wars around the world, he would say it was his patriotic duty, he fought for the right, so he was taking advantage. IF someone asked who he voted for, he would reply “None of your business. I fought in wars for my right to vote and it is a right and privilege to keep that private.”
I firmly believe in voting, even if the rumors and innuendo are true that the races are fully decided by some mysterious ‘powers that be’, it is an American right.
Plus, I love bitching about the candidate and issues.
Go Vote!
Brick ONeil 