Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Election Day Conversations


When I was much, much younger I was deeply involved in politics.  And by deeply, I mean I once sat in a New York State strategy meeting with Geraldine Ferraro when she ran for VP.   Although I realize how much I am dating myself with that tidbit.  Anyway, part of my general political responsibility was to make sure every democrat in my district voted.  I would scour the polling place lists for any democrat who hadn’t shown up yet, call them and make sure they got to the polls.  This often meant giving rides for those who had no transportation.

Over the years I pulled away from partisan politics, being tired of just how polarizing and non-functional the labels have become.  But I still work to get people to the polls on election day because I still believe, no matter what your ideology, it is important to vote.  

Mostly I now work with our senior citizen department.  Seniors who no longer drive sign up if they need a ride and I, and others,  shuttle them back and forth.  These are some of the interesting conversations I had yesterday:

  • Edna, probably 80 pounds dripping wet - “ I don’t know why that f*cking Obama doesn’t just bomb the Middle East off the face of the earth.”  That wasn’t really conversation as I had no response at all.  I just walked her into the poll and got her home quickly.  Frankly, she kind of scared me.

  • Charles, apologized for being late because he had to “clean his appliance.”  That’s okay, I’m in no rush.  And he continued “I have no colon so I had to clean out my colostomy bag.”  I nodded.  “I also have no rectum”.   I’m very sorry.    “Now no one can call me an asshole.”   I laughed out loud.  Okay, you got me with that one.   “I get a lot of people with that one”, he said smiling, quite satisfied.

  • Betty, got in my car and thanked me profusely.  Oh, thank the good Lord for people like you. God bless you for doing this.    I vote at my church.  The Catholic Church.  Okay.  Are you Catholic?  Uh, no.  Are you Protestant.  Uh, no.   Are you anything?   Not really.  Did you vote? Yes, I voted earlier today.  Well, at least you did that.  Young people today don’t bother.   This country is not what it used to be.  People don’t vote.  They don’t go to church.    There’s no morality.   Are you married?   Oh look, we’re here.

  • Harold, a short man with a walker, struggled to get into my car.  He had on a Navy cap and I asked him,  World War II?  Yup.  I served on a destroyer in the Philippines.  I still have shrapnel in my hip. I thank you for your service.    My father was infantry in World War I.  One of my sons was killed in Vietnam and my granddaughter just returned from a tour in Iraq.   It never ends.  I am sorry about your son.  I knew quite a few guys who didn’t come home. Yeah, I’m glad I won’t be here for the next war.  The Great War was supposed to end all wars and we've been at war ever since.  The next one will destroy the whole planet.  We never learn.


We never learn.




16 comments:

  1. All I will say is "Thank God I don't live in the south." Rectums or no rectums, they've got more than their fair share of a-holes.

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  2. Bless you for helping them get there. It's too bad we can't get the young people to turn out in those numbers...

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    1. I really don't understand the lack of interest. I have to push and prod my own daughters. I suppose always living in a progressive state, they don't feel the threat. . . yet. maybe when folks have their rights eroded they will finally sit up and take notice.

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  3. I would volunteer to do this, but in my state we vote by mail. There are no more polling places. Sometimes I miss the civic camaraderie in going to a polling place to vote, but mostly I am grateful for the convenience of this system.

    Thank you, 8, for your service to our democracy!
    xoxooxox

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    1. And now you can get high before you vote : )

      I am fascinated by a mail vote system. NY probably has one of the most restrictive voting laws - no same day registration, no early voting, etc. Yet I haven't heard much push back on that. How wonderful, especially for the elderly, to be able to vote by mail.

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  4. I was so grateful for the kind folks that provded this service for my mom when she needed it. I remain ever so grateful for the several who provide it for those who still need it now.

    Folks are something. ;-)

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    1. By and large I think that people are pretty wonderful. And the elderly are particularly something : )

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  5. i love this snapshot of yours! i had to laugh, mostly.
    have you seen jeff daniels' utube on why america is the greatest country? sad, but the truth has to set us free. xo

    best wishes, 8., happy season
    love
    kj

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    1. Well, that just got me all teary. The truth hurts sometimes. But I still believe all those values still exist. Just not in institutions. It is one of the many reasons I have pulled away from labels and opted for faith in the individual, because I still see those values in individuals. SO many good people, so many failed institutions.

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  6. I believe that deserves a reward:
    http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/11/nutella-hot-chocolate.html

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    1. Thank you for this!!! With snow in the forecast, the timing is perfect.

      And I am still laughing at "it goes great with spoons."

      That made my day.

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  7. I often wonder what the 'greatest' generation must think of what has become of the world they gave us.

    And I am deeply concerned about what this election may mean for education and the environment and for women and people of color and for affordable health care. Today I am grieving for the lost dreams of America.

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    1. I know my mother's sadness was with the greed. She just couldn't believe how greedy people have become. I tend to agree with her. And I am also deeply concerned about the direction this country is going. Time to roll up the sleeves and work harder. Fortunately I have 2 great Senators who will continue to fight for the working class and for women.

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  8. You're a better woman than I - even though I think it's important for everyone to vote, this area is so overwhelmingly right wing, I couldn't take most folks to the polls without wanting to kill myself.

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  9. Well yes, in your part of the country I might be going around stealing canes and walkers in the middle of the night : )

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