I’ve never been radical but I’ve always been fearless.
Fearless enough to venture far, far away from the nest and find my way.
Fearless enough to study for and pass my U.S. citizenship test with flying colors.
Appreciating the privilege, I’ve never not voted.
Never.
Yes the phone calls and flyers, negative ads and people at the door can get annoying.
And yes, there are items on the ballot I don’t care much about — like who serves on the Board of Regents for various public colleges.
But most things I do.
And I’m so grateful to have a say.
So today, I’ll be late for work because I am stopping to vote first. I’ll chat with the poll workers who know me by name and just that experience right there will put a spring in my step and a smile on my face.
As a citizen of this country for only six years, maybe I am a little bit radical.
“Resolved, that the women of this nation in 1876, have greater cause for discontent, rebellion and revolution than the men of 1776.” – Susan B. Anthony. Google.images.com
God Bless America, Land that I love || Stand beside her, and guide her || Thru the night with a light from above
From the mountains..to the prairies || To the oceans..White with foam || God Bless America! || My Home Sweet Home
You voting today?
Yep, voting from the new address. We registered over a month ago to get our new cards in time.
Whoop! Good for you 🙂 MJ
Sent in absentee ballot 2weeks ago. If you don’t vote, don’t complain!! If you do vote, be thankful that you have that right!!!
You go, Joan!! 🙂 My thoughts exactly .. MJ
I knew you would have an encouraging word…you American, you…
I read this just this morning, “In 1872, before women could vote in national elections, Susan B. Anthony cast a ballot for a federal election in New York. She was arrested and put on trial. In court she argued that her action was legal under the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, which gave all citizens the right to vote. The court found her guilty but the highly publicized trial raised public awareness about woman suffrage. Women finally achieved national voting rights with the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.”
Too many years paying taxes as a Permanent Resident without the right to have a say where it’s spent … I could never .. not vote.
MJ
Early voted last Wednesday. Happy for the right to vote!
You and me both Sandi-girl. Hope you’re doing great, MJ
You betcha! We have a gubernatorial contest going on. Important stuff.
How did it turn out?? MJ
As expected. The incumbent was voted out. He wasn’t a bad governor but he made some hard choices that made him unpopular especially with education. Our problem is that there isn’t enough money to do everything people want to see done yet taxes are high. The new guy is a successful businessman so we’ll see how that works.
MI Voted in a successful businessman last and he was just re-elected. You never know 🙂 MJ
Here’s hoping — I voted for him. Just a postscript on the outgoing — both the husband and I commented after listening to his concession speech that he didn’t have the charisma needed to make the changes he wanted to. He stayed behind doors, never coming out to promote his initiatives. This new guy is very folksy and hopefully will galvanize the state.
When I think of all the horror that women went through and the many years it took for us to be able to vote, I cannot imagine ignoring this day…even though I thoroughly dislike politics and all the balderdash that goes with it.
I agree on both counts — the significance of and the “stuff” that goes with it. Thankfully, no more TV ads .. at least for another year or so 🙂 MJ
You are truly patriotic, MJ. And yes, I voted. I take that right seriously.
We all are in our own way ~ I’m probably a little more pronounced about it — rah rah siss boom bah! Insert cartwheel here, except I can’t do cartwheels and would probably land on my head. But I’d try … 😉 MJ
Good for you!
Feels good! I only got to vote a few times in the Canadian elections before I was then living in the U.S. so being involved again is very meaningful. Mom & Dad were VERY politically involved (she still is) and really instilled in me the importance of civic responsibility. Cheers! MJ
Congratulations on your fearless approach to life MJ! Both my parents were naturalized citizens of the U.S., and they left me with pride for their fearless accomplishments too, and gratitude that I was brought up a citizen of this amazing country. I did vote this morning and that right is just one of their many gifts to me that I cherish.
Absolutely – it’s a gift that should never be squandered. Makes me grit my teeth at how many around me are so apathetic about it but yet steadily complain.
Where did your parents originate from? 🙂 MJ
Yup, I voted. And now I feel a little guilty for doing so in a much less inspired manner than you do! 🙂
You did great! I don’t intend to make anyone feel guilty rather hopefully inspire appreciation of the privileges that come with citizenship 🙂
MJ
Good for you! I worked as an election judge in our local precinct yesterday (5 a.m.-7:30 p.m.), where we experienced a 42% voter turnout–and we rejoiced! The numbers are usually much lower, and I find that incredibly sad. One of my best friends is a native of England, and like you, as soon as she became a U.S. citizen years ago she has never once missed an opportunity to vote. What a shame that more natural-born citizens don’t take advantage of that same opportunity.
Would love to see more people get out but am always glad to see the ones I do – and they’re often older than me. Thank you for working the local precinct yesterday – I’ll bet that was one long day!!
MJ
Yes, indeedy, we voted yesterday. Your love for our country always warms my heart, MJ!
Good job, Dianna!
I love my motherland, too, but I’m also very grateful to the many opportunities I’ve had here. 🙂 MJ
I voted, too. It’s hard to imagine women had to fight so hard to have a say.
It sure is.
MJ
Love your patriotic fervor! Good for you, and thanks for sharing! (Catching up, so no, did not vote today 🙂 ) ~ Sheila
Thankful that I can vote 🙂 that’s all. MJ