Feb 29
Well, I voted Thursday morning. I felt like I should, even though I wasn’t sure who I would vote for as I walked through the parking lot. I don’t really understand all the fierce loyalty, surpassed only by the fierce opposition, to the two remaining Democratic candidates. The way I see it, both would be good leaders, both would show the world that we in the 21st Century U.S. are capable of electing someone who isn’t one beer short of a six pack, and both would work to put an end to this ridiculous war.
That being said, I figured I’d better come down on someone’s side of the fence. Voting is our civic duty, but more than that, it’s our chance to make our tiny voices heard. Besides, I was going to vote, anyway, because of the local elections. I’m not stoked about the fact that Texas has a say in who will be the next president, but it’s pretty cool that I might. So I decided that I wouldn’t leave that section blank.
I took my two-year-old daughter to the polls with me, not to instill in her the same sense of civic duty that I have. I had a feeling that she thought we were there to look at old folks. No, I took her just because she was with me, and apparently it’s a bad idea to leave your kid in the car.
As we walked up the steps to the main entrance of Brazosport College, the thought crossed my mind that I would let her spin the little wheel and press the button. It would certainly be more fun for her than for me. But as I got to the booth, I noticed that many of the original candidates are still on the ballot. No way am I letting anyone think that someone in Brazoria County voted for Joe Biden, regardless of what I think of its inhabitants. Also, if I let her do it once, she would certainly want to do it again.
So I would need to make my decision fast.
My thoughts went back to all of the wonderful, and not-so-wonderful, arguments made for and against each candidate on this very blog (this is my only news source, except for Texas Monthly). Obama wasn’t just whistlin’ Dixie when he voiced his opposition to the war on the dawn of its vote, as DMWP pointed out.
One argument that I’m especially not fond of is the one that Clinton voted to continue funding. Regardless of what you think of the war, once our troops are there, they need things like bullets, helmets, flak jackets, and water. Clinton did what she had to do and anyone who would fault her for that hasn’t thought that argument through.
So I let those things play out in my head and made my decision. I voted for Obama, not because I’d rather be thought of as a misogynist than a racist, but because I sincerely believe that he possesses the intellect, leadership skills, and vision to get this country back to where we belong: a place that is envied rather than vilified.
That’s not to say that I think Clinton does not. I think they are probably equal in those regards. I went with Obama because I feel like Clinton’s negatives outweigh his.
Later, as I was watching CNN and getting a little dumber at hearing Dubya say that we are not headed for a recession; we are in a period of economic “slowness,” I breathed a sigh of relief in knowing that someone, anyone, else is going to be at the helm in less than a year.
The trackback URL is here.
http://www.coyotemercury.com/blog1
“I breathed a sigh of relief in knowing that someone, anyone, else is going to be at the helm in less than a year.”
Amen.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
You should’ve let your daughter spin that wheel.
I too normally take the spawn to vote with me. I tell them that their great-great-grandma, Lovecow1900, fought to get a woman’s right to vote recognized. They roll their eyes at me, and my oldest yells that I should vote for Clinton.
/I didn’t
// she’s only 7
Hey, txstater. Nice to hear from you.
PL, are you on vacation? cough*again?*cough
I agree about the war funding. With my brother going over there again in the next few weeks, and after my dad had to pay for his kevlar and scope the last time around, and after I sent him warm socks and long underwear because he was freezing his tuckus off, I would sure hate for them to suddenly stop giving him whatever bare minimum they do supply.
stupid war.
http://www.yougottaplayhurt.blogspot.com
What a great story. You had me going there, until you started talking about voting in a Democratic primary in Brazoria County — something that we all know simply is not allowed to happen.
But splendid fiction!
Re: 6. NOITALL
the cradle of the Republic. i’m sure there used to only be democratic primaries in brazoria county. for a long, long, jim crow-colored time.
I’m looking out my office window right now at a Clinton rally in progress. Her secret service guys don’t look too scary.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 8. anonymous
Oh my god - where are you?
“Economic slowness.” That was great. But obviously not because gas prices are in a period of “advanced costliness.”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5580546.html
Re: 9. Pink Lady
I work in Waco City Hall. She’s at the convention center next door. I want to go over there, but the convention people have no idea when she’s showing up… she’s attending the funeral for that Dallas cop.
Re: 8. anonymous
They’re a former First Lady detail — not a Presidential Candidate detail.
/They could still kill you with the feather from a pillow.
//Well done, txstater. Your lack of vitriol, however, is disconcerting.
Re: 12. Fled The Asylum
You mean refreshing.
/Pot, kettle, btw. I hadn’t noticed any vitriol in your posts. Except, that is, when you’re demanding that PL stop calling you at 4:00 a.m. Good thing she’s up at that time, though. Just in case there’s a national crises, and all.
Re: 5. Wallflower Jr.
I’m a-religious but I’ll send some positive thoughts in your brother’s direction for safety and most especially a safe return home, whole and complete in all regards. I appreciate your brother’s and your family’s sacrifice and service.
Yes, its a stupid war. Also stupid are those who think you can’t support the troops while hating the war. Stupid war.
Re: 6. NOITALL
When I got to the table and answered the volunteer’s question about Democrat or Republican, the room fell silent after audible gasps, then one woman screamed, and I think I heard glass breaking in the distance. All 48 eyes in the room were focused on me as I felt beads of sweat break out on my forehead. A man in his late 50s, wearing a camo ball cap, denim overalls, and work boots that appeared to have been in use since the first Reagan administration, simply shook his head slowly, then spit tobacco juice on the floor. I hauled ass outta there without casting my vote.
http://www.inthepinktexas.com
Re: 15. txstater
Now THAT’S a post.
Re: 15. txstater
In the WTX of my youth, prior to Reagan (but after Buddy Holly) you just described half of the county’s Democrats. The women didn’t chew tobacco…in public anyway.
http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f6c2a2680cf00d9a
Neener.
http://www.showlush.com
Re: 17. treehugger
Sigh…. Mom did.