Tuesday, November 4, 2008

It's VOTING DAY!! And a day for History


Election day in the U.S. Wow. What a tradition. I remember my first voting day. (as a note, my mother in law, born in Texas, was taken back to Germany and raised in 1910 and came back to the states to live when she was 18. She use to say she'd gone voting or was going voting.. THAT is where I picked up this somewhat unusual way of saying I'm going to vote. :) Another bit of unnecessary information about me..
I digress; My FIRST "VOTING DAY" was in 1972, the laws had changed, allowing me to vote at aged 20. So I voted for Nixon, ok - lets move on. It was the year, California voted on the death penalty and I found myself unable to vote yes on it once I got inside the polling place. That was an eye opener. I've experienced other such moments in voting booths over the years.
In 1980, my sister Peggy, drove out the 30 miles from her home to watch the election results with me. We'd voted for Regan (I wasn't a real fan -- Ford was my choice in 76 and I still blamed Regan for the his loosing) ANYWAY, by the time she got out to my house, an hour before the polls closed, Carter had conceded.. We were both pregnant and so we sat and ate the goodies anyway.
Before I could vote, as a child, I remember the first Catholic, Irish American,  John F. Kennedy, to be elected. I wanted him, because he was younger and had a little kid. AND he was a Catholic, like me.   Now I laugh because Sabby wants Obama, "Cause he has a little kid like her".  She did announce yesterday that Obama would cost us too much money so she's for McCain now.. This from our 6 year old. These decisions she makes,  are based on conversations with friends. All very wise 6 year old children.

Today, History will be made, one way or the other. Our first President with an African heritage or our first woman V.P. I'm excited and believe either way, we'll be ok. I'm interested and amazed when I hear how much other countries follow our politics here in the U.S.
We're taking Sabby with us this morning so she can begin to experience the whole thing and in theory, be a regular Voter when she reaches 18.

Happy VOTING Day Everyone!!

9 comments:

MurciaDailyPhoto said...

And this year? Who will you vote for? Still being a Republican?

Jim Klenke said...

Seems like this day has taken forever to get here.

Brenda said...

That was a nice trip down memory lane. I remember a lot of the same things as we are about the same age, Betty. It will be a different day tomorrow when we know the outcome, one way or another. Have a great day!

Jose said...

Got up at 4:45 a.m. took a good shower to wake up, made me a double coffee and went to the voting place. There was a line already forming and they wouldn't open until 6:00 a.m. Mi chica and I waited patiently and once the doors were opened it only took us about 20 to get in. I guess it pays to get up early. lol

This is my third time voting as I got my citizenship in the year 2000 Today I've done my duty as a citizen now we'll just have to wait and see.

Rune Eide said...

We live in an exciting time - the whole world. There is no longer anywhere to hide. We all have to face the consequences of our choices.

Thank you for your comment!

Rudee said...

It was fun to vote this morning with my two children. There weren't any lines to speak of but there was red licorice and I got a picture of that. Unfortunately, my own camera had a dead battery. Duh. My daughter came to the rescue. For her reward, I gifted her the cashmere hat which looks better on her, than me.

It was my son's first presidential election and my daughter's 3rd. My daughter's roommate, at age 30 has never voted. Argh! I told my daughter if her roomy didn't vote, she should move out! She gave notice!

Like you, I used to take my youngsters to vote also. It took the mystery out of the whole process. By the time they were old enough, they were pros!
(pssst-I've voted for a couple of those republicans too)

Betty F said...

LOL Rudee... I voted both parties this year too. :)

Julee Marie Photography said...

Hey Betty, hope you voted the "right" way.. lol!! I will be getting off work shortly and then i will be heading to the polls to vote. Can't wait for it to be over. Poor Jacqueline, her birthday is overshadowed by this crazy election.. We shall celebrate nontheless!! It's very exciting, except every president I've ever voted for has lost..im not very good luck. :-)

sandy said...

I remember sitting in the living room with my parents watching the results when JFK won, what a moment. Even as a kid I felt that.