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    3Dec, 2018
    The End of an Era

    The first president I voted for after turning 18 was President George H.W. Bush.

    Away from home and at college in Tennessee, I transferred my residency to the Volunteer state just so I could vote like a “real” voter. None of that absentee ballot stuff for me, no sir, I was going to stand in line– even in the rain (which was highly likely in the Tennessee Valley)– show my voter ID, cast my ballot and be counted.

    I wanted my first voting experience to be for President Reagan, whom I adored. He was the first president I was truly aware of but, alas, I was too young each time he ran.

    But President George Herbert Walker Bush? President Reagan’s Vice President? I was in.

    We often don’t remember the also-rans but I remember Michael Dukakis–largely because my debate partner used to say that he didn’t want to vote for someone whose last name sounded like something you stepped in. Other than the two major nominees, I don’t remember many details about the presidential race but I do remember that I felt I voted for the man I thought would do the job the best, who largely believed in the same things I did.

    President Bush was a gracious man who, despite his wealth and his education, had a servant’s heart. So many tributes have poured in, stories of how he took time with a child or was especially kind to others in a way that made it clear that that was who he was. His kindness wasn’t for show.

    It has already been said but it is the end of an era. May President Bush enjoy his rest, reunited with his beloved Barbara and their daughter, Robin.

    7Oct, 2018
    To Vote or Not to Vote–That is a Question

    My daughter and I got into an argument tonight over her voter registration–as in she didn’t want to register and I made her. She is still upset with me. 

    I told her that she could register and, if she didn’t want to vote, that was up to her but at least she would be registered to vote when the time comes.

    She says she is confused and has friends on social media who have strong opinions about issues that leave her unsure of where she stands on things. 

    Unfortunately, these “friends” on social media are people she has never met in person but she considers them friends. If only I could organize a friendship with a decent, reasonable young woman–who is like-minded and who could influence her in a good way—but, as it stands in today’s world, social media “friends” trump real live people in the same room. 

    What really, really bothers me is that politics has become so dirty and messy—a la the Kavanaugh hearings—that my daughter isn’t even sure if she wants to vote.

    I grew up in the tail end of the Cold War. I couldn’t imagine not exercising my right to vote. In fact, I think I’ve missed only one vote (during a primary) and that was due to a work-related project and I didn’t get to the polls in time. 

    It’s horrible that a young person on the cusp of adulthood feels confused by politics and doesn’t know how to move forward.

    My husband and I are going to talk to her about the issues and ask her to look into them. We can help her investigate her representatives and where they stand on issues—but she has to decide what to do with the information. 

    I am hoping that this doesn’t lead to extensive or long-term apathy toward politics or voting–but she has me worried.