My name is Judith, and I am writing a blog on voting. Everyone needs to know this information, but especially those who may have doubts about continuing, or starting, to vote. Specifically, on our need to vote, and background information on who and how we can vote. Voting is a privilege that many don’t share, and many have had to fight for, including our right to vote. Most importantly, we have a responsibility to vote as educated citizens of the U.S.A.
A bit of background. My husband and I have been married for 50 years, have 5 children, and 17 grandchildren. I could be wrong, but I think I’ve voted in every election I’ve been allowed to. I’ve voted for Republicans and Democrats. I was registered Republican, then Independent, finally as a Democrat. (I registered as a Democrat because I wanted to vote in the primary, and in Pennsylvania, you have to be registered for a party in order to vote in a primary.) I’ve also volunteered for several different political candidates, both Republican and Democrat, as have my children. One of my daughters is now serving in her local poll station, as she served in the poll station where she lived before her last move.
We’re used to discussing politics and religion in our house. In fact, one Thanksgiving two adults were arguing about something called MAP pricing, and my daughter-in-law asked, “Why can’t we just discuss religion and politics like usual?!?”
My husband is a veteran after serving in the Navy for ten years. His second submarine was new construction, and I was able to serve as a co-ombudsman with the Chief of the Boat’s wife. I’ve often volunteered in different areas as the need arose, including in schools my children attended.
If I sound too good to be true, you’d be correct. I get cranky the older I get, and less willing to put up with nonsense. Aging isn’t my idea of a good time, second only to NOT getting older! I am incredibly grateful for having grown up in the United States. My education came when President Kennedy was pushing for more science and math due to the space race, and I benefited from it. Since then, my children and grandchildren had learned more than I have, and earlier. I also homeschooled for a bit, which I quit when I went back to college. (Learning is a wonderful opportunity, whether it’s trade or college!) I also deal with anxiety and depression, like many other Americans. My life is what it is.
I hope you’ll read my blog, and that people who do feel free to share their thoughts, opinions, and feelings. I also hope that everyone will recognize the need to avoid being rude and name calling. It seems to me that we’ve confused being rude and calling people names with being clever. I believe Jesus taught us to be kind, and not offensive. As I told my kids when they were young, you can say anything as long as it’s said respectfully. Everyone is due respect, whatever their political party, religion, or anything else.
I hope people will respond to the blog and to each other. Honestly, there are things I just don’t understand, and I want to. Some I need to know. Hopefully, we’ll be able to be open with each other about politics and voting, even if we disagree.
Take care, Judith