VOTE

I voted yesterday, and I am proud that I live in a country where I get a small say in what goes on.

Some people may not take the time to vote because they don't think their vote matters or that it's not worth their time.  One single vote may not matter, but when 1,000 people all think their vote doesn't matter and the election is won by, what, 200 votes? YOU DO MATTER.

Tennessee is said to be a solidly Republican state, so some supporting Kerry would think "Why bother?" And I thought that for a brief moment . . . then thought "Well what if everyone supporting Bush figured he was a shoe-in for this state and THEY didn't bother to vote? And everyone who supported Kerry DID get out and vote?" Playing the what-if game will make you crazy.

In 2000 as I stayed up all night to watch the election results, frustrated at 4 a.m. when it became clear that a decision would not be made that night. And I was mad.  Partially mad because I felt like as a country we didn't have our act together, but mostly mad at myself for not voting because I didn't have the time and telling myself it was ok because Bush won Tennessee by a huge majority anyway.

We can talk all day long about what we think should be done in the realm of politics, but if we don't get out and place our votes we might as well not care at all about what happens in our country (and I KNOW that as mothers and as women, you do care what happens.) I honestly don't care who you vote for. I have a preference, of course, but I think it's much more important just that you get out and VOTE, regardless of who you choose.

If your city/county has early voting I would recommend you take advantage of it if possible -- I stood in line for an hour yesterday to early vote. Can you imagine the lines on Election Day? It's being said that a record number of people are going to be voting this year, and in my opinion early voting is one way to make sure your voice is heard and to avoid a lot of stress.

Happy voting!!!

P.S. I am doubled over laughing at something I just read on a blog I stumbled across, a guy who writes about politics . . . if you want to check this guy out, click here. He was talking about the possible change in our leadership in the next year . . . here is the quote. "Thank you, Mr. Bush, for four years of very tough duty. We will be making a change and will not require you services after Jan. 20." ha ha ha ha ha.

Comments

[Leslie]

Good for you for voting (and of course I love ya even more for voting for my guy). I think I am the only one who feels this way bit I really WANT to go vote on election day. I plan to take Ella with me so she can see what an election is all about :)

[Kelly]

AWESOME!!!! GO KERRY!!! I agree with you, I think it is SOOOOO important for people to vote!!!!

[Jen A--Evelyn's Mommy]

I grew up in a staunchly Republican family (Sorry!), and I was raised that it is your duty to vote, just like it is your duty to do your chores and play nice w/ your brother. ;-) I mean, my parents were election judges! I love politics and history. But then again, maybe I'm just a huge nerd.... :-)

[Jen_Jake'smom]

Leslie -- go early and be prepared to stand in line, that's all I have to say. (Oh, and that we still want to get together with you soon.)
Kel -- you and I have the same brain, I swear. ;o) We agree on most everything.
JenA -- umm, we've already ESTABLISHED that you're a total nerd. ha ha ha! I think your parents raised you right, even if they DID raise you Republican! ha ha. (you know I love you.)

Jen

[Becca]

YES!!! GO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and sorry...GO BUSH lol.

Great post, Jen. I'm proud of you, I feel the same way.

Love ya,
Becca

[Sue]

I too think it is important to vote and have a say. We have no 'choice' here - voting is compulsory and you get fined if you do not vote!

[Holly]

Jen,

Well, I think it is great that you can vote early.... wishing our county had it together here - can't vote until the BIG day unless you are dead, then you can vote the week before. Just kidding on that, but the requirements for early voting here are crazy!

And I have to say that I agree with the importance of the vote, even if you voted for someone I wouldn't have. :)

God Bless and thanks for keepin' it real.

[Steve Good]

Jen I will not hold it against you that you voted for Kerry, BUT I WILL HOLD IT AGINST YOU IF YOU DO NOT E-MAIL ME BACK... steve.good@colstrip.com Great to see you again!