I've never been much into politics. In the 15 years I've been old enough to cast a vote I've never done it. Ever. My parents have always voted and always encouraged me to vote. I remember as a young teenager having a firm conviction that it was my right and my duty to vote and I always planned to vote when I was old enough. And then I was old enough and it was just all so confusing. I'll admit that most election years I didn't really try very hard to educate myself on the candidates or the issues. But still, how is a person supposed to wade through all the mudslinging to get to the truth of what each candidate is really saying? And I figured no vote was better than an uneducated one so I just didn't vote. And for the record, I believe that if you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain about what our elected leaders choose to do. Needless to say, I'm not much of a complainer (at least when it comes to government).
But this year I plan to vote. I even tried hard to understand which candidate would help fix our country. I watched all of the presidential (and vice-presidential) debates. Well, I watched some of all of them. They just confused me even more. How am I supposed to know if they really mean what they say? Or if they'll actually be able to carry out those promises they are making?
Which leads me to an interesting discussion we have had going on in our house for weeks. The topic: abortion. First, let me just say that I never really planned on having a discussion on abortion with my 8 year old.
Maybe I should back up a little.....weeks and weeks ago the kids had a mock election at school. As you might imagine some of the kids were expressing their views of the candidates (or should I say, their parents views) in random playground discussions. Somehow Kierstyn gathered from the bits and pieces of conversation that she heard that Obama wanted to make it ok to kill babies. She didn't even know the word abortion. So I figured I'd better give her all the facts about abortion. You should have seen her face when I told her that some women choose to not have their babies--she was absolutely appalled. And that is all it took for her to decide she wouldn't vote for Obama. Don't even get her started. :) Somehow that topic came up again this morning on the way to school. Only this time we were discussing how a person can be against abortion and for the right to choose. Quite a deep topic of conversation for a 10, 8, and 5 year old, don't you think? I was driving the car wondering why we had to be having this conversation at all.
Initially I thought Candidate "A" would be the best choice. Over the last month or so I changed my mind and thought Candidate "B" would be a better choice. This morning I ran on the treadmill. First, I re-read the newspaper and the article that had each candidate's stance on important issues. Then I watched some of the Today Show. And now I'm thinking that perhaps Candidate "A" should get my vote. Do you see why I've never voted? It's just too hard. But I know, I know, it's my responsibility....and besides, I've already told the kids I'm going to vote. Oh, the things I do for my kids. I'm off to wait in that long line......................
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
My (Wavering) Thoughts on the Election
at 7:01 AM
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6 comments:
I learned REAL quick that those DEEP questions start coming real soon, for Savannah it was 8. I am so glad today is here, and luckily I get to vote at a little boat harbor that never has a line, and the little ole ladies are precious, grin. Go to the church website and pull up comments Pres. Hinkley gave throughout the years on the country, esp after 9.11! I did that on Sunday and if lifted my spirits tremendously, I just loved that man and his incredible optimism!!
Hey Jennifer,
Zoe and I ended up having a similar conversation, with very similar results to you and your daughter. Needless to say, Zoe's mind is firmly made up. But then I introduced her to the concept of election polls, and gave her an idea of what to expect today, and she's a bit glum and resigned.
On her own, she took a little poll of her first grade class a few weeks back. We were pretty surprised when she told us that she had done it, and pretty surprised at the results: overwhelmingly Obama.
My K is very adamently "for" who she considers the "right guy" as well. I love how determined they are at such a young age. As I was leaving to vote, she politely reminded me who to vote for. I guess she figures since she can't vote, my vote should count for hers.
I have to admit, everytime I walk up to the booth with my ballot, I smile like an idiot. It just makes me happy to be part of such a huge process that is nothing short of a blessing. Things may not go "my way", but at least I can freely complain. :)
Good girl! I am thankful for YOU and your choice to vote, however you vote, it is good to vote! Gives you that right to complain :>) Kids need to know too much too soon these days!
That must be a popular topic at school. Mia and I have been having that some discussion for weeks. When I was in her classroom last week, she made sure to show me the boy who thinks it is okay to kill babies. It has almost become embarrassing how into the elections our kids are. Several of our neighbors have signs out. Mia lets them know if she doesn't agree with their choice. She was so upset when her teacher told her the winner of the Weekly Reader elections was Obama. She is not shy about expressing her opinion. Landon calmly tries to tell her that Obama has a good chance of winning even though he too wants McCain to win. I don't know where they get all of this because I am an idiot when it comes to politics.
I just voted and let me tell you about voting in a small town in Utah. 1st of all, I left my wallet at Logan's school and I had to go back there and get it. The voting took place at a LDS Church house. I was surprised. I walked in and went to the line that I was suppposeed to be in. There was actually only one person in front of me. When it was my turn, I told the person my name. SHe handed me the information and that was all. She did not ask me for my ID or anything. Sooooooo much different then Florida.
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