Well, we have received our absentee ballots for the upcoming election. I have to admit, even the routine parts of this process seem to be fraught with tension this time around. I am being extra-careful to fill in the ovals the right way, using a pen of the right color. And I am going to drive to the election board and deliver my ballot in person, rather than take any chances with the U.S. Mail.
Yes, I am paranoid. I am also guilty of over-valuing the importance of my ballot:
⬭ It’s not like my ballot is going to bring Ruth Bader Ginsburg back to life.
⬭ My ballot is not going to deter Mitch McConnell, whose hypocrisy observes no bounds. McConnell and his cronies have clearly shown that hypocrisy is punished less than dogma is rewarded, and my ballot is not going to change that.
⬭ My ballot is not going to undo all the damage that Trump & Company have inflicted on democratic principles and the function of our government, at all levels.
⬭ My ballot is not going to end racism or get all the rogue police officers off the street.
⬭ There is no referendum on my ballot on whether Russia should continue to interfere with our election processes. Or whether our leaders should invite them to do so (again).
⬭ My ballot will not take one semi-automatic weapon out of the hands of a disaffected white guy, nor will it reduce the number of disaffected white guys who want them.
So, is it not pointless for me to fill in all those ovals? Not necessarily. I have got to believe that voting for rational people and rational solutions is better than voting for demagogues and dogma. That is the battle I am joining by completing and turning in my ballot. I only wish that I could ensure others like me would do the same, in overwhelming numbers.
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Speaking of contests, may I remind my readers of the special 10th Anniversary Giveaway that I announced here last week (see this post). I know I’m not Publisher’s Clearinghouse, but I am a bit surprised at the limited response so far. I figure there could be a number of factors at work here: (1) the subscriber notification email may have been labeled as spam; (2) this site has fewer readers than I thought; (3) the note cards are not appealing enough, even if they are free; (4) some readers are choosing not to enter, to allow others to win.
Well, if you haven’t entered, all I can do is encourage you to reconsider. To enter, please visit the post titled 10th Anniversary Giveaway and follow the instructions there. Thanks.
I agree Craig and also agree that we have to do what little is in our power to hang on!
I’ve read several articles and obituaries for Justice Ginsberg in recent days, and early this year we watched “On the Basis of Sex,” a great biopic. Such a terrible loss but I’m reminded of how methodical she was in building the case against gender discrimination, referring the their wins as building blocks, incremental steps toward justice. Although it’s a much smaller building block, a vote is also such an incremental step. Donations too. I’ve made many small ones in races around the country this year. I hope for my grandchildren’s sake that the long arc of the moral universe really does bend toward justice. Maybe if we all push just a little harder…
Of course your followers are reading; although, for me, I am sometimes lost in the numbers 😊
I will be standing among the throngs of people in line on Election Day to vote in person … (I will not fear the 🦠 virus in the “crowds”, as I suspect my district’s line will be the usual 2 or 3 people)
As for RBG … she was definitely a tiny giant … I pray her accomplishments may live long into the future … Just as your artwork 😘
That’s nice of you to say!
Of all of the states I’ve lived in, Colorado has by far the best voting system. Ballots are mailed to all registered voters – without the need to request that – three weeks before an election. The ballot can be sent back by mail or dropped off at any of numerous boxes. This year, the CO Sec’y of State added a new electronic feature called BallotTrax by which one can check to learn whether a ballot has been received and counted (or questioned, I presume). Anyone with an e-mail address on file has received this, and anyone not yet on the list can sign up.
Thanks Craig!!! I hope billions of people will be voting with such care and concern, as you this November!!!!! I know I will be one of them!!!!
Still crying in Az for RBG😭!!!!