My American Dad was born and bred in the great city of Chicago and he loved his Cubs. When he was a boy in the 1930’s, the owner of the team would send stacks of free baseball tix to his grammar school so the kids would get hooked early. My Dad was also a political junkie and lifelong Democrat, who, despite living in Canada from the age of 30, kept his US citizenship so he could keep rocking the vote. In later years, he cast his ballot in the swing state of Florida, adding fuel to the fire. In his eyes, the right to vote and the significance of every ballot was almost as important as education, or taking time off from work to watch the game, see friends and enjoy life.
In my cynical, apolitical days, he would call the morning of every federal, provincial and municipal election to ask if I had voted, and if I hadn’t — drive across town to chauffeur me to the polling station and then reward my trouncing apathy with a free lunch. He explained the seemingly inexplicable, laid out the choices and encouraged me to act, but never once tried to influence my actual vote. He never told me what to do, which, naturally, laid the groundwork for me to find it in myself.
In his lifetime, my father got to see the first African-American man become President of the United States, but his death, over three years ago, precludes him from seeing the first woman. I am not one for regrets and neither was he, but how I wish he could have seen the great Bernie Sanders in action, his now civic-minded daughter become a wonk and his Cubs win the World Series for the first time in 108 years.
I think it’s safe to say that I have developed a kinda thing for old men. Here’s another, with some crack advice. Thanks to Sarah Cooper, for hooking us up.
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12 Responses to How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the Vote
Your Dad was special….but, then, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! Love Bertrand Russell’s responses….too bad doesn’t apply to Clinton-Trump! Tuesday should be a first!
Ruthy xo
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I am hopeful for beyond Tuesday. Thanks, Ruthy!
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So strange that it takes someone inspiring like that to help show us the importance of voting. Mine was a newfound college buddy who turned to me on the street in 1992 dumbfounded that I hadn’t figured out how to vote in our college town even though I’d been of age for 3 years. He walked me to the polling station and I placed my first Clinton vote. Haven’t missed an election since. (Already voted early! Although I’m contemplating wearing a pantsuit on Tuesday anyway…)
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We live and learn. When Clinton wins, alongside Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, progressives are going to have to stay on her ass.
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Voting is such a sacred thing. I was aghast when I learned that my 20 year old would miss his first eligible vote, because he’s overseas and forgot to register as such!! He says it doesn’t matter, because Hillary will get our state of WA; I believe every vote counts, EVERY time.
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I’m with you, Dawn. I’m in San Francisco right now and have met a number of people who say their vote won’t count; sends a chill up my spine.
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There are states where that is PROBABLY true, but it is never something to rest on or assume. All votes count! Michelle Obama said it so well, when noted that Barack Obama won some states by 2 votes per county!! That is sobering!
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The older I get, the less I take for granted.
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Loved the article! I am very patriotic, and never missed voting in an election, not bad considering I will be 67 in a few weeks. I also served my country in the military. Vote for who you want, but VOTE! Otherwise, don’t complain about who’s in office. You don’t have the right. Also, for general information, my new book is out! “Angels, Demons, God and Me” If you or anyone you know might be interested in picking up a copy, facebook me or email me @ “revelation21st@gmail.com” or check out my web sight @ “www.frankbiela.com”. Keep up the good work. I find your writing fascinating and interesting!
Frank
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Vote is right. Looking forward to the results. Thanks for your kind words.
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[…] Next post about my Dad: How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Love the Vote. […]
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[…] For more stories about my old men, click Senior High, Puppy Love, My Father Died, A Family Tree, Stay Calm and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Vote. […]
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