Power to the People

Today is California Primary Election day and I will be going soon to go cast my votes.  I like going to my polling place instead of using the mail-in ballot, with the thought that if I make the effort, my vote will count more.  I also like the "American-ness" of standing in line with my neighbors, each wanting to make our voice heard in our government.  I was in Greece at the time of a national election, and it was a fascinating process.  At Platka Square in Athens, successive evenings were given to each of the three parties, Socialist, Democratic (not the same as ours), and Communist (wow! right there out in the open, and they didn't have horns and tails nor nuthin'), to make their pitch to the public.  All Greek citizens are required to vote and must go back to their towns of origin.  Our Greek tour guide had to get a replacement guide for us so she could go home on election day.  My mother was a staunch Republican and my dad a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat.  They voted in every election and effectively cancelled each other out.  I personally vote a mixed bag, thinking that party lines have become pretty blurred.  I dislike the smear campaigns that were run for Governor this year.  I want someone to vote for, not someone to vote against.  I have politely listened to my husbands' (yes, that is plural possessive) arguments regarding candidates and issues, and it wasn't until we listened to the results that they found out I didn't necessarily vote as directed.  After all, I am my parents' child.

It is absolutely amazing that dogs have the unique ability to expand during the night.  Bessie Anne is a fairly small dog during the day, but in the bed after lights out she becomes the size of a Saint Bernard and takes up three-quarters of the space, allotting me just enough on the edge to keep from falling off.  When Frank and Pearl join up, I just can't move at all.  Usually I make every accommodation for my furry friends, but early this morning I really needed to stretch a leg.  Running into the usual block wall, this time I pushed back and...Bessie actually moved!  I felt so empowered!