tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post2022450988171900509..comments2024-03-18T19:00:03.047-04:00Comments on SleuthSayers: The Power of BabeuLeigh Lundinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07921276795499571578noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-7022196455995259372012-11-17T19:57:06.017-05:002012-11-17T19:57:06.017-05:00The December after the Bush-Gore election, I spent...The December after the Bush-Gore election, I spent some time with friends at an international meeting in Russia. The discussion turned to voter turnout, and I was as stunned to learn that voting is legally required in many countries as they were stunned to find out it was voluntary in the U.S. I still don't know what I think about that, but I sure do wonder how "forcing" votes would change the outcome of elections. I was griping about our low turnout until that moment, and haven't done it since.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-71478869785741363562012-11-16T15:52:18.068-05:002012-11-16T15:52:18.068-05:00Absentee ballots are a little like audio books com...<i>Absentee ballots are a little like audio books compared to actual reading--useful at times, but not quite as enriching.</i><br /><br />As usual, David, you make the point more clearly than I manage, and in far fewer words. Thanks for the great comment, buddy.<br /><br />Dixon Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220791609338404147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-77814402543858072812012-11-16T15:50:10.186-05:002012-11-16T15:50:10.186-05:00Leigh, your “oops” link is GREAT! And Ol’ Joe cal...Leigh, your “oops” link is GREAT! And Ol’ Joe calling that guy a “Trouble-maker” is just absolutely iconic. I still remember the time, several years ago, when Arpaio was signing and giving away his “Pink Underwear,” after a local parade. When the sheriff handed a pair to my oldest son – then about 10 yrs old – he growled, “Stay out of trouble, or I’ll put you in jail!” My son and I were both sort of taken aback by it. All I can guess is that’s the old guy’s version of the “Scared Sraight” program. I don’t know. <br /><br />Fran: They had a program where we could take kids to the polls, here in AZ, at one point -- but state and local school organizations lobbied to put a stop to it, because schools were losing Federal money due to kids being absent that day. Go figure! And, I’d say your stance on Arpaio is pretty gutsy. <br /><br />Elizabeth, I think you are absolutely right<b>:</b> There was a <b><i>particularly</i></b> jovial mood in the air four years ago -- due largely (IMHO) to the idea that "The Fraternity" finally had the opportunity to vote for an African-American for president.Dixon Hillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11220791609338404147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-23378467954600169152012-11-16T15:37:17.955-05:002012-11-16T15:37:17.955-05:00Wonderfully expressed, Dixon. I remember that sam...Wonderfully expressed, Dixon. I remember that same great feeling of pride the first time I went to the polls after getting back from three and a half years in Germany. Your point about how this simple act unites us is an excellent one, and we Americans need to remember that a little more often. Absentee ballots are a little like audio books compared to actual reading--useful at times, but not quite as enriching.David Deanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13005457506363262838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-31064579952572344732012-11-16T10:18:58.695-05:002012-11-16T10:18:58.695-05:00This is definitely the most insightful post I'...This is definitely the most insightful post I've read today. It's intimidating and impacting at the same time. I can really feel your emotions through your words.cheap drivers ed austin txhttp://www.texasdrivereducation.us/adult-driver-education.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-61224822399153266432012-11-16T09:17:55.458-05:002012-11-16T09:17:55.458-05:00Very thought-provoking post, Dix. I remember that ...Very thought-provoking post, Dix. I remember that joyous excitement around the polls at the LAST presidential election; at this one, what swirled around in New York was anxiety before and relief after. To many of us, the stakes were too high not to care who won. On the other hand, I have friends in countries where voters <i>kill</i> each other over elections. However flawed the process, I still agree we're lucky.Elizabeth Zelvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13944424094949207841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-39613457903421394232012-11-16T06:14:23.754-05:002012-11-16T06:14:23.754-05:00Dixon, I share your attitude about voting. My old...Dixon, I share your attitude about voting. My older son was allowed to take his son (my grandson) in with him this year to see how it's done. Aeden came away totally awed and excited about the entire process. Personally, I like both Sheriff Joe and Sheriff Babeu. I'm sure we'll receive some flack on that, but, to quote you, I DON'T CARE!Fran Rizerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08655783035179620991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3119105822589181967.post-21791358442426792512012-11-16T03:55:28.934-05:002012-11-16T03:55:28.934-05:00Great article, Dixon, and touching. My parents use...Great article, Dixon, and touching. My parents used to vote opposite tickets, too.<br><br>Talking about Sheriff Joe,<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/11/adan-orduno-jr-escapes-arpaio_n_2115169.html" rel="nofollow"> oops…</a>Leigh Lundinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07921276795499571578noreply@blogger.com