Election

I don't want to get into a partisan discussion here, but would like to ask what people think about the VERY young Americans and their view of the election process. It is 10 a.m. in PA on Wednesday, and my little GS's slept over last night. They are 7 year old twin boys, and were very 'partisan' about the election -- seems that the kids on the playground would argue over who was going to be a better candidate! I'm sure it's all from what they hear at home, at that age. They were very excited to ask this morning, who is going to be the new president? who won? I am glad to know that they are growing up with an interest in and exposure to the political process (no matter how it is acted out during recess ). But I was thinking.... There has been so much talk this morning on the news and talk shows about the historical significance of Obama's win. My son said yesterday, "No matter how I cast my ballot, if Obama wins, I hope my girls realize what a significant moment this is in American history." At my age, I remember how significant it was and how much talk there was about JFK being the first Catholic elected to the presidency, there was a state of 'can you believe it?' and for many pundits there had been a fear of what having a Catholic president might mean (detrimentally) to our country. Our little ones (in grade school) are being raised in such an atmosphere of diversity (not all of them, I know), that they might not be able to have any comprehension of the 'historical moment' being discussed. Just throwing it open for discussion.... if you have little kids or grandkids or students, what are they thinking and saying? Gwen in PA

Gwen,

the greatest thing about the fiasco in 2000 was the interest that was generated by the children. My son was in 5th grade at the time and every day he came out to the car asking if we have a president yet. yesterday was his first election in which he voted. The kids have become involved very nicely.

I remember when Kennedy was running. I was only in the 2nd grade at the time. Oh how I still remember--- Kennedy Kennedy in the White House waiting to be elected. Nixon Nixon in the trash can waiting to be collected.

Debbi in SO CA

gwen wrote:

Isn't it amazing, what we remember from our childhood elections? We need to keep this in mind, 'in front of' (and even behind) our children. When I was in the 5th grade, I had a teacher who 'preached' the benefits of voting for Eisenhower, and why Adlai Stevenson was a danger. She gave out "I like Ike" buttons and had his posters all over the classroom. My mother was one of a small group who went to the school board to protest, and the teacher was silenced. I was frequently picked on by her after that. Gee, I haven't thought about the impact of Mrs. Ross for a long, long time. This election has prompted our young twins (age 7-1/2) to ask so many questions: what does the president do? what does the vice president do? why don't some people like this one or that one (in the office or running for office)? MomMom, if you are going to vote for this one, does it mean that one is a bad person? Wow... I love that the kids can be exposed to thinking about their government! The boys' dad was a volunteer 'working the polls' yesterday, and I brought them over to see him, handing out literature and greeting people. They asked, 'if he doesn't have to work today, why can't he go to ChuckECheese (don't ask, I hate the place, but it passed some time) with us? A great opportunity to talk about the democratic process and why we have to act on our beliefs and make our thoughts, feelings and needs known!! Gwen

Howdy!

Our son called us late Tuesday night to make sure we'd heard the good news; we were pleased that he was so interested in the whole subject. ;-)

Meanwhile, his wedding quilt is Finished and washed and placed in a basket, waiting for its new home (when I say so ). Pics: one of these days.

Other gorgeous quilts:

R/Sandy

I don't get to ever vote for anyone that I'd like to and anyway here in CA the state goes the same way every time. I think different than just about everyone else, on both sides. You think if the earthquake they keep threatening makes coastal Ca an island we will get to be 2 different states and at least I get a chance? Probably not. I am piecing fabric crumbs into mile a minute blocks. I am hoping to be recession proof with my fair size stash. I hope the stash won't be redistributed until I get it into charity quilts!

Taria

Sandy Ellis> Howdy!