I grew up in the 60’s, in Southern California. I clearly remember the 1960 Presidential election campaign. At first I was confused- Eisenhower was the President and always had been. Then I learned about Roosevelt and Truman and all the others and began to understand the process.
My parents were Republicans but taught their children to think for themselves. Mr. Kennedy was getting lots of attention and I liked what he had to say. The other guy, Mr. Nixon, was a local whose family owned a car dealership, and even then I knew not to trust a used car dealer.
In summer school we had a mock election and Kennedy won. One of the boys was a Nixon supporter and said, “The girls just voted for Kennedy because he’s cute!” It was my first moment of feminist outrage and I knew I was a liberal for life.
Fast forward to 2000. I thought I understood the electoral process, and all I could say was “How did that happen??” When it happened again in 2004, I wondered where our country was going and why had everyone given up their right to vote? I wasn’t excited about the Democratic candidates, but at least they were better than the status quo. And I voted! I still have my doubts about whether my vote was actually counted, but that’s a different rant.
Now it’s 2008 and we are in the midst of an historic election campaign. Not only do we have candidates with progressive ideals and ideas, but a woman and a Black man seem to be at the top of the heap! What has made the difference? I think it’s mostly the grassroots efforts of thousands of people reasserting their rights to speak out, to participate and to vote.
My previous post, which you’ll see below this one, looks like a political endorsement. But to me, it’s not really about politics.
It’s about history.
1 comment:
This is a really excellent memoir and I hope you will expand on it after the election. I can remember Kennedy coming thru WV on the train, stopping to speak, shaking hands. But they are all so solicitous and accessible before they are elected.YKW
Post a Comment