Write Lightning is a blog from writer Deb Thompson.
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Everyone is welcome here.
(Some links or topics may not be completely kid-appropriate.)
Mon, Mar 01 2004
One-Day Threesome
Today I can give opinions about politicians. Tomorrow, as a poll worker, I'm supposed to remain as neutral as possible, and only labor to assist voters in following correct procedure as they cast their ballots. Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. I guess our California "modified closed" primary has a lot of people worried that the confusion will result in mistakes. Here's a clue: When you go to your polling place (at least in this precinct) tomorrow you may receive one of 11 (that's eleven) sets of ballots, depending on your party affiliation and/or crossover choices. A nonpartisan voter may choose to "crossover" to a Democratic, Republican or American Independent party ballot. But as this writer reminds us, one may not choose certain other parties at the last minute. As a poll worker, I'm supposed to assist you with that in this precinct. In the short class I took for this job, the very competent instructor ended up resorting to visual aids--funny hats and paper bags on heads--to help illustrate the complicated process. She did a great job, with the stacks of rules they give her to cover, but I came away with quite a few questions that I know I won't find answers for until I arrive at the polling place tomorrow and actually begin the job. Please note that the second article above mentions the fact that political parties really like this new "modified open" primary system. They went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to get it. They are giving you a come-on, fellow voters, like a league of street prostitutes hoping you'll tumble into their party's boudoir and get caught up in their particular array of toys. I believe it was a former U.S. President who suggested that politics, as the second-oldest profession, bears a close resemblance to the first.
Politicians are professionals at enticements, but do they end up playing the role of seducer who is really seeking to entrap, like some sting undercover worker? Do they see a voter as a desperate john, or maybe as someone to "catch", or rather as someone with whom they want to develop a caring relationship? You'll have to decide that for yourself. But I do ask you to consider that some of us working at polling places tomorrow will be virgins at this particular aspect of political intercourse. And we're just trying to do the right thing. Whatever you may think of politicians, when you come to us tomorrow, remember that it's the first time for some of us. Please, be gentle.
posted at: 08:22 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
Today I can give opinions about politicians. Tomorrow, as a poll worker, I'm supposed to remain as neutral as possible, and only labor to assist voters in following correct procedure as they cast their ballots. Tomorrow is Super Tuesday. I guess our California "modified closed" primary has a lot of people worried that the confusion will result in mistakes. Here's a clue: When you go to your polling place (at least in this precinct) tomorrow you may receive one of 11 (that's eleven) sets of ballots, depending on your party affiliation and/or crossover choices. A nonpartisan voter may choose to "crossover" to a Democratic, Republican or American Independent party ballot. But as this writer reminds us, one may not choose certain other parties at the last minute. As a poll worker, I'm supposed to assist you with that in this precinct. In the short class I took for this job, the very competent instructor ended up resorting to visual aids--funny hats and paper bags on heads--to help illustrate the complicated process. She did a great job, with the stacks of rules they give her to cover, but I came away with quite a few questions that I know I won't find answers for until I arrive at the polling place tomorrow and actually begin the job. Please note that the second article above mentions the fact that political parties really like this new "modified open" primary system. They went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to get it. They are giving you a come-on, fellow voters, like a league of street prostitutes hoping you'll tumble into their party's boudoir and get caught up in their particular array of toys. I believe it was a former U.S. President who suggested that politics, as the second-oldest profession, bears a close resemblance to the first.
Politicians are professionals at enticements, but do they end up playing the role of seducer who is really seeking to entrap, like some sting undercover worker? Do they see a voter as a desperate john, or maybe as someone to "catch", or rather as someone with whom they want to develop a caring relationship? You'll have to decide that for yourself. But I do ask you to consider that some of us working at polling places tomorrow will be virgins at this particular aspect of political intercourse. And we're just trying to do the right thing. Whatever you may think of politicians, when you come to us tomorrow, remember that it's the first time for some of us. Please, be gentle.
posted at: 08:22 | category: /Politics | link to this entry
