|
The BuzzFlash Mailbag
The opinions expressed in the Mailbag are not
necessarily those of BuzzFlash. Read the BuzzFlash
FAQ for info on submitting to the Mailbag.
THIS IS PART 3 OF THE NOVEMBER 2, 2004 ELECTION DAY BUZZFLASH MAILBAG.
CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 AND CLICK
HERE FOR PART 2
Subject: Election report: THOUSANDS are voting for Kerry in Broward
County!!!!
I just got off the phone with a lawyer friend who is poll-watching in
Broward County, in a primarily Jamaican/Haitian neighborhood...
"People started lining up to vote at
5:30 am this morning," he said. "The wait is now two hours
long. Voters are letting older people go to the front of the line
to vote. EVERYONE is voting for Kerry. The voting machines are working
well. It's perfect voting weather. There are lawyers everywhere here.
Precinct workers are checking every prospective voter to make sure
they get to the polls. It is an exciting and wonderful time. Everyone
is enthusiastic and inspired."
Democracy in action, America at its best!
Jane S.
Subject: Voting Report -- Milwaukee, WI
Hi BuzzFlash,
My husband and I just got back from voting. Our voting location handles
two wards here in Milwaukee. By 11:00 this morning, they had already
processed 695 voters -- which is considerably up from previous elections.
The whole process was very smooth, and I noted with great interest
at least 25 people who were there as election officials -- all community
volunteers -- ensuring that those who were not registered were able
to register properly (we have same-day registration here) and vote.
I feel confident, at least in my ward, that voting will be honest and
each vote will be counted.
Lisa Johnson
Milwaukee, WI
Subject: A Pleasant, if not Rainy Day at the Polls
Hi Gang!
I'm hoping my fellow Buzzers will contribute stories of how their day
at the polls went November 2, 2004 - good or bad.
As per my ever present signature, I live in Westfield, Indiana. I swear
I must be the only Democrat in my district that has married into a Republican
family. A small victory for Democrats on that front because the missus
and the mother-in-law won't be voting for Shrubya or a lot of Republicans.
The missus left for work at 0730 and went to the polls. I followed her
after I got the youngest 'lil Liberal in the family on the school bus.
I got to my polling place and was greeted by an hour and a half wait
but at least we were out of the rain. Everybody in line pretty much
kept to themselves unless they knew each other. I took off my "Proud
to be a Democrat" hat because a small sign on the door said that
there was to be no campaign materials (shirts, buttons, and etc.) within
50 of the polling place. So, being a good voter, I took off my hat and
stuffed it in my pocket. Small price to pay to cast my vote, I figured.
Although I know my straight Democratic ticket vote may not go too far
in the state of Indiana, it was the matter of participating in my government,
a matter of having my voice being heard.
But it wasn't the fact that I got to vote and vote Democratic that made
my morning.
It was the fact that a nine months pregnant mother was willing to stand
in line to wait to cast her vote. It was the fact that everybody ahead
of her in the line told her to move ahead so she wouldn't have to wait.
I waived her up to me, found a chair for her to sit in and shepherded
her on until she voted.
You see, it's as John Kerry has said all along. The election is not
about you or I. This election is about the future of this nation and
our world. More importantly, it's about what kind of future we want
to pass along to our children and what kind of world we want to leave
for them.
The lil fella in that mother's womb wasn't about to let her stand in
line for an hour an a half.
Hopefully, we won't have to worry about that lil fella being born into
a far more dangerous world than he should be.
Jerry Peurala
Westfield, IN
Subject: Correction re: ONE VOTE
Dear Buzz and friends,
This past Wednesday I lost a friend. She passed away at the hospital
after going for a second liver transplant. Lumi was a client of mine
for the past three years, our friendship began the first day we met
when we shared our political views, our similarities as immigrants,
our dislike for wars and determination to seek peace and justice and
oh! our same stubbornness.
This evening I joined her family and friends in her home for Shiva
and on my way there I was thinking about the presidential elections
and how much Lumi would have loved to go to the polls and celebrate
our victory. Do I love this woman? You bet! Her brother told me that
from her hospital bed she voted by filling out an absentee ballot. I
am smiling as I can see her winking at me. Her brother's wish is to
have Kerry beat Bush by one vote, ONE vote only.
I always wanted Kerry to win by a landslide, this evening I am on my
knees and pray for my friend to have the last word. She would like that.
Would you join me? Thanks.
Peace.
Monique Frugier
Ardmore, Pa.
Subject: Re: Whatever the Results of the Election, BuzzFlash will be
here.
Dear Buzzy,
Many hearts, like mine, are trembling this weekend, fright and joy
alternating in our thoughts - and here comes your comforting email this
day, promising your continued existence no matter what.
Thank you for being here, and being you. I will continue my monthly
small donation, and buying the premiums too.
A grateful Veronica of San Diego
|
