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February 5, 2008Voting, Fatstuff, Ashes & moreTurnout was very low at my place, but it was early and pouring out. I suspect between the rain and the Giants parade in NYC, turnout will be lower than expected here in NY - after the parade-goers have a few brewskis they’re not likely to go a-voting. While we wait for returns, a look around:
I wrote this morning about the crucial right to a private vote - I do glory in it - it is the most fundamental of our rights. I’ve written from time-to-time about the problems inherent in socialized medicine, how each advance in “free” coverage is paid for with a dollop of personal liberty. This story brings it back to mind. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday: I notice with great joy that the local Methodist, Lutheran and Baptist churches in my neighborhood will be holding “ashes” services - more of us “marked for Christ” with an outward sign. As I wrote ages ago about Ash Wednesday:
What are you “giving” up? I am giving up all sugar, and if that sounds like nothing, you don’t know how much I like my hot, sweet, tea and my light and sweet coffee. No sugar means no sugar substitutes, either, otherwise what’s the point. I was going to give up blogging politics but my husband talked me out of it. He said that would be too much of a relief for me! Meanwhile Rocco is writing on confession. Instapundit links to Bill Quick’s newly forming American Conservative Party. I’ll write more on that in a later post. My first question: will dissenting views be allowed? Will be interesting to watch it form and evolve. Is it possible? A Clinton corruption chronicle that actually has legs? Both Don Surber and Mark Hemingway have taken Erica Jong to task for her staggeringly out-of-touch, arrogant and condescending pro-Hillary WaPo OpEd. She deserved a right fisking; she got two very right ones. I think the only “women” really stuck on voting for Hillary are the gals her own age, who went thru the feminist trenches. Younger women don’t relate. Of course, if Hillary loses and Obama is the nominee - a big if - he will be more difficult to beat. On the lookout for Rage Boy Super Duper Exit Polling Stuff here. http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/02/05/voting-fatstuff-more/trackback/ 14 Responses to “Voting, Fatstuff, Ashes & more” |
February 5th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I wrote this morning about the crucial right to a private vote - I do glory in it - it is the most fundamental of our rights.
The funny thing is that the U.S. Constitution does not grant the right to vote; this right is spelled out in the state constitutions (well, it is in Texas).
The way it is done today, the electors (in the electoral college) vote the way the state popular vote goes so, indirectly, people do have a right to vote in the presidential election but it is granted by the state, NOT U.S. Constitution. The Constitutional Amendments only prevent the states from discriminating against people for specific reasons (race and sex, for instance).
My point is that I wouldn’t refer to voting as “the most fundamental of our rights” when it is not even spelled out in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. If the right to vote wasn’t granted by the states, only the electors would choose the President.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I think Bill’s party will amount to him and three other people and needless to say dissenting opinions will not be allowed, otherwise why bother? In short I think it will be about as successful as Buchanan’s party. In 2000, Pat got about 1% of the vote. Nader got over 4%.
Romney jumped on Dole this morning for having the temerity to defend McCain. Limbaugh is defending Clinton and Obama on Iraq. He says McCain is trying to wreck the party because he lost in 2000.
It seems to me that McCain is not the one trying to wreck the party.
I am tired and I think all of this has to do with immigration and whether people want to admit it or not I am beginning to think that has a lot do with race. Right now, I don’t like the Right very much at all.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I should add I have been voting Republican for some time, but once Bush is gone and I am left with screeching loons like Rush and Ann calling themselves the base…well let’s just say that I don’t really feel like I belong there anymore. And it is not John McCain’s fault.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for the Chesterton quote. He’s one of my all-time favorites. I included it in an unrelated post on health care costs and linked to you here.
I still was wrestling with how to cast my ballot today, but I finally made up my mind and did my civic duty. I even took my 4-year-old with me so she could see how democracy works. I told her we get to choose who’s in charge. Know what she said?
“I know who should be in charge, Daddy. God!” Amen.
Turnout was light at my place, too, but the workers said it had been busier earlier in the day. We’re also getting rain here.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I followed the Mississippi “ban fat folks from restaurants” brouhaha in the fatosphere, and it was pretty clear from the outset that the guy was not serious. Just “calling attention,” as though that were a proper use of the legislative process. Twit. And a Republican twit, too.
Of course, the notion that the government has a proper role in supervising exactly how well you take care of yourself isn’t new — helmet and seatbelt laws were justified by politicians singing the same “They cost the rest of us money!” theme song as this Mississippi dude, and smokers, of course, are vilified for the same reason. (The second verse of that song goes “If it saves only one life, it’s worth it!”)
But the approach does seem to be expanding these days, doesn’t it? Perhaps we’re just being prepared for government health care, where we will be responsible to our fellow citizens (or a representative of the appropriate agency, of course) for all our day-to-day lifestyle choices.
February 5th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Happy (Raging) Kashmir Day!…
February 5 marks the day that Pakistan celebrates “Kashmir Day,” which we’re told is a day in which everyone marches in the streets in “solidarity” with the “freedom fighters” in Kashmir and their quest for “independence.”
Activists of Paki…
February 5th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Good to hear that our Protestants friends are joining us in ashes! Recently I ended up in a face to face confession (long but not necessary story) with a very holy priest. One thing I always pray for during the mass is for Jesus to “show me where I’m screwing up, especially of which I’m clueless.” I believe he gave me a very distinct answer during that confession. As gentle and kind as the priest was, he berated me for not wearing a cross around my neck. I “knew” immediately that Jesus was “showing me where I was “cluelessly” failing him. I’m sure there are many more ways, but unlike me Jesus has lots of patience. Bottom line, I can’t tell you the difference it makes having a blessed crucifix around my neck. I know for a fact it stops me in my tracks re: many public actions or words. How could I have been so stupid to not have seen the importance of the “public cross”, the everyday statement of “I’m for Christ?”
February 5th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Tex — it bears noting that NONE of our rights are granted by the federal or state constitutions, so it is not necessary for them to be spelled out in order to exist. Our rights pre-exist constitutions or governments. We self-govern, or choose representatives to govern on our behalf, as a matter of fundamental natural right, not as a matter of constitutional or legislative grace.
Terrye — give it a rest. Now you are suggesting that it is closet racism to oppose McCain??
February 5th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Lenten sacrifice…
I hope I didn’t offend. It’s not my intent. But The Anchoress is asking a question and I answered her quickly (but honestly) via e-mail moments ago. I replied simply:I’m giving up giving things up for Lent.(Am I going to…
February 5th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
[...] The Anchoress: “I am giving up all sugar, and if that sounds like nothing, you don’t know how much I like my hot, sweet, tea and my light and sweet coffee. No sugar means no sugar substitutes, either, otherwise what’s the point. I was going to give up blogging politics but my husband talked me out of it. He said that would be too much of a relief for me!” Posted in: Uncategorized Send to a Friend Printer Friendly comments (0) trackbacks (0) [...]
February 6th, 2008 at 12:01 am
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February 6th, 2008 at 10:32 am
[...] Coke and St. Thomas Aquinas The Anchoress has a question about Lent. So here’s a few things I’m [...]
February 6th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Our primary is next Tuesday - the so-called Potomac primary. I plan to vote for Romney but I reserve the right to change my mind.
I’m thinking that other than voting as noted above, I might just give up politics for Lent. Might aid in my spiritual cleansing - not to mention my digestion which has been unsettled of late!
What I do intend to do is continue my prayers for the mental health of our nation’s citizens to survive from now until the 2008 election is history! And for the safety of our military in harm’s way. And for the good health of my friends and family - of which you and your readers are a part!
February 6th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Just so you know … I know two young 20 somethings who both support Hillary. Their view is that she’s not doing anything a man wouldn’t do and therefore she’s being unfairly picked on. And it’s her turn.
That’s their viewpoint. It is not one I share.
Respectfully,
Brian P.