Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Quoting Garfield

Good Morning Voting Public.
Yes, that would be you.
And me.
We're it.
We're all we've got.
And I'm speaking to everyone here.

There is much to complain about in our political system. Much bickering. Much that disgusts. Much that saddens. Much that makes you want to put your head under a pillow until the quadruple whammy of political advertising ceases and desists. Living in Northern NJ means we get to see and hear all the ads run by all the candidates in FOUR states (NJ, NY, CT, and PA).

You're jealous I know.

When I said I was quoting Garfield today I'm sure you know I was referring to James Garfield the former US President, and not Garfield the cat. If you were hoping for a quote from the cat I'm sorry to disappoint. But Garfield the former President said something pretty wise a hundred and thirty some years ago and which continues to ring true today-

"Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature...If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces." President James Garfield, 1877

'The people' isn't someone else.
It's us.
You and me.
We're it.
We're all we've got.

Will you be voting today?

18 comments:

  1. I feel like I should salute this post. I was already planning to vote after dropping the kids off for school, but this post will make sure I don't skip out on my duty.

    And you are right, I am going to miss all those commercials now that election day is here.

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  2. I voted early last week, so I have already taken care of that. Great post! Sorry I missed you yesterday. Just was going to say hello! Glad you enjoyed your trip to Florida. I know you wished you could have stayed down there. Love & blessings from NC!

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  3. :) I voted a few weeks ago - yay absentee ballot and not having to deal with the poll lines! :) Hope all is well!

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  4. It is ashame he doesnt run for president again...oh he is dead...it would still be an improvement from what we have now....I know, a wise crack...LOL!
    I am voting this morning but the main reason I am even going is b/c our state is wanting to add more tax...money that is suppose to go for trauma centers. I am a nurse at our local small hospital...I WILL NOT EVER VOTE FOR ANY INCREASE IN TAX even if you wrote in blood that the money was going into my own checking account.
    I cant do it.
    So while I am there, I guess I will try to vote some out and add a few in...hoping for better days!

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  5. Love, love the quote!! I may have to use it today to encourage my not-yet voted friends!!

    (Thanks again for all the Furman information....we ALWAYS stop at Sticky Fingers on our way through Tennessee...my son is excited to know we can stop by in Greenville..).

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  6. Very well said. Yep, already voted this morning. Thanks for sharing. Blessings, SusanD

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  7. So well said! I get the political ads from ME,NH,and MA so you get more than me but my-oh-my has the phone been ringing! I was at the polls this morning and was #194 that voted. I live in a small town and it was 7am so that told me that they were nice and busy! Good! Still, I heard that NH is expecting 48% of those registered to vote will vote. It really should be A LOT higher!

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  8. Awesome post and yes I voted. I think it's a wonderful privilege we have!

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  9. Joyce, That. is . AWESOME!!! *cue rousing applause*

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  10. This was great! I feel so, so, LUCKY to be able to vote now that I've lived under another government in another country. Thank you for posting this!

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  11. Gosh, you're so incredibly lucky: politics from 4 states! How do the tv stations find the time to actually air the programs they're suppose to run?
    I'm waiting for MS to get here (laundry day) so I can take him to vote for the 1st time!

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  12. I've already been out and voted! Hubby too.

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  13. Ah, lucky you, Joyce ... getting political ads from four states!!! And thanks for the reminder that we need to get out and vote.

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  14. Funny that you should write this post today...I'm voting for my first time ever!!! I know...I should be ashamed, but better late than never :)
    Thanks so much for your advice about putting links in posts. Word press does have one of those little buttons like Blogger--and I will be trying it out very soon...Kathy

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  15. I've already voted today my husband (a Canadian), wouldn't let me not vote, since he doesn't get too.

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  16. I voted with . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . 4 children in tow!

    Holla!

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  17. Um, I was thinking of the cat, actually. heehee...As for vote day, I was just about to go w/hubby out the door to vote when I was hit with a whammy of an empty nesters emotional breakdown. Hadn't had one for about a month and not sure why it slammed me at that particular time. Hubby went to the polls w/o me and I felt completely guilty in a pile of tears and smeared mascara. *sigh* I always vote.

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