By Craig P. Dixon, southcoast247.com correspondent Social Commentary 83
October 31, 2006
A few people have approached me, asking, “So, who are you voting for?”
This makes me recall my elementary school years. The teacher would be up at
the front of the class, going over something boring like math or grammar.
Nobody would be paying attention. Then the teach would stop and ask, “Now
are there any questions?”
Silence.
“This is going to be on tomorrow’s test.”
And we kids would look at each other and the teach, eyes big as dinner
plates and mouths agape. “Test?” We thought. “Nobody said anything about a
test.”
The teacher knew we weren’t paying attention. Teach also knew nobody wanted
to be that cool kid who raised his hand.
So, the teach would say, “It’s ok. There’s no such thing as a stupid
question.”
Well, guess what. That’s a lie. Stupid questions do exist.
Case in point: Who am I voting for?
Let’s see. I’m a card-carrying member of the Democratic National Committee.
So, fill in the blank.
Not enough for you? Whom and what, exactly, get my vote?
First, let’s start with ballot questions.
On Question 1 – Sale of Wine by Food Stores – I’m voting no. You can get
wine, as well as liquor or beer, at your friendly liquor store seven days
weekly (minus holidays). It’s unnecessary to sell wine in the supermarket.
Question 2 – Nomination of Candidates for Public Office – I’m voting no.
There’s no reason to have one’s name on the ballot twice for the same
position under different parties. If you’re running as an Independent, or a
Green, or a Democrat: Cool. But no running as an Independent AND a Democrat!
This goes for you, Lieberman!
Question 3 – Family Child Care Providers – No. Granted, I don’t know much
about child care providers. But the question doesn’t say anything about how
changes will be implemented. It’s far too vague.
Question 4 – Flouridating New Bedford’s Water Supply – Yes. And it’s about
damned time.
As for whom I’m voting for: If you’re an incumbent and a Democrat, you’ve
got my vote: Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, and Barney Frank, etc.
I’m also re-electing State Senator Mark Montigny. He’s a good man, always
fighting for the best interests of the Greater New Bedford area. Political
experience and common sense are among his many virtues, and he deserves the
local vote.
In the Governor’s race, I’m voting for Deval Patrick. Patrick seems like a
genuinely decent individual. Even after dealing with months of Kerry
Healey’s mudslinging, Patrick has kept his campaign clean, focusing on the
problems affecting the state rather than those of his opponent. I proudly
endorse his candidacy.
And hopefully I’ll get an interview with Governor Patrick sometime next
year.
This makes me recall my elementary school years. The teacher would be up at
the front of the class, going over something boring like math or grammar.
Nobody would be paying attention. Then the teach would stop and ask, “Now
are there any questions?”
