I was 21 and one day, on November 4, 1980, the day of my first presidential election. The details of which are clouded, but the feelings are still quite clear. I was excited to walk those NYC streets to a school location, and stand in line with what felt like hundreds of people for my turn to be a part of something greater than myself, my father said, and what would be the first of many opportunities to exercise my right to vote.
Although disappointed at the outcome of that election, my father also explained that it is better to vote and lose than not to vote at all. Now, for those of you who knew my father, Ed Brown, you also know that he used more eloquent words… provided the history of the vote… for men and then women… the Vietnam War’s impact on lowering the voting age, the history of voting technology, and …
I will always have a place in my heart for Jimmy Carter. He was my first presidential election, but he was also a fine human being.
MCP
Lovely memory and sentiment.
I do appreciate your thoughts and words about America’s 39th President and how you recalled your initiation to the voting process!
I nearly had to pinch myself when the word came Sunday that he died. Though 100 years young and under hospice care for more than a year, this man APPEARED ready to carry on indefinitely.
Hail and farewell to the Statesman from rural Georgia who wanted to be called “Jimmy!”
What a great memory Marianne
of your first time voting and
casting that vote for Jimmy Carter.
If your dad is looking down on us
your post has made him pleased
and proud.
Bill Diehl
Thank you so much, Bill. xo