Last summer I set about plumbing the political depths of people aroud me, for the purpose of organizing some troups to the cause. In this big sea of fellow old faces I was encouraged by finally falling into a compatible dining table group. I got a kick in the butt from a fellow oldster. We were in line for dinner and I brought up a political topic. "Oh, I don't vote!" I was informed. "They're all crooks!"
"If you don't vote, you don't count," I replied. My standard put-down. "Oh, I know that." she reponded.
There still was time to register for the November election then, so I decided to do something. I enlisted our new activities director, who knows everyone and who is a vocal liberal, to put up posters encouraging voter registration and giving registrations to interested people. They must be returned by mail, but old folks tend to have stamps.
Then I tackled my table on several state issues that seemed (and were) hopeless, but consitituent opinions needed recording. I started with a comment on the campus protests against Palestinian violence.
"Do you think they do any good?" asked timid Marcia, a retired nurse. I went into a discourse on the Vietnam protests long ago, and later on campus protests against some administration policies. I explained how we linked arms and blocked Euclid Avenue running through the center of campus. "Hey! Hey! LBJ! How many boys did you kill today?"
There was a lively discourse around the table that night and most every night since. Plenty of organizing has been planned and implemented. At the end of supper that night Marcia stopped me and said "I am so grateful to know a real protester from back then!"
More personal stories have been shared around the table since then. One night we talked about international travel. Marcia has been to Africa and Latin America. "What did you see!" She had no idea. She'd spent several months administering vaccines for smallpox and measles, sleeping between shifts.
I am so grateful to know a humanitarian health care provider. I am so grateful to know all of you, who have been so kind in this trying time. Thank you. I am working with my doctor to get past this, and will succeed. I'm about to go weave another bobbin of olive.
You are truly an amazing person! We oldsters who have lived through the protest times need to wake up the younger group; long after we're gone, they will be left with few rights and no safety net. Olive! Oooh, that's one of my kitchen colors!
ReplyDeleteYour voice is one of the most important of these times- with deportment, validity and bare facts! who could ever argue? Thank you for holding true! A champion among women!!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, your voice reminds me of a time (the Sixties) when people MADE their voices heard and I can't help but wonder if we'll see that again. It's good to hear yours. And yes I'm a fan of that olive as well :^)
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Joanne! It's infuriating that we have to keep protesting, but we do. I'm glad you found a good table group - one willing to make good trouble!
ReplyDeleteCool doings. Nice to have respect for what you did in the past too! Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteAn interesting topic to read from you, as this evening on my policing podcast the very subject of protests and their effectiveness was the subject under scrutiny. What was once so very effective seems now, to be less so. Here (as in many places) such levels of people voicing their concerns is now looked at through the lens of terrorism and there are severe consequences for raising any serious concern. It's also true that there are not the masses there once were to make the protests. Too many people seem to want to play ostrich.
Continued strength to you dear lady - and productivity! YAM xx
So glad you're back and still making your voice heard.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are sharing your views there and getting people to vote.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are doing your bit to wake up the people and I hope the "never-voted" woman changes her mind now.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're finding some like-minded people, especially in your dining group!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I am 80 years old. I don't have a past that would inspire anybody, but I've had my moments. Anyone looking at me would just see my wrinkled face and my walker, and make certain assumptions, the same as I did when I was young. You are still fighting and I admire you very much.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Joanne. The more voices are heard, the better!
ReplyDeleteBeing fully informed and voting are critical, and you are encouraging both within your community. Outstanding work Joanne!
ReplyDeleteI recently found "Breaking Point" on YouTube and the domestic coverage on current issues is outstanding. Watch the segment on Epstein, you'll find revealing facts presented well.
You have a great table at dinner. I'm glad you have people to talk to.
ReplyDeleteYou are awesome! Thanks for tackling these topics with others.
ReplyDeleteSuch great news Joanne, the old activist bones live long in our bodies. I will not lie down and be quiet either.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
I love this Joanne! I am grateful for you!
ReplyDeleteGood for you on all counts, Joanne! You are an inspiration.
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