I helped with the Election Bake Sale at Mario’s school today. Nothing like exercising your right to vote and then chowing down on a homemade peanut butter brownie afterwards. I got a special surprise, too. Mario’s teacher let him eat lunch with me. He scored 4 mini cupcakes for lunch. In exchange, I got hugs and sugar from him for 25 minutes. Fair exchange.
He, of course, handled the money. He made sure people paid their dues before grabbing a treat.
He’s been keeping track of the Tom Hayes’ yard signs throughout the campaign season and is anxious to see if he wins (“he’s got to with all the signs up!”)
This morning, Maria asked if I thought Tom would win. I told her yes. She asked why. I replied that he is a decent, fair, honest person and that’s what you need in a judge. She told me I was lucky to know that about him because you can’t trust the campaign ads. So smart, she is. She proceeded to explain how some people running for office say “so and so spent thousands of dollars” to make you think that so and so is careless when really they spent that money on services that people need or they only show part if what someone said that may look bad but if they showed all of what they said, it wouldn’t. Smart smart cookie.
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My girlfriend told me that while walking with her 3rd grade daughter, her daughter asked what makes people be a Democrat or a Republican. What a great question. My friend proceeded to talk about the different philosophies the parties embody (yes, her bias and mine are clear when we explain how democrats feel that they need to provide more to those in need and republicans feel that people need to lift themselves up on their own). Her daughter asked whether democrats and republicans thought differently about the environment and war. What great thoughts out of that child.
So refreshing to see kids really think about these issues and form opinions about what they support and don’t support. I remember watching the campaign ads back in 2012 with Ri and talking with her about the candidates. She was very clear who she wanted even back then.
“I would vote for Barak Obama because he believes in taking care of everyone and treating people equal.”
Make my heart sing.
But more than anything, I just want them to continue to learn and have open ears and open minds and form their own opinions on issues… And VOTE! (hopefully, for the candidate that helps those in need!).