MOMania

By JJ

February 5, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this

I’ve always taken my daughter. I’ll take her tonight when we go vote for the primary. I was going to vote on my way home, but then I decided to go get her and take her with me. She is more aware this year, as she is now 17 and has been following the candidates.

I think you should take your kids. Not necessarily the babies, but definately the older kids…..

By GAVoter

February 5, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Yes, I’m going to vote today with my wife and daughter. Our daughter is five and we’ve taken her with us to every election, local and national, since she was born.

The freedom to vote is one of the greatest freedoms we have and I want her to understand that and be a part of that. As low voter turn out suggests, far too many people take voting for granted and I don’t want my daughter to be a victim of that mentality.

If you can wait in line with your kids to go on an amusement park ride, you can certainly wait in line with them to exercise your freedom to vote and show them, through example, the process that makes the United States the greatest country on earth!

By Katie

February 5, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

Please don’t take your kids to vote. There are some places where kids belong and some places where they don’t. I sure wish parents would understand this. Their kids may be the center of their world but they certainly aren’t the center of others’.

By Katie

February 5, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Please don’t take your kids to vote. There are some places where kids belong and some places where they don’t. I sure wish parents would understand this. Their kids may be the center of their world but they certainly aren’t the center of others’.

By motherjanegoose

February 5, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

YES…it is important for our children to see us vote and that this is an important aspect of being an American citizen. I took both of mine when they were in elementary school and could behave within reason. I even got them a sticker to wear ( proudly). No, I do not think toddlers and infants should tag along…this may sound mean but if 40 mamas came along with their stollers and the rest of us had to manuever through the line and listen to them whining…we may want to leave and not even vote. This is cruel and unusual punishment to those who have taken off of work or left early ( to vote). IF you go at a LULL time, that is FINE but be sure to take plenty of things that would keep your babies occupied. Being stuck with screaming children during voting, at Wal Mart ( 10:00 p.m.), in a restaurant or on the airplane is NO FUN and quite frankly, I think it is inconsiderate of the mamas who think we will all adore their children and over look the fact they are completely out of sorts. Think of this…how long is your neighbor’s dog cute after he has been barking in the yard for 3 hours? Remember…I work with children every day and love children but there is a time and a place. If the children are well behaved…then this is fine.
As I said, I took mine when they were old enough to understand the concept…usually at least 5 years old. If they are in elementary school, they are probably already having a mock vote of some sort. Some of the problems we have today are based on convenience. Whatever is convenient for me is what I will do: too much trouble to find a babysitter, so baby just comes along to places that are not meant for babies or appropriate for babies when they need a nap or to be in bed ( 10:00 p.m. at Wal Mart…readers?).

By fk

February 5, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

My son came with me to vote up until about five years ago. He, too, is 17, and very interested in the election. He’s not coming with me today, but feels the need to advise his parents on the issues and the candidates, as if we were incapable of reading and making decisions. How did we ever manage without a teenager?

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

I will take the youngest today and in November because I don’t have anyone to watch him. My oldest knows that I will be voting, so I don’t think it is necessary to check her out of school. She has been with me before when I go to the polls. My husband and I discuss politics in front of the children, so I feel that my daughter is involved.

By FCM

February 5, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

Absolutely! Either I or my parents have taken the kids each time we have gone to vote. On the one occasion I did not take them—-when I picked them up at school they said “Mommy you have to go vote!!!” I then pointed to my GA Voter sticker….it’s never to early to instill the importance of Civic Duty or doing the right thing.

Happy Voting

By AK

February 5, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Absolutely I’m bringing my 5-year-old son with me. He’s been going with me since he was a baby, but this year he is a bit more aware and can hear me and his father talking about the election. For the person who said don’t bring your kids to vote, I say as long as they are well behaved no one should have a problem. We are lucky to live in a democratic and free society, and we should instill those values in our children as early as possible.

By Camille

February 5, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

The first time I took my son with me to vote he was about 6 (the last presidential election). Initially, I was taking him out of convenience, as I was going to drop him off at day care afterwards and I was going to work. It actually turned out to be a learning experience for him.

I took him again with me this morning (he’s now 9, almost 10). He knows about the process and the candidates, as they discuss this in school and had a mock election themselves. Luckily, it only 10 minutes to get in and out of there.

Now, I could not imagine taking my 2 year old with me to go vote. He’s just a ball of energy at this age, and would drive me and the other voters crazy. But, he will be going in a couple more years, with the next general elections.

By Young Voter

February 5, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

I can specifically remember standing in line with my mom to vote being one of the WORST lines I ever had to wait it. It seemed to take hours (no idea how long it actually took, when you’re 8 years old you never know!)

Anyway, I also don’t think she’ll get anything out of seeing it. I remember not knowing what was going on, not being able to see my mom actually vote. Its not like kids aren’t voting for stuff all the time at school- she probably understands the voting process in general. You could definitely wait until she’s a good bit older to bring her with you.

By GAVoter

February 5, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Oh boy! The comments about misbehaving children have already started and, I’m sure, will continue.

Misbehaving children is a parenting issue and is irrelevant to the topic of this question. It doesn’t matter if we’re discussing a restaurant, an airplane or a voting booth - if a child can’t be brought out in public then the real issue is the parent’s ability to be a good parent.

Children learn how to behave by watching other people’s behavior. Including a child in many activities and providing immediate and consistent guidance if the child behaves inappropriately during the activity is the best way to teach a child how to properly behave in public.

On the other hand, if a child is excluded from activities and/or not provided appropriate guidance the child will never learn how to behave appropriately in public.

Unfortunately we have far too many parents who follow the latter method and exclude their children from activities (as Katie suggested) and/or don’t provide appropriate guidance. The result of this is that we have a lot of “adults” who act like children in public – they never learned how to behave appropriately.

Oh and I know someone is going to make this argument, so I’ll address it now: Yes, there are places that are inappropriate for children: Smoky bars, strip clubs, most movies, or any place that is dangerous to their health, to name a few – but a voting booth is not one of them!

By Anon

February 5, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Katie Where do you vote? I want to bring ALL 5 of my kids to your polling place…

Bring the kiddies and show them how you exercise your RIGHT to VOTE!!!

By LydiasDad

February 5, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

I’m taking my 4yo daughter. It’s good for her to see. We always talk about voting and why it’s done. Maybe the civics lesson will sink in.

By Kat

February 5, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Hold a “mock” election at home and let kids vote for their favorite Barbie Doll (Barbie vs. Ken) or Care Bear. Have them discuss the issues of fairness and honesty. What they will get out of watching you is writing your information, popping a card in - pressing one button, and then leaving. Explain what happens when you vote, but make a big deal out of it at home. I don’t think babies should go with you to vote (too many germs at the very least). When kids are old enough to “get it” and to behave, then let them come along.

By Kat

February 5, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Hold a “mock” election at home and let kids vote for their favorite Barbie Doll (Barbie vs. Ken) or Care Bear. Have them discuss the issues of fairness and honesty. What they will get out of watching you is writing your information, popping a card in - pressing one button, and then leaving. Explain what happens when you vote, but make a big deal out of it at home. I don’t think babies should go with you to vote (too many germs at the very least). When kids are old enough to “get it” and to behave, then let them come along.

By Anyone But Hillary

February 5, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

I remember when I was young (many years ago) going with my parents and standing in front of this huge metal machine while they pulled the lever that closed a curtain all around us and then they clicked these little levers all over the machine. I couldn’t wait to grow up and do this for myself. By the time I grew up, the big curtained machines were gone - it wasn’t as dramatic pushing little circles out of a piece of paper - but I never fail to vote every time. I also remember that my grammar school was a polling place and they had the machines set up along the edge of our lunch room - we watched people come in and vote while we were having lunch. Too bad we can’t do that today - I guess it would be considered way too dangerous to have voters mingle with schoolchildren.

By MADMOMMY

February 5, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Ok, I have to take my child with me to vote. I know that many of you think you should just do it early, on your lunch break or leave work early. What do you do when only have a 30 minute lunch, half your staff out of the office and a hubby who is out of town? Just not vote? Children are part of this world just as you are and they should be out and about in everyday life. She will be with me, so watch out!

By Reba

February 5, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

I’ve always taken both of my daughters to vote with me, even when they were very young. Today, my 18-year old is a poll worker for the first time, and she cast her first vote in last week’s early voting. I believe taking them to vote with me helped instill in both of them the importance of voting in every election. My husband and I were very pleasantly surprised to see our older daughter want to become even more involved in the election process by working the polls.

Take them with you, even if the line is long. In this “instant gratification” society, kids need to learn that some things are worth waiting for.

By Mike In Woodstock

February 5, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

No, I don’t take my daughter to vote. Women aren’t allowed to vote in my family so it’s a moot point.

By jullanarinlove

February 5, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

Look, toddlers will be toddlers. Don’t tell me that I am a bad parents because my 17 month old has a tantrum. They are NATURAL at that age. They are not having a tantrum because they are “bad,” or because of lack of good parenting. They are curious, and have lots of energy, and want to explore, and when they are told “no”, they don’t know how to react. It is my job to teach them how to behave, but managing the tantrum is part of that. Contrary to what some of you say on here, children had tantrums in the 1950s, 40s etc. Now as to the 10pm Wal-mart comment, I strongly believe that parents should avoid putting their children in situations that will “set them off”…we learned the hard way about taking our son to the grocery store during nap times and near bed time, but the reality is, especially for dual-income working parents, that sometimes you will have to take your child places and at times that you would not prefer. I THINK IT IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS statement in the world to say that people take their children places because they think that they are “cute.” Ummm…NO. I take my child with me because I have to! I agree that parents need to have common sense, but others also need to have COMPASSION!!

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I’m gonna straddle the fence here:

IFF (math term meaning ‘IF AND ONLY IF’) your child is well behaved, feel free to take them. Honestly, I couldn’t care less one way or the other.

HOWEVER, if your child typically starts screaming at the top of his lungs after being bored for two seconds, KEEP HIM THE HADES AT HOME!!. As has been said, it very much becomes the restaurant/ airplane issue.

By JJ

February 5, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

MADMOMMY I believe, by law, your employer must give you at least one hour to go vote.

Check and see. I don’t know if that applies to a primary, but it will apply in November.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Julia:

Compassion can only go so far. At some point, tails need to be kicked.

Case in point:

A couple friend of ours has two kids, a 6yo girl and a 1yo boy. Sunday night, us, them, and several other friends are at my SIL’s boyfriend’s house watching the game. He has a 40” flatscreen on a low table with several glasses and memorabilia in front of it.

The boy KEPT grabbing the glasses and we had to KEEP telling him ‘NO’, taking them away and putting them back on the table.

This went on until some point during half time.

At that point, I was the one stopping him. I took the glass from his hand, squeezed his hand just enough to cause pain (but nowhere NEAR what I could have done, as my goal wasn’t to truly hurt him), and said ‘BAD!’ instead of ‘NO’. He started crying for a couple of seconds until I managed to distract him with something else.

And he never went back to those glasses all night.

Compassion would have meant we had to keep repeating the cycle. Kicking tail meant that the cycle was broken.

Yet further proof that all beings learn best through pain.

By One

February 5, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

I have always taken my daughter with me if it did not disrupt her school day. I would not “check her out” to see me vote, I’d just go at a time when she was already with me……..I’ve done this several times. She has seen and clearly understands (at 15) the voting process. And when I stood in line for 45 minutes this morning, I saw a few kids with parents and they were all well behaved.**

**Now the problem I did have was with the poll workers telling us that our information forms had to be filled out in pencil!!! WTF??? Sign my name in pencil? I don’t think so!!!! Some people changed theirs, a few did not. I was initially told I would not be able to vote, but when I got to the table, it was not even mentioned. What’s that all about??????? Sry, just had to get that out!

By catlady

February 5, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I was always taken to vote with my parents, and most of the time my children went with me. However, I was also very strictly raised in respect to behavior, and so were they. It is not common where I live for parents to take their children with them. Parents whose kids cause a distrubance should be instructed to leave and come back without kids. You should not disturb others while you have your civics lesson!

By JJ

February 5, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

Jeff I don’t think it was your place to scold the child. It wasn’t your child, nor your home. It should have been left up to the the parents or the host. And if neither one of them does scold the child, then it’s really not your place.

That’s something I have learned over the past 10 years, with other people’s kids.

By HB

February 5, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

This is NOT the airplane/restaurant issue! Voting is good for kids to see, but if they are going to scream and/or be miserable, then leave them at home, if you can. BUT, if you can’t, then by all means, bring them along and others can just deal with it. This is not about disturbing another customer’s meal when you have the option of cooking at home. No one should feel pressured by cranky adults to stay away from the polls just because they cannot find a babysitter. I for one am proud of parents who when they can’t find a sitter, still endure the long line with tired, hungry, cranky kids in tow in order to cast their vote instead of doing what’s easy and just staying home.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

JJ:

A) Parents were there and had no problems with what I did. (I would have been informed by now, even through our grapevine, if they had.)

B) Within our circle, most of us tend to take a ‘village’ approach, particularly when someone bringing the kids is unavoidable. I wasn’t the only non-parent scolding this kid. I was simply the one that got permanent results.(In the case of Sunday night, the couple in question and the SIL’s boyfriend are next door neighbors in an apartment complex.)

C) I personally take a view with ANY kids I’m around of this: You can deal with them, or I will. One way or the other though, the kid is going to learn to behave.

By Leave No Marks

February 5, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

I knew it wouldn’t take long for some hand-wringing crybaby to scold Jeff for what he did. He didn’t scar the kid for life, he gave it direction in a way that kids that age respond to. JJ - I think you need a dose of reality - or at least a time out.

By DB

February 5, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Voting is far too important to be sidetracked by minor issues such as whiney children. The rest of you in line need to suck it up, just this once. Believe me, the parents of small children would probably rather have a babysitter and be able to quietly read a book in line, but sometimes, it’s not possible. But being a parent of a preschooler does not abrogate a person’s right and obligation to vote! This isn’t the library — it’s a fundamental exercise in one of the most important acts a citizen in this country can engage in. Kids need to see that their parents consider this an important obligation and privilege.

Yes, it’s sometimes messy. Get over it. And for ONCE, try smiling at the parent of a fussy child instead of glaring at them — they’re embarrassed enough as it is, and you can smile that you aren’t the one having to deal with it!

Let’s play nice together, ok?

By justignorejeff

February 5, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Just ignore Jeff. Breathe deeply and just ignore Jeff. Be glad Jeff is no longer teaching children and just ignore Jeff. Don’t let Jeff get my blood pressure up and just ignore Jeff. OK, I can get on with my day. Breathe deeply and just ignore Jeff.

By PurpleOne

February 5, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

I’m with you @ Jeff, 100%…whatever happened to it takes a village? that is what is wrong with some of the behavior of children these days…no one can say anything to little Tommy without the parent saying, don’t say anything to my child! It wasn’t like that when I grew up…the neighbors would stop us in our tracks when we were out of line and we respected them!

By Perspective

February 5, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

What did people do 100, 150, or even 200 years ago? The whole family rode horses or a stagecoach or walked to a polling place - it took a long time to get there; they had large families; there were no babysitters, pampers, bottles, or passies; a lot of people voted and they didn’t complain about every little inconvenience like you spoiled rotten pacifists. Get over yourselves.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

Perspective:

In that era, kids also knew how to behave in public, and they knew that if they didn’t their parents would have no problem causing massive amounts of pain in front of everyone.

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

I’m glad that I live in a country where I have the right to get out and vote with my 2yo son. I’m sorry if you don’t like it. I hate to sound like that because it is not my style to always think of myself first. BUT I shouldn’t have to find a sitter to get out and vote. Where I live it, doesn’t take long (sorry for the poor grammar). I will try my best to make my child behave. But I have the right to bring my children with me. If you don’t like my child’s presence, then YOU can leave!I’m so glad it is a free country.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

nurse:

As I’ve said, if your child is behaving APPROPRIATELY IN A PUBLIC SETTING, I really couldn’t care less if you have your kid with you or not. And I sincerely mean that. At best, I may strike up a converation with you, at worst I’ll either be mildly amused or indifferent.

For those that WON’T behave in public though, how’s this: bring them. Leave them in the car. Put either a baby radio or a two way radio in there, carry the other one. That way you can still monitor the kid, vote, AND not drive anyone else crazy.

If that won’t work, try something that was recommended at a conference I was at over the weekend: duct tape.

By C.

February 5, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

I think it is imperative to take your children polls beginning at elementary school age. I have a 20 yr. old and a 7 year old. My 20 yr. old has been joining me at the polls since she was 4 years old. She automatically registered to vote at 18 and voted when she was 18 because it was the norm at our house. My 7 year old went with me for the first time during the GA gov. election and he will go with me again today. It is an excellent civics lesson. However, I wouldn’t suggest bringing a toddler to a long voting line.

By Julie

February 5, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

my 10 year old son and I were at the polls at 7AM. I am teaching him what I believe to be good citizenship as I did my now grown daughter when she was younger. My daughter exercises her right to vote and I believe my son will, also. Children do what they are taught.

By Vote For Jeff

February 5, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Jeff has his head on straight and makes sense - I’m going to write-in Jeff as an independent candidate for president.

By Miss S

February 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Hello!??! There is no reason if you have small children (or children who run the risk of misbehaving) that you can’t vote absentee the week before and still have your civics lesson. Per the GA Secretary of State’s page. *An elector may cast an absentee ballot in person at the registrar’s office during the period of Monday through Friday of the week immediately preceding the date of the election without having to provide a reason. *

Frankly, if you can’t exercise the common sense to know that little kids + long lines = headache for the rest of us, then I question your ability to reason in general. Now, I may not say it out loud, but I am certainly thinking to myself “I hope that that person’s candidate doesn’t win, Lord we’d be in trouble!.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

C (and a few others):

Certainly around school age, when kids (typically) are generally well behaved, I could support your position of taking them every time.

Heck, in some cases, I honestly WISH my parents had. Then I would at least have had a CLUE what was going on the first couple of times I voted! (Though I knew how to work the machines better than the poll workers, since I was one of the ones testing them for their initial certification soon after the state began buying them.)

By HB

February 5, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Leave small children (who have a tendency to misbehave, no less) alone in a car?! Wow, Jeff. I mean, I just don’t even know what else to say. Wow.

By PurpleOne

February 5, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

obviously, there is more than a civic’s lesson when taking children to the polls…maybe a test in parenting and their childs behavior!

bottom line, children act based on how they are taught, even at 1 year old…mine never had a public tantrum b/c he never had one at home b/c he got snatched if he looked crossed-eyed. don’t underestimate the childs mind…they know what they can and can’t do before they can walk! my now 18 year old got tapped before he could walk…he knew what “no” and “zip it” meant…none of that be-be kids stuff happened to me!

man, i wish Jeff had been on the ballot this morning when i cast my vote!

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

ummmm….. I’m REALLY hoping y’all are being sarcastic about voting me as a write-in…

On the flip side though, while I don’t know his views on parenting (I would guess he’s never been asked in a political forum), there IS a candidate I agree with 100% on the issues… Dr. Ron Paul. If y’all were (scarily) being serious about voting for me, vote for him.

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

@ Jeff-I can’t wait for you to have kids. Maybe you will have to eat your words sometime, as most of us parents have had to do at least once in our lifetime. You really don’t have a clue do you? Do you watch the news? Ever heard of people stealing cars with children in them? Or children being abducted? I have one word for you - clueless!

It is so easy for one to look at others and judge. Until you walk in someone else’s shoes, you really don’t know what that person has to deal with. There is a huge difference in personality in my two children. My husband and I are the same parents of the 10 yo daughter. My son came out of the womb a different person. He had screaming fits at 3 weeks old. I’m not sure you can discipline a 3 week old baby. (But I’m sure JEFF can- He knows EVERYTHING!)

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

nurse:

A better word for me is fearless.

As in, I REFUSE to let my life be ruled by what could happen. I plan for as many situations as I am likely to encounter and I prepare to handle the rest.

The problem with most parents these days, including many on this blog as well as T and her mother, is that they let their fears rule their lives.

Quite simply, I don’t. Never have, never will.

I once bought a shirt up in the Nantahala River area that had a quote that I absolutely LOVE:

front: Are You Afraid to Die?

back: Or Just Afraid to Live?

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Like I said earlier, Jeff-You know EVERYTHING! I knew you would have THE answer.

Like I also said earlier-I can’t wait for Jeff to have children. Let’s see if T is as fearless as he is.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Today is A Wonderful Day: Today is the Day Hillary Clinton Marches to the White House!!!!!!!!!!!

Hillary and Bill 2008!!!

By Aubrey

February 5, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

While I agree it is an excellent civics lesson, your two year old has no idea what you are doing. Bring your school-age children along but there is no reason to subject your toddlers/infants to the long wait or the other people in line. Although, if you have no child care that is not a problem. Bringing a 1 and 3 year old along for a civics lesson is silly but if you are doing it out of necessity that is different.

Oh and go Jeff!

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

I take my Kids to teach them to Vote for the Democrates this year. Its been 8 years of Misery —

The world hates us because of George W. Bush.

He has ruined america’s finances-

Hillary is our saviour from God

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

The Civic Lesson my kids will be learning tonight is that Miss Clinton will be their next President.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Hilliary is winning in Georgia —Latest exit Poll. She is also winning in NY, NJ and California.

What a great day For Hilliary!!

Makes me wanna Cry for Joy!!

9 months Until PRESIDENT HILLIARY CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By FCM

February 5, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

@Tamika…..I hope to HE&& she isn’t!!!!!!!!

By Shannon, M.Div.

February 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Honestly, I’m usually one of the people who says “leave the kids at home.” I don’t want ‘em there screaming on the rare occasion that I go out and spend money at a fancy-pants restaurant. :) (I sound like such an old fogey. Ah, well). Voting, however, is different. Take the kids (when they’re old enough to understand what’s going on, at least) to vote. My mom always took me with her, and I have voted in every election since I turned 18 (including the local elections!). I’m more politically active than she’s ever been, but she does faithfully vote, and I did see that example. Civic engagement starts in childhood.

By Rebecca

February 5, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Jeff,

Are you the same crazy one from the Get Schooled Blog, who used to be a teacher? You all know that Jeff cannot get a job in a school setting. I don’t blame anyone for not hiring him. He is crazy. Yes, there are some people that believe in corporal punishment but he believes in beating up children. Seriously, go read his posts.

Anyhoo. I took my 8 year old with me to vote. He actually came to me and told me what candidate he liked and where that candidate stood on the issues. Because we were voting for the same candidate I let him actually do the voting when we went to the polls.

You guys have to realize, the people who have problems with children in society, were raised by people who have problems with children.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Well the FCM get people out to Vote— Because today looks like Hillary will be rolling towards the white House with noone even close able to stop her. Old man McCain won’t stand a Chance.

By PAC

February 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

My 17 year son accompanied me to the polls, but was only allowed to go as far as the ‘sign in’ table. The poll worker said he had to stay away from the machines if he was not registered to vote. Since he will be voting in November, I wanted him to have a preview of the process.

By Rebecca

February 5, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Hillary will never be president. I am a democrat and not voting for her. If she is the democratic nominee I will vote republican, independent, green party anything else but for Clinton. Enough Clinton and Bush politics. We need someone new.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Tomorrows Headlines:

Hillary Wins Big—Road to White House Assured!

By John

February 5, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

“I think that Bill Clinton was the most corrupt and dishonest President we have ever suffered through in this country during my lifetime. If I had to say something nice about him I would say that he is more honest than his wife, and cuter”.

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Rebecca:

Ad hominem attacks are the first resort of a weak position.

I do NOT believe in ‘beating up’ children, and I’ve specifically said so on multiple occassions.

I DO believe in using pain to teach. And every time I’ve used said pain, I’ve succeeded in my goal. The case with my friends’ son Sunday was just the latest example.

And I’ll have you know that with one year of teaching behind me, I could walk out of my programming job RIGHT NOW and walk right back into a classroom. I’ve had school systems call me within the past 6 months looking for a teacher!

By One

February 5, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Rebecca, ^5 girl, me too!!!!!

Tamika, don’t throw the confetti yet, it’s a long way from over!!!

Enough Clinton and Bush politics. We need someone new.

Obama in 08!!!!!!!

By Capt

February 5, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Tamika Shamika LaTrishia….by your post you are truely a product of our public school system.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Rebecca— Hillary will be President wheather we like it or not— There is no way she can lose. She runs and owns the democratic Party. She has allowed Obama to get this close because it helps her in the Long run.

Hillary is Unstopable!!

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

@ Rebecca- yes, Jeff used to be a teacher. I’m sure this is the same Jeff. Do you know something that we don’t? Just curious.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Well Hillary has 35 years of experiance you know!!

By Liz

February 5, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

If Jeff ever does go back to teaching, I will make sure that my children are not in his classroom….ever. Using pain to punish children? Really makes me worry.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Capt. My fingers are big and I type fast— You are a product of my Butt!!

By Pam

February 5, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

As a single parent without lots of babysitting options, I’ve taken my daughter to vote me in every election since she was born. She is now 12 and thinks it’s the “norm” to vote. As a person of African Amrican decent, I am proud that she sees voting as a regular part of her civic responsibility, as well as a way to voice her opinion about the way we live.

By Pam

February 5, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

As a single parent without lots of babysitting options, I’ve taken my daughter to vote me in every election since she was born. She is now 12 and thinks it’s the “norm” to vote. As a person of African American decent, I am proud that she sees voting as a regular part of her civic responsibility, as well as a way to voice her opinion about the way we live.

By Tanya

February 5, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

I have always taken my kids to vote with me. I am teaching them to be productive citizens and this is their civic duty. They are excited about voting and have been studying the candidates. If we don’t teach them the value and the importance of vote they will become apathetic

By Julie

February 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

I am a stay-at-home mom and I started to get ready to go vote this morning when I realized that I could take my 7 year old with me right after she gets off the bus. So now I’m waiting to take her with me. She’s gone with me since she was a baby. My Grandmother was a volunteer poll worker and that made an impression with me. I want to show my child the process and I intend to volunteer to work at the polls one day too!

By havefunkiddies

February 5, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

People - They are kids. They don’t care. Stop torturing them with your adult mentalities. Isn’t that how bigots start? By pushing your views on them at an early age? Do you REALLY think a 6 year old cares who you vote for or what the process entails???

Geez. Glad I don’t have to stand in line with you @ssholes today.

By FCM

February 5, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

@Tamika…I have the same opinion on McCain being president that I do about Hillary.

By Rebecca

February 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

35 years experience… Ha, ha, ha that is the real fairy tale. I guess that means Barbara Bush can run on her years of experience as well.

Nurse & mother… Go check out the blogs at Get Schooled. It’s evident. I wonder if he even has a job he is always the first one to blog and his responses are always zero tolerance posts. You know the type. No shades of gray. Just black and white.

By Tom

February 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Mike Vick is guilty!

By One

February 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

My fingers are big and I type fast For some reason, that is funny as he%%!!!!

There is no way she can lose. She runs and owns the democratic Party. She has allowed Obama to get this close because it helps her in the Long run. Okay, now that sounds stupid!!! And you get your info from where????????????

Pam, good for you!!

By ANixon

February 5, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I took my children with me for the experience of participating in history and mentoring them. My husband and I are our children’s first identity to who they are as a people and the more experiences such as voting teaches them how to make a difference small or not, textbooks, teachers and schools cannot enhance the liberation of having you say in government. As a parent, its my responsibility to show the way through actions, not just talk of the media, polls, and politicians. People died for the right to vote and I am preparing my children to carry the torch.

By JJ

February 5, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

PAC That’s unusual. My 17 year old goes right up to the machine with me, with the blessing of the poll workers….they do ask, however, if she is registered, and I tell them no, she is too young, but they still let her go right on up with me…….

By milk and kookies

February 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

I took the kids to the vote this morning adorned in their Bush Sux t-shirts.

It was so cute how they would hold their bugger covered middle fingers in the air while saying Bush Sux!

I received so many compliments at how well my sweeties were educated on politics, they even got to vote!

By Mark

February 5, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Kids need to see the voting process as much as Cumberland Mall needs more stores that sell basketball shoes and ugly ghetto clothes.

By Mom of 3

February 5, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

To Jeff:

What an idiot!!!! You do not have the right to judge parenting considering you are not one. Parenting is the hardest job on the planet if it is done right. As a parent even if I was a friend of yours and you used to pain to teach my child something then I would have to use pain to teach you to keep your hands off MY child. If you want to discipline children……HAVE YOUR OWN>>>>

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

You all are in LuLu land if you think Hillary is going to Lose in November. There is no way a 71 Year old Geriatric can beat her.

Obama goes down tonight.

The Clinton White House MAchine kicks into High gear tomorrow

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Bush was the worst President ever— Even Worse than gold old Jimmy Carter!!

By jokesonyou

February 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Mark! My point exactly.

Kids want to be kids. They are being forced more and more everyday to be so mature before their time (metal detectors at schools, sex education, now voting??) I mean, can’t kids just be KIDS without everyone shoving their adult views on them at such a young and impressionable age?

And Milk and Kookies…although I agree that Bush sucks (AS DO THE CLINTONS), was it really necessary to adorn your children with YOUR adult political agenda? OH, and I’m so sure you got a lot of “oh, they are so CUTE!” with their middle fingers in the air! Give me a f-king break, people.

By Julie A.

February 5, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

@Tamika-take your ritalin!!

And Julie-use your last initial. There are two of us on this blog now.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

Well then go eat you cococ Capt— Good lord

By Julie A.

February 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

And Jeff-in addition to it being unwise, I think it is also illegal to leave small children alone in a vehicle. You might want to check on that before you do.

By Anyone But Hillary

February 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Tamika is delusional - she should never have stopped taking her medications. Tamika, let us know where you are, sweetie, so that we can send the nice men in the white van to pick you up. If you are typical of Hillary’s supporters, then I have nothing to worry about! The rational people will never vote for that beetch.

By GaMOM

February 5, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Some of us parents arent lucky enough to have the time to go during lulls and must go at the end of a long work day. And need to pick up children from day care facilities prior to being able to vote. So remember at one time you were a “parents child” and had to be taken out in public at unopportune times and it was easy then and its not easy now. Maybe those that dont want to “deal” with our toddlers need to go vote during the lull times so as to not have to “deal” with us working parents that have no other options!!!!!

By Stay at Home Mama

February 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

For me, it was a choice…either take the kids(a 4 and 2 year old) or don’t vote. I would have preferred not to take them but I did want(and have a right) to take part in this vote today. Everyone at my polling place was happy to see two cute kids come in! To all those who say, “Don’t bring your kids”, Bah Humbug!

By jillian

February 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Don’t take your kids out of school just to have them watch you vote. That’s silly. However, if you have an opportunity to take your kids — and you’re pretty sure there won’t be long lines and that the kids will behave — you should show them how the voting process works. My mom took me to the polls when I was a kid and the primaries were during the summer. It was interesting to me back then. But don’t take them out of school for it.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Julia A. — I do not need Ritlains!! I am just Very Excited about SUPER Hillary Clinton Tuesday!! I am ready for her to be MRS PRESIDENT

By GaMOM

February 5, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Let me correct myself before someone else does I should have written

“So remember at one time you were a “parents child” and had to be taken out in public at unopportune times and it was NOT easy then and its not easy now.”

By JJ

February 5, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Tamika Step away from the crack pipe honey…….

By RDI

February 5, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Unless they are over 12 years old, leave them at home. As a past poll manager I can’t tell you how many times we had to tell people not to let their kids walk around the precinct, not to touch the machines (they are not even allowed to touch the screen you are voting on) and that the stickers are not a toy to see how many you can grab off the table. We have elections every 2 years. If they are 12 or older, they will have plenty of time to see the process in action. Under that age, either leave them at home with a sitter, or as someone else suggested - vote by absentee ballot. Our job is tough enough without having to keep an eye on your rug rats

By RDI

February 5, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

tamika I wish I could be as excited as you but those of us in the real world know that if Hillary is elected, this country will no longer exist by the end of her first term

By Heather

February 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

I brought both of my daughters (ages 2 and 4) to vote with me today. The voting process took less than 5 minutes. We went during a period of time when it wasn’t crowded, and I brought snacks in the event there was a line.

I think that children should see democracy in action, and voting is an important responsibility of everyone in our country.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

You all will be sad when Hillary Wins!!

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Mom of 3:

If you would actually control your kid, I won’t have to.

Liz:

Somebody has to. It is the only way they will learn. Your choice is simply yourself in a situation you can control or someone else in a situation you can’t. Me, I choose to train my kids in controlled situations how to handle the uncontrollable.

By Carolyn

February 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I must have been 7 or 8 when my mom brought me to vote with her in my hometown, Bakersfield, Calif. The polling place was in someone’s garage. While my mom voted, one of the pollworkers had a fake ballot (just for kids—it had names like “Larry Lemon”) and showed me how the lever worked. This was over 20 years ago, but I still remember it. It stands out strongly in my mind, and I make sure to never miss an election. It’s a special memory to me.

By tom Robinson

February 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

I took my ten year old with me to vote today. The kid wanted to vote for the empty suit Obama

By Merri

February 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I took my niece, Cara Leigh, to be a Page in the State Senate today. On the way to the Gold Dome, we stopped to vote. I think it is very important for children to recognize how important it is to vote and what an awesome responsibility it is to choose the person you believe will make the best president. She was very excited and is looking forward to voting for president in 2016. It was a great civics lesson and I hope it will encourage her to take an active role in politics when she gets older.

By Monique

February 5, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

I have taken my daughter with me to vote each time I have cast a ballot. Her birthday is in November, so in the ‘04 Election, that was her birthday highlight, pushing the button to confirm my selections! She’s now 12 and has very firm ideas (based on her research)about who should be our next leader. She woke up this morning and the first thing she asked me was if WE were voting before or after school today! I’m thrilled that she wants to be a part of the process!

By Cammi317

February 5, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

I usually take my daughter with me, but this year I voted early (directly across the street from my office….Yeah!). She likes to go and wanted to go with me, but this year I had no desire to stand in line. Nor did I want take my loving but exasperating 10 y/o.

By motherjanegoose

February 5, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Just back from 100 preschoolers ( care to join me Jeff) and voting. No line…we used ink and the polling place had no children.

It has been interesting reading the opinions. My take:

julianarinlove… Yes, your 17 month old will act like a 17 month old…how you respond tells us if the 17 month old is in charge or you. How you plan, will also tell us who is in charge. We are watching.

Jeff …I hope you have 2 sets of triplets and then check back in with us.

RDI you make the very valid points that many of us have been trying to relay to Jeff….he is NOT a parent and has no clue. Now you, RDI, have been a poll worker and know things we do not. Your experience counts where our is just an opinion. I mentioned this topic to my husband today and he said many of the same things as RDI, he has been a poll worker and I have not….so I defer.

Heather has the right attitude…go (vote)when it is less crowded and bring snacks…books and teddy bears too!

Did it ever dawn on any of you ( who have no other option) that the reason your friends are not interested in keeping your children for 30 minutes while you vote, is probably the same reason you should not bring them to the polls. They have no boundaries and will irritate the $#!& out of everyone else. Parenting styles HAVE changed since the horse and buggy days…children have run wild and parents just giggle and say…”they are two..what can you expect?” When they are 16 and speeding in your SUV, I hope you feel the same way. The police will not.

Back on subject…if your children will be capable of behaving and waiting a reasonable length of time…I say you should bring them along. BUT can one mother ( or father) wait confidently with 3 children under 6 for over an hour in a boring line…I think not. This is on the same lines as the restaurant mentality…THEY DO NOT BELONG IN THIS ENVIRONMENT ( fine dining at 8:30 p.m. or waiting in a voting line with nothing to do for 1 hour) AND WILL NOT BEHAVE APPROPRIATELY…PUT YOUR THINKING CAP ON AND BEHAVE LIKE A GROWN UP….LEAVE THEM HOME! FYI… readers…let’s say this all together I have a child…my child was not always perfect…I admit that everyone does not adore my child as much as I do….I want others to like my child…I will not subject others to the ill will of my child when it can be avoided, even if it is not convenient for me. Readers….please let the newbie parents know that WE TOO had preschoolers and they did act out of sorts, any number of times, but we did NOT smile and ignore their behavior…we modified it or left the room. This takes a mature person who realizes what needs to be done.

ABOVE ALL ELSE…GO AND VOTE!

By poll manager

February 5, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Monique, as was mention by someone else it is illegal to let your daughter touch any part of the screen. The manager should have come over and admonished you for letting her do so. It’s great that she wants to be part of the process, but you need to teach her now what is and what is not acceptable at the polling place.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Shelby Drink your Juice Honey

By public schools makings

February 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

Tamika,

Who is gold old Jimmy Carter?

What is a Ritlain pill, and what pharmacy distributes it?

Where is LuLu Land, and how does it compare to ‘La La Land?’

Who is Hilliary? I didn’t see her on the ballot.

What is a Democrate?

Is wheather a combination of whether + weather?

Please have your children proof your next rant so that we can make it out.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this

Well weather you like it or not CHANGE is Coming:)

And there is nothing You all can do if you don’t support Hilliary

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Public School Makings — My Fingers a fat and i Type fast-

You must be a self proclaimed Madonna!!

By Darius

February 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

My kids are not quite old enough to take with me when I vote. But, I will do so as they get older.

BTW, I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes to vote at my precinct in the 10+ years I have been going there.

By Tamika

February 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

4 and a Half hours till they announce Hillary’s VICTORIES— THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE BEGINS TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Sarah

February 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Why not take the kids, in DeKalb County they always take their dead relatives to vote. McCain 2008 !

By JJ

February 5, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

Darius Me either. I get off work at 4, so I can go vote while everyone is sitting in traffic. I’ve never waited longer than 15 minutes….

By MP

February 5, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I took my three girls with me this morning and had no problems. I do understand that it is a good lesson for kids but leave the snacks in the car. There is no reason that a child cannot go 15 minutes without munching on something. Play dough? Learning is not always fun. Lines sometimes have to be stood in. Are we raising a generation of children who will always have a sippy and some snacks with them?

By dc

February 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

I didn’t have to wait at all - and I did take my 9.5 month old with me, as I’m a stay-at-home mom and I’m the one who takes care of him during the day. It took me about 2 minutes to vote, and my little guy just looked around and took it all in. He didn’t annoy anyone … no problems!

By Proud N. Fulton Dem

February 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

All I have to say is my 5-year-old (who was very well-behaved) came along as I voted for the future President Obama.

By Political Mom

February 5, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

YES, absolutely bring your children with you to vote. One of my earliest memories of a special time with my Dad was going with him to vote in the 1968 presidential election when I was not yet 8 years old. I can distinctly see the room filled with voting booths and holding his hand while he showed me how to operate the voting lever. Incredible that today I can’t remember why I have walked into a room or where I have placed my car keys. But Dad made sure I knew the significance and importance of voting so much so that the picture of my first voting experience is imbedded in my mind. This is the first election held since my Dad’s recent death. “Thanks Daddy for that important lesson and the great memory. And yes, Daddy, I brought your little grandaughter to vote today.”

By Capt

February 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

tamika tamika tamika….you can take the girl out of the getto but not the getto out of the girl. Honey you are very close to being illiterate (you probably need to look up that word)

By Jeff

February 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

motherjane:

You rail against me and then take the same position I have.

And that makes sense how?

By Laura

February 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

I don’t have children but I think its GREAT that parents take their kids to the poll!

By Koala

February 5, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this

For the millionth time… there is no RIGHT to vote. Go read your constitution… I’m going to guess that not one of you bloggers have read it - ever… The best thing to do would be to make everyone sit an intelligence test before they got to register to vote. Too many idiots voting on color (hmmm, I buy my car by color, I don’t vote for president by color); gender (perhaps when getting a new dog I’d consider that…) Gender and sex should NEVER play a role in your vote, people - you need to think deeper… Think being the operative word….

Geesh…

By Koala

February 5, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this

For the millionth time… there is no RIGHT to vote. Go read your constitution… I’m going to guess that not one of you bloggers have read it - ever… The best thing to do would be to make everyone sit an intelligence test before they got to register to vote. Too many idiots voting on color (hmmm, I buy my car by color, I don’t vote for president by color); gender (perhaps when getting a new dog I’d consider that…) Gender and sex should NEVER play a role in your vote, people - you need to think deeper… Think being the operative word….

As as for bringing your rug rats to the polls, I don’t even like hanging with your snotty kids when I shop or eat out, so please… have a heart, and get a babysitter!

Geesh…

By Jesse's Girl

February 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

JEFF…you are very lucky to be alive. Who the hell are you to grab someone else’s kid and “squeeze their hand”? Buddy…if I ever meet you, I might have to slap your face just hard enough to make my point for that incredible overstep. Apologies if someone else jumped on that….

Per the topic at hand….take your kids. We did and have been since day one. The girls were over the moon at the last November Presidential election! Regarding the kids who have the odd melt down at inopportune times….its nothing compared to the melt downs I’ve seen some adults have. Lets kep it all in perspective.

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Motherjanegoose-

Why do you assume that voting will always take one hour? I took my two year old to vote today. We waited five minutes and we were done.

Yes, I do have a friend that is a stay at home mom that could have watched him, but she already has four children. I think that is inappropriate to ask her to watch my son when she has enough children of her own. The rest of my friends work.

I, too, feel that if I go to a nice restaurant it is rude for parents of rowdy children not to reprimand them or take them outside. That said, this is not a restaurant-it is a place to vote.

I think we have all been around parents who smile and ignore their misbehaving children . Please don’t assume that all parents of misbehaving children think that everyone else thinks it’s cute. One other point is that while I have no problem spanking my children, in this day and age, disciplining children in public could result in DFACS getting involved. I usually only spank in the privacy of my car or house (or when no one is looking). So don’t be so quick to judge parents. You can point you finger at the way our society views spanking (and disciplining in general).

I remember when I was in college, I had a Psychology of the Family course. The professor was so proud to announce that she recently called DFACS on a mother who spanked her child in public. This was someone who is influencing young people with her beliefs. It didn’t sound like the woman was beating her child either. This professor and others like her have inadvertanly contributed to this problem in our society. I agree that there is a fine line between spanking and beating. IMHO, there is nothing wrong with a swat to the behind. It is hard to reason with a toddler, but they do understand a swat.

By KingDaddy

February 5, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

In defense of Jeff…

The brat did start behaving which is something the parents were unable to achieve.

Good job Jeff. You’ll make a fine father.

By Capt

February 5, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Koala…you are exactly right.It is the electorial college that elects the president and vice president. It is the same as the folks get all offended when you tell them the USA is NOT a democracy…It is a Republic with a Rebuplican form of government. I think a lot of this thinking comes form the ENTITLEMENT line of thinking…the government, according to the Constitution, is mandated to do only two things. Provice for the common defense with a standing army and to maintain a monetary system to insure the economic viability of the Union. Usually the folks that put themselves forward as experts on our government have never read the entire Constitution. Thanks for your observation. By the way…I am voting for Eisenhower.

By Jesse's Girl

February 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

No, no…absolutely not. When children act out, the parents should leave with them if that is what is deemed neccessary to control the situation. I have left many a store for that very reason. HOWEVER….if Jeff was unable to curb his urge to impart his “wisdom”, perhaps a wiser choice would have been to speak to the parents directly. No one has the right to physically discipline a child that does not belong to them. PERIOD. That could get you arrested Jeffery. Your arrogance is growing. It appears to be outpacing your brain. You went away once before and we thank you for it…really we do. Lets stick with what works shall we?

By Emma

February 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

As someone who prefers “no kid” environments, the voting booth is one place I think everyone should be REQUIRED to take their kids voting. Yes, it’s not the most pleasant experience for kids (BORING!) and parents should ABSOLUTELY be publicly humiliated if the kids misbehave — but I remember going with my parents EVERY ELECTION, and it’s one of the reasons I still feel voting is a citizen’s obligation. It’s call “civic lessons!”

By motherjanegoose

February 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Who read my point about the poll worker knowing a bit more than the rest of us …since he has been there…pay attention Jeff..we as parents have been there NOT YOU….this is what I am railing against. Guess what, I have friends who are polar opposites ( from me) about some things but we can still maintain our friendship because we are each entitled to our own opinion…we are not all obligated to your opinion ( Jeff) when you do not have children. I am sticking with the advise of the poll worker RDI…who has been there when we have not. Thank you for volunteering your time…whoever you are! Who read my blogs about taking 30 minutes…1 hour or when I went ( on my 3:11 post) no line. Some places take longer than others …I HAVE waited in line for 90 minutes casting a November ballot.,,,not a pretty picture with whiney ( sp?) kids. If your wait is short and you have well behaved children TAKE THEM WITH YOU… BUT PLEASE VOTE, if you have to take your children and there is no other way…then do it!

By nurse&mother

February 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

While it is true that voting is a privilege and not a right, I don’t believe that the constitution states that “those with children under the age of 5 in tow are not allowed to vote”.

By KidnappedArrestedorWorse

February 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

So Jeff, when my child gets kidnapped when I leave him in the car, finds his way out of the car and runs in front of another car or I get arrested for leaving him in the car, will your village come and help?

Come on, I took my 1 & 3 year old sons with me to vote, they were both just fine, stayed by my side, and the older one even said “thank you” to the poll worker who handed him a sticker. It could have just as easily turned the other way given their ages and I would have handled the situation as best I could. You need to learn how to relax and roll with things a little bit. The world is always going to be full of people, not just children, who don’t know how to behave in public (whether you’re blowing smoke at my children, throwing litter out the car window, screaming on your cell phone, yelling at the fast food cashier for messing up your order, etc.). Whether it is age or some other reason, not everyone is going to be perfect all the time. If you ask, “Are you afraid to live?”, you should ask yourself the same question - living is enjoying all that God created, including children who do nothing wrong but act their ages. Sounds more like you are afraid to live in the real world!

By Theresa

February 5, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Well it didn’t take very long once we got to the right voting place — waited in a short line at the wrong one first — Literally teared up when I pushed the stroller and the kids up to the ballot. 6-year-old read the ballot wtih me and the 4-year-old pressed our choice. And then as we walked out, he proceeded to announce to the poll workers who we voted for — Not cool —- His 6-year-old sister told him “That’s private.” Very glad I took them— I was prepared with M&Ms, coloring books and spelling words to practice. Glad we didn’t have to wait too long though.

By Lee

February 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I took my 3 year old son with me. He was so proud and told everyone for the rest of the day I voted for the President today!

By Jesse's Girl

February 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t understand this notion of publically humiliating parents when their children have the audacity to behave like children. Should children be taught to act accordingly? Absolutely. However…as even adults are wont to do….kids act out on occassion. I love all the eating out comments. I cannot count the times I have witnessed grown a* men and women acting foolish in a child’s environment.

By motherjanegoose

February 5, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

True…Jesse’s girl but there is a difference between a $2.49 Happy Meal and a $24.99 rib eye. I think it is probably more acceptable to act like children when the place has children’s pricing…who knows? Oh, FYI…as I exited my voting place today ( turning left) and was maintaining the 35 MPH speed limit right before a school zone, a blue Subaru with a teen or young adult was on my tail and blowing his horn. He then illegally passed me on my left…as he had things that were more important than to sit behind an old lady who was abiding the speed limit, whose 2 year old is this? They do grow up. Remember I LOVE CHILDREN it’s the parents who make me nuts…you have to set boundaries and model behavior!

By ReaderInNY

February 5, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

My husband and I voted today in New York, and you better bet we took our 2 year old daughter with us. In our opinion it is never to early to educate our children about their civic duty to participate in the political process. For those posting about the behavior of children, my guess is that if infants and toddlers could communicate their thoughts about the behavior of adults, they just might give us all an earful.

By ReaderNTX

February 5, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this

I take my kids with me to vote, but basically I take my kids where ever I go. I make sure they understand how to behave, no matter where we go. Do we have “those” days? Sure. As for the village mentality? Maybe 50 years ago when you could trust the people in “your” village. Now days, with all the horrid things that parents and individuals are doing to children who wants some village folk intervening. If we’re at church or at a family gathering and my kids act disrespectful or unkind and I don’t see it then, yes, I want those respected adults in our lives to say something to my children; As for the guy in line in front of me at the polls? No-way!

By faye

February 5, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I never took my children to vote when they were younger, but my husband and I always saved our stickers for them so they knew we went. Throughout the elections we talk about the issues in our house.

I have always made a point of telling them how the local elections are important, too, and shared some examples of how our family has directly benefited by choices made by ballot.

In school, they have participated in mock elections (and real elections - class presidents and such). I feel like that has been enough - I never felt it appropriate to drag them down to the polling place to wait in line for no reason. My parents never took me - “it was special for adults” I was told - and that made me want to do it even more.

Now this year, both my kids will be voting in their first presidential election and are thrilled. My son is an active member of one of the”Young” political parties on campus. So for me, the “less is more” approach worked.

I think it’s OK for well-behaved kids over the age of about 8 (let’s face it - who remembers anything from much before that anyway?) and I think it would be great if polling places could have something set up for them like a mock vote. But I also think it’s unfair to your child to put them in an adult situation and expect them to behave like adults, and then get annoyed at others who are exasperated at you.

I guess you have to do what’s right for you without stepping over others’ boundaries. Common sense…don’t leave home without it.

By Lee

February 5, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

I took my 3 year old son with me. He was so proud and told everyone for the rest of the day I voted for the President today!

By 3 brats and a hack

February 6, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this

I’m sure the hyphenated hack took her 3, out of control, brats to the polls. They ran all over the place, screaming and whining. The hack probably ignored them (she probably pretended to read a really cool, topical book that would make her look smart and hip). Occasionally she did that annoying yuppy thing where she speaks loudly to her child, with over exhaggerated diction, so that everyone can hear her communicating to her intellectually advanced, super bright children. Discipline is for the rednecks in Stockbridge or Kennesaw for Gods sake, shes raising 9th generation Georgians. Then she went home and watered her lawn and washed her SUV.

By Jeff

February 6, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

I find it interesting that neo-cons and liberals always seek to silence the voice they disagree with.

Those that truly value freedom do not. Note that while I COMPLETELY disagree with many of you, not ONCE have I tried to silence you.

Yet you continually try to silence me.

Hmmm…. which of us truly values freedom???

By Jesse's Girl

February 6, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this

Oh Jeff…please. Can’t we just not like you? It has nothing at all to do with the value we place on our freedom. We just think….me in particular…you’re a complete idiot. Nothing more, nothing less.

By Jeff

February 6, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

KidnappedArrestedOrWorse:

Do you have any IDEA how miniscule any of those risks are? It is like worrying that a grown man is going to drown in 1/2” of water. CAN it happen? Yes. But is it enough of a risk to freak out at the slightest puddle? NO.

The ones that need to learn to relax a bit are the Stepford Suburbanites that obsess over every little risk in their kids lives.

You RARELY see me stressed about ANYTHING, and on those occassions when you do, you know to be stressed to because the situation is nearly FUBAR and I’m doing everything I can to keep it from getting to that point.

Take, for example, a possible threat today: severe weather.

Now, T is absolutely paranoid of severe weather. There is slight reason, as nearly exactly a year ago there was a massive tornado (I personally think it was at LEAST an F4 or F5, but I can’t remember what they eventually said it was) that left a mile wide path of devastation about 20 miles from us, and directly across the street from a couple friend of ours. (The same couple I mentioned earlier, in fact.)

Me, I’ve been known to drive within a couple miles of tornadoes and never even flinch. Heck, I’ll stand outside and watch them! But as I do so, I’m also prepared to act within seconds to get myself and my family as secure as possible. The tornado 2 miles away isn’t a threat until it turns my way. The tornado at the end of the street heading towards my house is a valid threat and I should get my family to safety.

Similarly, the knowledge that predators are ‘out there’ is not a valid threat. Someone breaking into my house at night IS a valid threat, and I will deal with it accordingly.

By Jesse's Girl

February 6, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

You really are a fantastic baffoon Jeff and from here on out…I am done with you. Hopefully the rest of you will follow suit.

By Jeff

February 6, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

JG:

You know what they say about a person in sin being confronted with the truth? They either get right or get out. I’ll be praying for you, dear friend.

By Tina

February 6, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

FYI for the person who said they thought the law says your employer must give you an hour off to vote: Actually the law says you are entitled up to 2 hours to vote IF you are scheduled to work during the entire time the polls are open. So this affects very few people. And I’m amazed at the people who talk about voting on your lunch break. In Atlanta generally you work over an hour from where you vote and must vote prior to going to work or after work. After leaving your child in daycare for over 10 hours so you can work, it only humane to take them with you—but they should be made to behave. Not all of us have spouses or relatives sitting around just waiting to babysit our children while we excercise our civic right. It was very educational to me to go with my mother to vote when I was small. My daughter always went with me when she was small and she was very interested in the process. One time, at a Douglas County elementary school, we were still standing in line at 9:00pm, but we finally got to vote! Nowdays, in Forsyth County, it only took me 5 minutes—because I’m unemployed and could go at 10:00am! However, I would trade the ease for a job!!!