Remember to vote
By John Murphy Submitted to Corner Post
Guess what, folks. This article is not an attempt to criticize or influence any of my Republican or Democrat friends or any American citizen of whatever political persuasion who to vote for in any way. The sole and entire reason for this article is to encourage you as an American citizen to exercise your right to vote, not only in the upcoming election, but in all elections. This is very near and dear to this old farmer. The foundation of our nation relies on an informed electorate.
Way back in the old days, I could not vote until the age of 21, and the 26th amendment was passed in 1971. Almost impossible to believe but women were not given the right to vote until 1920, 104 years ago in history. Not that long ago! Hard to believe! Throughout our American history, laws were passed fine-tuning voting rights protections to insure we have the fair elections we have today.
I would be remiss if I did not mention our veterans, as each did solemnly swear to defend and support the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. If you attended the last Memorial Day program held on the DeKalb County Courthouse lawn honoring deceased DeKalb County Veterans, you observed 1,084 crosses honoring veterans that have served their country and passed on. Many other veterans are still living in our community and have served and taken the same oath to defend our nation up to and with their life if necessary. Our family has been impacted by this as two of our brothers passed on years ago from agent orange exposure during their time in Vietnam.
Americans owe a huge debt of gratitude to veterans and others for defending our freedom, rights, and privilege to live in a free country. Just ask citizens governed by dictators in some of the other countries in the world. My ancestors came here in the 1860s from Germany and Ireland to experience religious freedom and opportunities not available where they came from. I am most grateful every day of my life for the opportunities and freedom I experience every day of my 83-year-old life in the United States of America!
Our article this month is intentionally short. Our intent is not to offend or criticize one person but to encourage you to exercise one of your most important privileges as an American citizen to study the candidates and issues and then vote. I do have one other goal. Small town America is where it all begins, and I like to see our Northwest region lead Missouri with a concerted effort to get out the vote and lead the state of Missouri in the percentage of eligible voters that participate in our elections.
We can never thank veterans enough, but the best thank you to those 1,084 crosses representing veterans that have passed on and veterans continuing to live in Northwest Missouri is showing your appreciation for what they sacrificed by voting!
Come on, Northwest Missouri! The Old Farmer is counting on us in rural America to lead the State by being informed voters participating in our elections!
The older the Old Farmer is, the more convinced I am that “Life is good in Northwest Missouri!”
Until next time,
The Old Farmer.
If you want to
thank a soldier,
Be the kind of American
Worth fighting for!
God Bless!
