My parents ran a neighborhood tavern, and even though I was very young, I remember seeing what I would call "voter persuasion." I do not remember which party was responsible, probably both, but in the mid ‘50s a few hours before the polls closed, workers would come in the bar and asked who did not vote or if they did, would they vote again. The price? $5 and a shot and a beer. There were always one or two who would respond. This practice would continue at all the local bars in our neighborhood. There were five on our block alone. 

Nationally there were front page stories of voter fraud in about 14 states. It had to do with voter registration charges associated with ACORN, a national community organization. They were allegations only, and to my knowledge there was no ACORN activity in our area. 

Voting is so important. Too many take it for granted. Some are even apathetic and do not vote at all. These are the same people who would complain about government and do nothing to change it. They do not realize that voting means freedom. Freedom which veterans fought for since we arrived on this soil.  

There was a popular song years ago which had these words, "You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone…," and the old Janis Joplin hit, "Bobby McGee," which includes the well-known line, "Freedom’s just another word for nothing else to lose."

Think about the meaning of those two phrases. The first can be applied to just about anything, but the last one concerns voting. 

The privilege to vote is not enjoyed throughout the world. Freedom is not enjoyed throughout the world. Remember, our troops are fighting right now in order to bring a democracy to a land which had had a sadistic dictator.  

If someone told you that you cannot vote, would you become angry?

How angry?

Angry enough to do something about it?  

Three days ago you had the opportunity to vote for state representatives, congressmen, and of course, a president.

Sooooooo, did you vote? Did your guy win? If he/she did not, will you support the winner? 

In 2009, you will be able to vote again. This time, local elections will be involved from Council members to school directors to county judges. It will be just as important as "Election 2008" but maybe a little closer to your heart.  

You can support our troops not only with prayers, but by exercising your right to vote, which is really a privilege given to you by every veteran who has served our country.

Never forget that.