“We can’t vote for him. We’re voting for Hillary,” so stated the little girl as she eyed the basket of candy on the table. The occasion was the Hispanic “Thank You to Law Enforcement” event at the park, and the election was getting close.
“You can still vote for Judge Johnson,” I told her. “He’s not running for president. You can vote for Judge Johnson AND Hillary.”
This was obviously above the cognitive function of a 7 year old, but she was happy to fish in the basket for a cherry Jolly Rancher. She picked up one and then rejected it. “I don’t like watermelon,” she announced.
“I don’t either,” I told her and handed her a Judge Johnson information card. “Give this to your parents and tell them that they can vote for Judge Johnson and Hillary, too.” Having succeeded in separating a cherry candy from the look-alike watermelon, she took the card, but was clearly skeptical.
Election day is nearly here, thank goodness, and although the campaign for president and senator continue hot and heavy, the local races for the likes of county commissioner, assemblyman and judges have been buried under the avalanche of rhetoric for the national campaigns. To get their message out, those local candidates have to continue attending functions and giving speeches. And because there are so many functions to attend, sometimes their family and friends step in and help.
That’s how it came to be that I was at another event and lo-and-behold, was opposite the booth publicizing a new aquarium that will be opening in Las Vegas. Not only does this place have fishes, but they also display snakes and parrots and many other fun and exotic creatures.
Okay, you may not think of snakes as fun. Most of us don’t. I was very blessed as a Girl Scout when the leader allowed one of the girl’s brothers to come with his collection of snakes so we all got to pet a garden snake and hold a gopher snake to learn what snakes are really like. I’m still not a fan, but they don’t scare me. Well, unless they rattle – that’s a whole ‘nother thing.
AND, having just bought some U.S. Postage stamps featuring pets — I actually had seen a picture of a corn snake. (What correspondence will I use that snake stamp on? I know! My DMV renewal. Yeah.) Anyway, when I saw the snake I immediately knew what it was.
“That’s a corn snake, isn’t it?” I asked the aquarium lady who had it draped around her neck.
“Yes,” she said looking rather startled. “Would you like to hold it?”
“Sure,” I said, sounding a lot braver than I felt. But Cornelius felt warm and dry, rather like a leather belt. He obviously was enamored of me and did not want to let go, but she finally managed to peel him off me and return him to his glass aquarium (no water).
So, back to campaigning for the judge. I laugh at people who ask me who he’s voting for for president (I don’t know), where he stands on the Constitution (squarely), and what is his opinion of the second amendment. This last was at a gun show and I really wanted to say, “Duh…” but I refrained.
Voting is something I take seriously and I hope that you do, too. And as one of Judge Johnson’s colleagues said, “please don’t stop after voting for president, go all the way to the bottom of the ballot where the judges are.” Yeah, I hope everyone does that. I don’t expect that I’ll ever be running for anything, but it’s interesting to see the underpinnings of the election process.
And in the meantime, between now and election day, I’m going to visit that aquarium and see what they have besides fish, parrots and snakes. Whatever other creatures they’ve got, I am reasonably certain there will be no donkeys and no elephants. Please, God!
Yes, yes, let it be over!
Can’t be soon enough! Tonight is the final “debate,” and I am loath to watch it, but something compels me to. On November 8 we’ll all go to the polls and hold our noses and vote. Ye cats!
And now you’re a snake whisperer. I think Phyllis would get a laugh, if not a joke, out of that.
PS: Let the election be over.
You’re right, Larry – Phyllis Diller would’ve loved it. And yes, the election — it can’t end soon enough!
Kudos for your volunteer work, Robin. I pity the folks who end up having to write this chapter in future history books. Yes, let it be over.
Can’t end soon enough. Yikes!
It’s so odd to be speaking of “Judge Johnson” in the same conversation as the rest of this election. In my head, I’ve just known that he was above all of that. He’s worked very hard since I saw him last January and hopefully that will all be rewarded in November. I know you’ve been a great help to him, Robin, and that he appreciates your assistance. He’s someone you can definitely be proud to have helped elect!!
I have no doubt that he’ll win in a landslide. He has worked hard and even people who’ve met him for the first time sing his praises. We’re lucky to have people of his caliber on the bench, and that includes his wife, Judge Susan Johnson. If only all the races were as clear cut!