Bossy grew up in a politically active family at a time when the country was smack dab in a climate of upheaval and transition because that’s how it was when dinosaurs roamed the earth, the end.
The first thing Bossy remembers about politics was in utero when she went knocking around some peace march or other, even though Bossy thinks it’s slightly pathetic when people use their children for their own political motivations.
The next thing Bossy remembers about politics took place in the kitchen. Namely it was something Bossy’s mom had written on the wall, right next to the place where spaghetti test strands remained stuck to the high ceiling:
Lively political conversations around the dinner table were a nightly occurrence, but the next thing Bossy actually remembers about politics
was this:
Jimmy Carter was the Governor of Georgia, and he was running for President, and Bossy knew everything there was to know about him, such as Jimmy Carter nearly tripped over Bossy’s 5th-grade boyfriend Jay when Bossy’s class trip somehow got tangled up in the middle of Jimmy Carter’s campaign day near Independence Mall — so when Jay found himself on the wrong side of the rope line he dashed across right as the candidate was coming through and so Jimmy Carter placed his hands on Jay’s shoulders and ushered him across to the other side and then he shook Bossy’s hand and now you understand all of the reasons Jimmy Carter was elected President according to Bossy.
The next thing Bossy remembers about politics was the morning after Ronald Reagan won his first term as President, and everyone Bossy knew flooded into libraries in order to research countries where they could relocate.
The next thing Bossy remembers about politics was meeting her husband him in a rope line even though sister mercy Bossy was not wearing a beret, which brings us to Barack O’Boyfriend.
Bossy can sum up her political history in this way: Seriously, people, go vote. You can’t talk without a voice.
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words , can you share a voting memory with Bossy and her council?
And be sure to check back later today for the best voting memories on the web.
And if you missed last week’s ten word challenge, Mensch/Not A Mensch, click there!
choosy says
November 2, 2010 at 10:23 amAttending Catholic college. Clinton elected. TVs thrown out windows. Astounding.
Dick Carlson says
November 2, 2010 at 10:25 amOwned my own business. Clinton elected. Went back to college.
BOSSY says
November 2, 2010 at 10:28 amFirst voting experience was a midterm election. Not as sexy.
The Great Getzby says
November 2, 2010 at 10:30 amMy first vote put Obama in office.
What, son.
WebSavvyMom says
November 2, 2010 at 10:30 am–>In long lines in 2008 to Not vote for Obama.
jeri says
November 2, 2010 at 10:31 amThis isn’t political but I’m glad to see Bossy back.
kathleen says
November 2, 2010 at 10:31 amFirst time voter–against Nixon. Massachusetts-we’re loud and proud
Jami says
November 2, 2010 at 10:31 amVoted against Nixon. (I AM that old!) Majorly bummed out.
Meg says
November 2, 2010 at 10:32 amFor us, first present on 18th is voter registration form.
Every year, at our family parties for our 18th birthday, before we all eat, the birthday person fills out their voter registration form and we all take pictures and clap. Similarly to Bossy, I cannot recall a time when politics was not discussed at my home. My poor kid has more of the same with his father and I.
kathleen says
November 2, 2010 at 10:37 amLoved McCarthy. McGovern not so much accept it loyal Democrat
pam says
November 2, 2010 at 10:39 amPam’s kid Selby, Peeked under curtain. Scaring crap outta voter!
kathleen says
November 2, 2010 at 10:40 amDad: no time to act boy crazy grow up know issues
Judy says
November 2, 2010 at 10:40 amRegistering to vote felt more adult than voting – weird, no?
Lizzy says
November 2, 2010 at 10:42 amDad worked polls in my elementary school. I would wave.
Kelly, The Glass Dragonfly says
November 2, 2010 at 10:44 amMy daughter so excited to vote for the first time!!
Babybloomr says
November 2, 2010 at 10:56 amFirst vote was for Jimmy Carter. I’d do it again.
Alison says
November 2, 2010 at 10:57 amUntil a few years ago, I voted in the cafeteria of the elementary school I attended. I loved signing my name right below the lines on which my parents signed. They are gone now, and I will always miss that part of voting. Longer than ten words, but the memory worthy of each word, I believe.
Kris says
November 2, 2010 at 11:02 amEighteen. Drove home from college in blizzard to vote. Clinton!!!!
Cindy says
November 2, 2010 at 11:21 amMe: Democrat. Him: Republican. He’s wrong. Keep losing his ballot. Oops.
aj in Houston says
November 2, 2010 at 11:25 amFirst time voting – voted for Anderson. Couldn’t support the others.
Mitzie Webster says
November 2, 2010 at 11:29 amReagan declared President hours before polls in West Coast closed.
Voted for Carter anyway.
Cupcake Murphy says
November 2, 2010 at 11:31 amContemplating suicide with my father over steak dinner: Bush again?
Owengirl79 says
November 2, 2010 at 11:37 amPark rec center poll worker thought I couldn’t vote…shortness!
Darcie says
November 2, 2010 at 11:38 amFive-year-old son with me when I voted Obama!
Meredith says
November 2, 2010 at 11:58 amBy curtain of huge metal machines as parents flipped switches.
Kate says
November 2, 2010 at 11:59 amVoting today to stop the progressive train; derail it, disassemble it, and bury it.
Meredith says
November 2, 2010 at 12:01 pmVoted for gay marriage rights; wanted better for unborn daughter.
GrandeMocha says
November 2, 2010 at 12:06 pmWent to a McGovern rally at the Western Michigan University fieldhouse at 5 yrs.
La Suzette says
November 2, 2010 at 12:08 pmReagan term two – registered Republican to vote AGAINST party lines.
La Suzette says
November 2, 2010 at 12:09 pm@Mitzie – I did that TOO! Awesome!
Mary from California says
November 2, 2010 at 12:15 pmMy first Presidential vote was a write-in for Shirley Chisholm.
BOSSY says
November 2, 2010 at 12:23 pmAlways in line to vote asking Bossy’s dad’s advice…
BOSSY says
November 2, 2010 at 12:24 pmAlways forget the QUESTIONS on ballots ’til too late to research.
BOSSY says
November 2, 2010 at 12:25 pmBossy worked the polls; played who’s Democrat/Republican based on shoes.
Jenny says
November 2, 2010 at 12:34 pm18th b-day two weeks after W beat Gore, not fair!
Jenny says
November 2, 2010 at 12:35 pmDoor to door voter registering in low income neighborhood. Enlightening.
KEM444 says
November 2, 2010 at 12:49 pm“Rock the boat- vote!” My 3-year old cried. Where’s the boat?
MJ Krech says
November 2, 2010 at 1:01 pmI remember standing with my mother in a 50s Michigan school gymnasium as she swung a big lever over our heads which closed the fabric curtains behind us. Then she started flipping switches to vote. I was more fascinated by the curtain system then the political system at the time. In contrast, I voted this morning by pen on paper!
Heide says
November 2, 2010 at 1:26 pm1980: A few days to young to vote against Reagan.
Heide says
November 2, 2010 at 1:26 pmUmmm…. “too” young. Yep, I’se a English prof.
Dawn in Austin says
November 2, 2010 at 1:52 pmTaking 17 year old to the polls with me, so he could watch.
Maura says
November 2, 2010 at 1:52 pmScene, dinner table, 1988
Dad (to four kids under 9): Who is running against Michael Dukakis? It starts with a “B,” has four letters and is found outside.
7 year old: Bug!
9 year old (me), laughing, spits lemonade all over dad.
km says
November 2, 2010 at 1:57 pmAbandoned Leaving cert (huge) exam to be “impersonation officer” Ireland
Lisa says
November 2, 2010 at 2:06 pmSpeaking of dinosaurs, I used to use that “when dinosaurs” saying all the time when the kids were little. My daughter, who is now 16, told her first grade class that I was around when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Well, her teacher corrected her and told her that was impossible. I guess that totally embarrassed her and to this day she is still angry at me that she believed I lived “when dinosaurs roamed the earth”.
Barb says
November 2, 2010 at 2:11 pmThis day. The first time in 32 years that I will not vote.
So disheartened.
Jenn @ Juggling LIfe says
November 2, 2010 at 2:23 pm10-years old. Wrote letter to Richard Nixon. Got reply. Stunned.
Jenn @ Juggling LIfe says
November 2, 2010 at 2:24 pmOkay, that wasn’t a voting memory, but it was political.
Jean says
November 2, 2010 at 2:27 pm1992: Boyfriend wanted to vote for Perot. Spat at him.
Bridget says
November 2, 2010 at 2:29 pmWatching the 1st black president elected to office – Barak – AMEN!
ruth says
November 2, 2010 at 2:31 pmNew home and neighbors were with me in line to vote at Catholic Church. 13 bad rooth
Meg at the Members Lounge says
November 2, 2010 at 3:14 pmEighteen, newly registered, voted for Jimmy Carter.
Mrs. Tuna says
November 2, 2010 at 3:15 pmBig Tuna and Mrs. Tuna vote opposite, hope I win.
heidig says
November 2, 2010 at 3:19 pmVoted for Obama with my just-turned-18 year old daughter!
Sheryl W says
November 2, 2010 at 3:28 pmvoted down party line today- a first for me – disgusted…
bruce says
November 2, 2010 at 3:37 pmvoted write-in for wife. Will not happen again, ever
kathleen says
November 2, 2010 at 4:00 pmvoted after lunch -motley crew to choose from- amendments important
BOSSY says
November 2, 2010 at 4:41 pmOh lord Ross Perot & his charts. Bossy forgot that.
Dingo says
November 2, 2010 at 4:54 pmSetup doesn’t count in the 10 words, right? 😉
My local election choices are all awful, and so I decided to go for the write-in candidate. And so, without further ado, my 10 words of the day:
“I pity the fool that don’t vote for Mister T!”
Robin says
November 2, 2010 at 5:11 pmWas always pissed that the bars were closed during polling.
Debbie says
November 2, 2010 at 5:27 pmMany many prayers said that AlGore would NOT be elected.
Debbie says
November 2, 2010 at 5:27 pm(I might be your sole conservative reader…)
Sheila says
November 2, 2010 at 5:30 pmSurprised and amazed at the political diversity of Bossy’s council.
moe99 says
November 2, 2010 at 5:31 pmReagan elected. Lost job. YAFers celebrating in DC elevators.
ruth says
November 2, 2010 at 6:07 pmHAH! Bossy this republican wears CLOGS!
ruth says
November 2, 2010 at 6:08 pm< !! Wondering if Bossy gonna kick me off her panel for being a Republican?
The Great Getzby says
November 2, 2010 at 6:26 pmPressing buttons, voting for my main man Clinton. Sigh. Clinton.
bobbie says
November 2, 2010 at 6:49 pmStanding side-by-side my 18and4dayyearold son casting our votes for Obama.
Catherine McP says
November 2, 2010 at 7:36 pmI vote. Growing up our conversations were different religion debates!
Yowza! What a bunch we were. Now its been banned!
MIME says
November 2, 2010 at 7:39 pmCarter conceded election while I waited in line to vote.
KathyB says
November 2, 2010 at 8:25 pmWore St Christopher medal for Bobby Kennedy,sixteen years old.
KathyB says
November 2, 2010 at 8:28 pmWent to lunch with Republican friend who was very sad after Clinton win in 92. I just smiled and said, “Now you know how I have felt for the last twelve years.”
Brenda says
November 2, 2010 at 8:31 pmVoted against Reagan at 18. Repeated same four years later.
The Domestic Goddess says
November 2, 2010 at 9:05 pmElection Virgin popped her Cherry on George Senior, voted against.
dgm says
November 2, 2010 at 9:16 pmThey all wanted Italian food; I wanted Japanese. I won.
BossysMom says
November 2, 2010 at 10:23 pmLord have mercy, the tea baggers won some. Dispicable.
Heidi says
November 2, 2010 at 10:45 pm1988 naked couple conversation: Me: “Hi, Du-KAK-is!” Him: “Hi, BUSH!”
Judy says
November 3, 2010 at 12:25 amBossy’s Mom, I am just has horrified. Seriously – can’t sleep.
Ed says
November 3, 2010 at 12:36 amTom Corbett and Pat Toomey. Tee-hee.
Stacy Kearney says
November 3, 2010 at 12:47 amMy dad died and I wasn’t allowed an early vote.
Dobes says
November 3, 2010 at 2:50 amVoted with my feet; left country after Bush elected 2004.
Carol M says
November 3, 2010 at 9:11 amBossy’s Mom: It’s Tea Partiers. The term you used has an entirely different meaning, or did you use that on purpose? BTW, I am not a Tea Partier.
BossysMom says
November 3, 2010 at 9:37 amnope, didn’t do it on purpose. I stand corrected.
with a new comment for the day after election.
Oi, or is it Oy.
krg says
November 3, 2010 at 9:56 ammy first vote wrote in humphrey. convinced husband no nixon.
krg says
November 3, 2010 at 10:01 amoh, bossy’s mom, tea party made me abstain this year.
Grammar Snob says
November 3, 2010 at 11:05 amClinton Gore train campaign. Attending made me feel important.
Reeb says
November 3, 2010 at 11:57 amAstonished: Mommy, Daddy debated: Goldwater-Johnson. Wonder who voted for which.
Reeb says
November 3, 2010 at 11:57 amLoved that lunch room smell, voting in my neighborhood’s elementary.
Reeb says
November 3, 2010 at 11:59 amWe hand-deliver mail-in ballots to collection kiosk. Call me old-school.
Summer says
November 3, 2010 at 1:05 pmAttended Shirley Chisholm rally at the ripe age of 7.
Summer says
November 3, 2010 at 1:06 pmAttended Michael Dukakis rally at the ripe age of 22.
Emily says
November 3, 2010 at 2:35 pmWe cancel each other out. Except on Prop 19.
gg says
November 3, 2010 at 6:56 pmThank God the outcome!
Shelley says
November 4, 2010 at 12:50 pmI helped defeat Ken Buck in Colorado! Proud of us!
Dharmamama says
November 5, 2010 at 6:52 pm9 months pregnant in ’92 = front of the line.
Liz in VIrginia says
November 6, 2010 at 12:50 amMy tall boy was a first-time voter this week!
Liz in VIrginia says
November 6, 2010 at 12:51 amOf course we may have canceled each other’s votes . . .
Liz in VIrginia says
November 6, 2010 at 12:52 amWhining at long line — then remembering: purple fingers in Iraq.
lise says
November 16, 2010 at 2:37 amLate: First vote @21, behind Amy Carter, Providence 1984. Mondale?
AngAK says
November 16, 2010 at 7:49 pmjust wondering, how does it help to abstain/not vote?