Just when you think it can’t really get any worse, Wisconsin makes its citizens vote. A college senior who is working as an intern for Milwaukee’s Journal Sentinel was on her way to vote when she captured the now famous photograph of Jenifer Taff, holding the sign that says “this is ridiculous.” The State Supreme Court, who is unquestionably to the right of most of the political mainstream and obviously not concerned about prevalent health risks, overrode Governor Tony Evers attempt to postpone the election. Not only that – our U S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote ruled the State must throw away tens of thousands of absentee ballots that would have arrived late due to the State’s inability to process the crush of ballots in time. Really! So thousands of people lined up at the open polling places across the State – heavily Democratic Milwaukee had 5 spots open as compared to the normal 180. Ms. Taff, is dressed in protective garb and a mask and tells the young reporter, “I’m disgusted, I requested an absentee ballot three weeks ago and never got it. I have a father dying from lung disease, and I have to risk my life and his just to exercise my right to vote.” Those who ventured to join the long lines were greeted with a wait of 90 minutes to 2 and one half hours. The young intern agreed it was ridiculous, all those people dressed in gas masks, hospital equipment, it looked like bizzaro Halloween. There must be a political threat to allowing, encouraging and helping all of our citizens vote because it just seems like the right thing to do. Guess our inalienable right is subject to an occasional roadblock.
A friend of mine shared memories of Bob Hope this week. It was intended to bring a smile and be uplifting – it was right on target. Bob Hope is an American icon even though he came here at age 4 from England. On his deathbed at age 100, they asked Hope where he wanted to be buried, he replied “Surprise me.” That event was 17 years ago. The world has changed dramatically and we can certainly still say “thanks for the memories”. Hope was our diplomat to the world and always there for our troops. Bob Hope did make a difference. On turning 70, “I still chase women but only downhill.” On turning 80,“that’s the time of life when even your birthday suit needs pressing,” on turning 90 “you know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.”. On turning 100, “I don’t feel anything until noon. Then it is time for a nap.” On his early career as a boxer, “I ruined my hands in the ring. The referee kept stepping on them.” On receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, “I feel very humble, but I think I have the strength of character to fight it.” You could go on for hours but to close, on his family’s early poverty “Four of us slept in one bed. When it got cold, mother threw on another brother.” We could sure use some Hope today as we struggle with a total lack of leadership, empathy, and humor in the current administration.
Stay well and I Hope you find peace and joy on this Easter week end. Mike