Say what?

Forget about politics? What strange universe does that particular person live in? More over, why would you want to live in such a place? We only have to worry about things of the political nature every four years? Really? Here I was, thinking that it is important to be involved! I’ll admit it, though… even with the Ohio elections taking place today, I’m tired of the political ads on my television. I’m glad election day has arrived and that people are out doing their civic duty. Or ignoring it. Or perhaps living under a rock. As I got out of the truck at our local precinct today, unbuckling carseats so that TheBrothers could tag along, I heard a woman comment to the janitor who was busy sweeping up the leaves that came down this weekend, “I didn’t even know today was an election day.”

How?

We don’t just vote once every four years. While a national election like the one that picks our President is very important, one could and probably should argue that state and local elections are of vital importance to the citizens of any given area. Those that are elected to city and state government go to bat for us or against us depending on their personal agendas. The proposed laws on local ballots affect us in many ways, good and bad. To not know about such a thing is to drop the ball so horribly and so uselessly that I cannot even begin to justify their lack of action or knowledge. It is not as if this election hasn’t been discussed, in great detail, in all local news outlets including television, radio and news print. I understand that perhaps people are cutting back. Maybe that individual cut her cable out and ceased her newspaper subscription. But, really, shouldn’t you almost expect an election to be held in May and November (at least in Ohio)? Shouldn’t the “Elect Joe Schmoe City Council President” and “Vote No on #58876″ signs in peoples’ yards be an indicator that something is going on? Really, under what rocks are people living?

I’m really touchy about this particular election as our local (city) government is trying to pass a Municipal Income Tax increase that directly affects my family. Without its passing, the fire and police departments will be forced to cut back in many ways. Layoffs are not an impossibility. That’s scary. To know that people didn’t even know that there was an election today is frustrating. FireDad went out with his fellow firefighters and walked door to door, hanging information about the issue on door knobs and talking with citizens. Don’t tell me it’s because your television is broken and you don’t get the newspaper. Wake up. Look around you. Ask questions. Be involved!

I share this rant with you because I want my readers, even those not in the state of Ohio, to do more than the lady in the parking lot. She obviously had done no research on any of the important issues on the ballot, local or state wide. She hadn’t paid attention to any of the local candidates vying for roles in our local government. She hadn’t done her research. Did she think the signs in everyone’s yards were a new kind of “For Sale” sign? Let’s get real. I don’t care how people vote as long as they do it with a bit of knowledge before heading into the precinct doors and pressing buttons all willy-nilly. Civic duty includes knowing what’s on the ballot. And when your election day happens to be.

While you’re at it, take your kids with you when you vote in any and every election. Voting for President is cool and fun and has lots of excitement attached to it. In fact, there are great books about the subject to teach kids about the matter. The truth is that our children need to know the importance of local and state government and how our votes in such elections make a difference. The change we all wanted to see last November has been, at best, slow moving. Teaching our children that change can and should start in our local communities is a great way to teach them about personal responsibility, the role of people in government and the process of democracy.

Plus, stickers are fun.

If you’re in Ohio, there’s still time to vote today. Most precincts close at 7:30 this evening (it varies; research!). If you live in another state, are you voting today? (Maine is. I can see that all over twitter.) Did you vote today? If you didn’t vote today, do you know when your next local and/or state election will be held? Learn the answers now so you don’t sound like the lady in the parking lot and get featured on some ranty lady’s blog.

See that sticker on my shirt? I can rant if I want to.

As I entered the building, I noticed a bright pink sign on the door. I stopped to read it.

The Governor has proposed a 30% reduction in Ohio library funding. This is in addition to the 15-20% reduction we are experiencing due to the slow down in tax revenues.

The Guernsey County Library will not be able to operate as we are with an approximate 50% reduction in our funding.

Please call Jennifer Garrison at 1-614-644-8728 and Jimmy Stewart at 1-614-466-8076 and request no more cuts in library funding.

Blinking, I entered the library and made my way to the desk with my overdue book and fine money in hand. One of the librarians handed me my receipt and the same paper that was hanging on the front door, informing me that I could also email my Representative. To be fair, I had not heard the news as FireDad and I had a lovely weekend together and, therefore, did not have the news on at all. After I picked up fifteen books for the boys and one book for me, I went to checkout my selections. A different librarian went on to discuss how sad the issue really is for our library system. I promised to call, to email. I did. I will.

And here, I blog.

We love our local library. Not only do they have a wide selection of books for the kids but they also have a great selection of books for me, for FireDad, for other adults like us who love to read. They also provide story time classes for all ages, infants through school age. Our library is also connected to about twenty other libraries and, as such, I can get just about any book (or movie or CD or what-have-you) that I need or desire. What happens to my reading when that is no longer available? I would choose to add books to my boys’ library over my own if it came down to it. Using the library as we do allows for borrowing and purchasing without breaking the bank. What happens when borrowing isn’t an option?

One of my first thoughts was of my friend Judy, a librarian (and blogger and mom and wife and cancer-butt-kicker, just to name a few more things). I asked for her opinion on the matter. I love having smart friends. She gave me this fabulous blog-bite to get minds rolling about why this is so important.

“These cuts will most likely close branches and libraries, shut down important library programs, reduce funding for library collections, and possibly create layoffs. At a time when people are trying to stretch their own budgets for necessary items, we need libraries to remain a vital source for them for information, books, and programs for all ages, races, and income levels. Libraries have been one place where the “playing field,” so to speak, has been level. If Strickland’s budget passes, it is very likely that the libraries that will be hit first will be the poorer and/or rural libraries. Let’s keep the playing field level for those who need it most.”

As a citizen of a city who is kind of small, kind of rural, I really don’t want for my library to close. I know I’ll make sure that new books enter my kids’ library even if something awful does happen but, trust me, not everyone in this area will have that same luxury should the doors close. Our library is needed. Just believe me.

All hope is not lost. (Or, so I have to believe.) The Ohio Library Council has created a Save Our Libraries campaign. On that page, they provide the information for how to contact your local representatives to voice your opinion and concern over this proposed cut. And the Ohio Library Council isn’t stupid; they’re asking citizens to use social media (Facebook and Twitter) to spread the word to other Ohioans. (Seriously though? That made me smile even though this whole thing makes me want to cry. I love when organizations get the power of social networking.)

What can you do? (You being an Ohio citizen?) Locate your State Representative and/or Senator and voice your concerns. Let yourself be heard. Don’t forget to contact Governor Strickland while you’re at it and (politely) tell him what your local library means to your family and your community.

Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555
Online Contact Form
Post a message on Governor Strickland’s Facebook page.

Then, post on your own Facebook page and your twitter: I contacted my elected officials to help save Ohio libraries and you should too. Find out more: http://www.saveohiolibraries.com.

And then? Blog about it. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Email your local friends. If you know of a local blog, contact them to have them write about it. Talk about it in your churches, at your group meetings and in your workplaces. Contact your local library and ask what you can do to help. (Pass out flyers? Do a video blog segment? Something? Anything?)

There are certain fights worth fighting. Fighting for our libraries, our books and, in essence, our children seems like a worthy fight. Let our state know that our libraries make a difference to our families, our communities and our children. Trust me, I know. There’s no money. Anywhere in the state. I have two passions when it comes to funding: my husband’s job and books. I’ll fight this fight.

-
[If you are not from Ohio, could you please simply pass this on to someone you know who might be? Or Stumble it? Word needs to get out. Imagine if this was your library.]

Obama spoke of us today, specifically of the Fire Family. While letting us know that he is a President by and for the people, he reminded us that it is we, the people, who will ultimately change this nation (one should add, for good or not so good). And, then came the mention of our family.

It is the firefighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Okay, so maybe he wasn’t speaking of FireDad, TheBrothers and me, but, well, it sure felt like it. And, let me tell you, it feels good to be recognized. Not only did President Obama tip his hat at the hard work firefighters do to protect our families and towns but he also gave a nod to every parent among us (firefighters included). After a string of hectic parenting days (as LittleBrother is teething and/or sick), I needed a nod. Respect for what I am doing feels good. It gives me all the more respect for what he is doing.

And, so then, what are you doing? What are you doing to make this nation a better place to live? I don’t care about party lines as long as you’re doing something that you believe in. 2008 was a year in which we saw people take an active, physical interest in politics; some who had never voted or cared about such things before. But political action doesn’t end with the election of a President, however historic. What are you doing to help your community? Your city? Your state? Your special interest group? Your children and your children’s children? Don’t think that now that Obama officially wears the title of President that the fight is over. If you really want to see that change take place, you’ve got to do something about it.

Us? Besides continuing the fight for adoptees to gain access to their Original Birth Certificates, we’ll be continuing to volunteer and help out with some other interests of ours. I predict some more involvement this year as I’m no longer battling postpartum depression. We’ll also be raising these boys to be the compassionate souls that we know that they are… most of the time. We’re raising them, actively participating in their learning and character forming. Getting messy in the process, like you should if you’re doing it right. See?

We painted this together (idea found on Kaboose), me and BigBrother, when he got home from school. You can see the mistakes as I let him take control after I showed him where the colors went on the design that I had pre-drawn with pen. The mistakes make it more real, don’t you think? Our new President is going to make mistakes. FireDad and I are going to make mistakes, professionally and as parents. BigBrother and LittleBrother are going to make mistakes. And yet, in doing all of this today with my children, I was filled with a sense of hope.

Hope for my children. Hope for our family. Hope for me. Hope for you. Hope for our nation. I pray that feeling continues, even through the mistakes, and that we come out the other side of this with the ability to recall and rejoice in this feeling we’re floating on right now.

Because hope isn’t a bad thing, folks. It’s just not.

[Once again, this is my shot for Project365 today over on Stop, Drop & Photograph. Apologies for duplicates two days in a row.]

A look:

2.3 mil for 5 years:
For: 68.6%
Against: 31.1%

3 mils, 5 years:
For: 64.6%
Against: 35.3%

(Township) 3.7 mills, 5 years:
For: 66.9%
Against: 33%

The last levy is one that we couldn’t vote for or against as we live in city and not in township. FireDad was nervous. I was nervous. We cast our votes, of course, in support. And then we sat and waited. As we do not have a local television state in our city, we stalked websites for most of the evening. No update. No update. Crashed website due to too much traffic. No update.

Then one time I sat down. And the numbers were up. We scrolled the page. And scrolled. And scrolled. And then there they were. Passed. Passed. And Passed. What a weight lifted!

My Husband took my face in his hands and thanked me for my vote and gave me a congratulatory kiss. I thanked him for his vote as well. He mentioned something about knowing a few of those yahoos down there. We laughed. Shortly thereafter the Presidential race was called.

It was a good night in the Fire House to say the least.

In other good news, all of the volunteer departments in our county that had levies on the ballot in their respective areas also passed. Volunteer departments, of course, are just as important when it comes to fighting fires. In fact, all of the departments in our county responded the other night for a massive downtown blaze in our city. Over 100 firefighters fought that fire (FireDad included). I am so happy that those firefighters are being rewarded with the support of their citizens. Money for fire departments is vital. Manpower, properly working machinery and protective gear for those who fight the fires is so important. I am so thankful that those in our county were able to recognize that importance.

What about you, readers? Were there any fire levies on your ballot? Did they pass?

No makeup. No breakfast. No coffee yet even. Win!

Get out and vote today. And enjoy the freedom we have that so many others do not.

]]> http://stopdropandblog.com/2008/11/04/is-it-november-yet-yes-it-is/feed/ 2 http://stopdropandblog.com/2008/10/28/is-it-november-yet-what-do-you-mean-youre-not-voting/ http://stopdropandblog.com/2008/10/28/is-it-november-yet-what-do-you-mean-youre-not-voting/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:00:16 +0000 FireMom http://stopdropandblog.com/?p=639 [...]]]> I won’t talk about those who aren’t even registered to vote. They’re in a ballpark all of their own. Today, I’m talking to those who think their vote doesn’t count. Today I’m talking to those who are registered to vote but have no plans on making it to the polls on November 4th. (Or earlier for those states with early voting.) Today I’m talking to those who are so aggravated with the Presidential race that they would rather write in their Grandmother than vote for Obama or McCain.

I’m telling you to go vote. And I’m not being nice about it. Okay. I won’t call names. But, let me tell you, my respect level is pretty low for those who aren’t making it to the polls next Tuesday.

Redbook‘s November issue has a bunch of quotes from country music stars. Sure. They’re celebrities. “What do they know about politics,” is what I always hear people say about celebrity endorsements. Well, what does Jane Doe know about politics? In fact, one could argue that the politicians involved in this race don’t know anything about what it’s like to live a normal life. Why should you listen to anyone? About anything. Ever?

You can dismiss these stars if you want. But some of their quotes? Well, they speak for themselves.

The great burden of the freedom we experience as a generation is apathy, unfortunately. If we weren’t free, we’d be much more bothered. Voting is so important. -Jewel

This one spoke to me. Deeply. It really got me hot and bothered. Maybe you can’t choose between “the lesser of two evils” when it comes to the two main Presidential candidates. And because of that, you’re considering avoiding the polls all together. Don’t let your indecision negate your voice on some really important state and local issues. My guess is that there are some congressmen who would delight if you don’t show up to support their opposing candidate. Maybe you don’t care if your local fire department has to cut back on manpower. Maybe you don’t care if a local judge running for office is completely unethical because, hey, it doesn’t affect you, does it?

Or does it.

It always does. Your vote or lack thereof affects all of us. It affects my family. It affects your children. It affects the children of parents who aren’t registered to vote and who have no plan to register. Ever. It affects every aspect of your life whether or not you see the actual effects.

Another:

There are people in foreign countries who stand in line all day just to be able to vote, and when people here take it for granted, I think it’s a shame. If you have a gripe, you have the right to voice it and try to fit it by voting. – Reba McEntire

Maybe you’re busy next Tuesday and you don’t want to wait in what might be a record-breaking line. (Well, then, you’re in luck if you live in an early voting state.) Otherwise? Suck it up. Go stand in line. Take your Blackberry with you. Don’t whine about the wait time. Do you realize how lucky you are that you even have this option?

I get angry. Most of the people I know who are stating that they aren’t voting (at all) aren’t even aware of those third party candidates. They haven’t done the research. They haven’t thought about the impact that apathy will have on their local, immediate community. They haven’t thought about the impact that apathy will have on their state’s government.  They haven’t thought past the controversy. It’s hard to look past, that controversy. But you’ve got to. It’s necessary.

And if that reader is you, let me make this plea: take the next week to do all the research you can. Know that it is unlikely that one candidate running for any office will speak for you on all levels. Research the issues. All of them. State issues. Local issues. New taxes. Renewed taxes. All of it! Research the heck out of it. If it seems like too much to research in seven days, well, it probably is but, to be honest, that’s your own fault at this point. Yes, I’m talking bluntly right now. Because I’m fired up. I won’t call you names. Some will. I won’t. But, yes, if you can’t be bothered to research and, at the very least, vote in your immediate local elections, well, yes, I will have a little less respect for you. But I won’t hold it against you for too long. And I can always be bribed with coffee. (We all have our weaknesses.)

Please. Consider it. Research it. Get out there. And just do it. And, to add another quote into this mix as I close, keep this in mind as Tuesday nears:

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. -George Jean Nathan

Vote.

Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. Next week, obviously, we’ll have voting pictures. WOO!

If I Ran For President is a great book. BigBrother is able to sit through the entire book but I will admit that it is sometimes over his head. There are concepts that he just doesn’t yet get. However, he asks questions, points out things that he does know and really likes a few special pages in the book. Therefore, in my opinion, it isn’t too early to read it to him. If he whined, cried or refused to pay attention, I’d put it aside until later. Since he is paying attention, it is now in our timely-topic rotation along with Duck for President, Pumpkin Town!, I Spy A Pumpkin and Who Loves the Fall? (The latter of which you mustmustmust buy if you are a fall loving family. Quick easy read!)

Anyway, If I Ran for President hits on the things that others complained about regarding Duck. We have talk of political parties. (Though they threw third parties into quotation marks which makes them look like non-real parties and that didn’t sit well with me.) Talk of conventions. Of campaigning. Of election results. Of not being a sore loser. BigBrother’s favorite page is the one with the map (while they are talking about how everyone in the country goes to vote) because we’ve been working on states. We get stuck on this two page spread for about five minutes but it is worth it!

I found it interesting that this book was published in 2007, long before the drama of this particular election hit the fan. It is almost as if the author had a crystal ball in which the future was observed. This particular paragraph, as the child talks about deciding whether or not to run for President, tickles me every time I read it. BigBrother has no idea why I’m laughing. But I’m laughing.

I’d have to think carefully about my decision to run for president. I would want to know how my family felt about it, too.

Then I’d ask myself: “Am I the best person for the job? Am I ready to work VERY, VERY, VERY hard for my country? Do lots of people believe in me, and will they help me run for office?”

See? Funny! Adult political innuendo aside, another thing I love about the book is the diversity of the children talking about running for President. Girls, boys and various ethnic features, nothing keeps the child from deciding to run. I love (love!) books with diversity and while Duck was able to beat out humans, it was nice to see diversity among humans as well.

The best part about this book? After I finished reading this book to BigBrother the other night, I told him that it was a very important book. I told him that in November, we would vote for a new President. After I got him back on the topic of voting and the election after mentioned the word November which is automatically associated with his birthday, he told me that he was going to be President someday. When I told him that was a very cool idea, he told me he was going to be a firefighting President. New meaning to hero, no?

Another great thing about If I Ran For President is that since it is really written for an older audience, it will be useful to us in another four years and LittleBrother will benefit from the purchase as well. Perhaps your family would benefit, too?

Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. I’ll be back to being all controversial and in your face next week. WOO!

All the same, we’ve been talking about elections with BigBrother. When asked who he is voting for in the Presidential race, he will respond, “DUCK FOR PRESIDENT.” Then he will force you to read the book so don’t ask if you don’t want to sit and read through the forty pages.

BigBrother loves this book. It is one of the first that we bought through his Scholastic Book Order (which is an upcoming reason-why-I-love-preschool post) and thus we got it for far cheaper than even Amazon Prime could offer. Joy! I ordered it with doing absolutely no research on it first (which is unlike me) as I forgot to fill out the book order until the day it was due. I did my research afterward and figured we would be fine.

And were we ever!

Right now, it is the book of choice at bedtime. Perhaps it is the flow of the words. Perhaps it’s the little jokes throughout. Perhaps he enjoys reading a book about what I keep ranting and raving about when I give FireDad an earful about what people are saying on the internet. Perhaps he really thinks a duck is running for President. I don’t know. But he likes the book. And I like that he likes the book.

No. It doesn’t explain that running for President means having your family’s decisions smeared and debated. It doesn’t explain the major issues that the candidates debate, argue over and lie about in general. It doesn’t talk about truth in advertising and fair air time. It doesn’t explain that if you don’t vote the same as Joe Schmoe or Jane Doe that they will call you names and neglect to invite you to their Christmas party. It doesn’t explain the electoral college (but does delve into demanded recounts!) which might actually help some parents reading to their children.

But it does let our kids know that running the country is hard work. And it is. And we’ve talked about it. And BigBrother gets it on that almost-three-year-old level. That said, I really do think that BigBrother expects me to write in Duck for President when I vote on November 4th. Sorry, Buddy.

The book does include some education for adults as well. A feather for your thoughts, if you will. After Duck is elected and is deep in the throes of running the country, he finds that he is overwhelmed. And so, to quote,

“Duck left the Vice President in charge and headed back to the farm.”

Yikes.

I kid. I kid. Kind of.

All the same, if you’re interested in starting some conversations about the election, Duck for President is a cute little book that puts it in an easy to understand format for the kiddos. It’s non-partisan, timely, topical and a fun way to bring your kids into the political hullabaloo that is going on all around them. Without the name-calling! Win!

Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. I might go with another book next week. It seems to be safer.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is endorsing Barack Obama for President. While we do not let FireDad’s union dictate our lives, I can’t say that I disagree with their support. That said, if they were backing McCain, well, let’s just say we’re happy that they’re not backing McCain. It would be impossible to do so when you begin to look at the issues that are pertinent to professional firefighters..

McCain is not working family friendly. Moreover, he is not fire family friendly. Perhaps you are not a fire family. Perhaps you don’t know any other fire families. But they’re out there. Contrary to what I wish, fire fighters are not rich. Despite saving your families and putting their lives in danger on a regular basis, the pay isn’t outstanding, outlandish or really all that great. But these men and women do what they do because it is a passion and they believe in what they do.

And when it comes down to it, only one candidate has a 100% record on the core IAFF issues. And it’s not John McCain. Barack Obama co-sponsored and voted for collective bargaining. McCain, of course, voted against the IAFF’s collective bargaining bill in 2001 and neglected to show up to even vote in 2008. Apparently we either don’t matter or don’t even register with McCain on his Important Things list.

Obama’s plan protects our employer-paid health care. McCain wants to make employer-provided health care benefits part of taxable income. You know, since we’re already making so much money in the fire service!

Obama opposes mandatory social security coverage and actually fought to protect the pension and retirement benefits of Illinois firefighters. I want someone protecting our pension. I really, really do. If mandatory coverage was approved for Social Security, firefighters’ pay would be reduced by over 6% in taxes, thus reducing pensions, benefits or pay. Really? You want to pay us less and put our pensions and benefits at risk? While these men and women are out there, putting their butts on the line for you? That’s what you think our family deserves, McCain? Maybe they just won’t respond when you dial 911. Oh wait. Yes they will. Because that’s what firefighters do. They respond where needed, no matter the pay.

There are other things, from Obama supporting firefighters (and other public employees) overtime pay to how jobs are handled. You can read about all of the issues here at Fire Fighters for Obama.

I know that not all of my readers are fire families. You’ve got your own families to worry about in this difficult time. You’re making your decision on who to vote for based on your own personal needs, wants and issues. You are weighing your own pros and cons. And I am proud of those of you who are taking the time to compare and contrast not only the Presidential candidates in this election but the important local issues on your November ballots. But, perhaps, if you could consider not just my family but those of the professional firefighters in and around your areas. Those of you who are serviced by paid departments, I ask one question: do you really want to risk less funding if it is your house that is on fire?

A note from a recent union flyer:

How you vote is a personal decision. The AFL-CIO has carefully researched both candidates and believes Barack Obama is the best choice for working families. Whatever your decision, get out and vote.

The FireFamily also supports this statement. Research. Decide. And get out to vote!

Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. I have no clue what we’ll be talking about next week. Hopefully it isn’t about any drama-llama replies to this post.

If you have a fire levy on your ballot, don’t balk at the idea. Okay, balk initially. And then do what every educated voter should do: find out why it is there, what it is funding and then make the decision to balk or vote for it.

I understand that people without children often balk at education levies. “I’m not getting any use out of it so I’m not voting for it,” is something I have heard from those in opposition to education levies. While I think that argument is weak at best, I want you to know that even if you don’t work for the fire department, fire levies affect your family. Beyond funding the way that those firefighters take home the bacon, levies often fund a wide range of things for the fire department and, as such, for your safety.

New trucks are an example. Perhaps you don’t think your department needs a new truck. Call and ask those firefighters about their current truck issues. Ask why they’re needing a new one. Will they be selling an old one or adding to their fleet and/or is the oldest one too old to even be sold to a volunteer department? Does your department do things like give free smoke detectors to underprivileged families and elderly people? That money comes from somewhere. Perhaps you don’t think that they should be giving them free smoke detectors. I ask you, why not? Isn’t life something worth protecting?

There are many things that fire departments need to run properly, efficiently and safely. You, the average citizen, don’t often take the time to think about it because we take our fire departments for granted. They’re fun to watch in parades but, to be honest, no one ever wants the fire department to arrive at their home. Heck, I don’t even want them to arrive. But they do. They leave their own homes during Christmas Eve dinner (always), throw themselves in a truck and put out the fire that your Husband/Father-in-law/etc. caused while deep frying the turkey. They regularly put their lives in danger even if it was your carelessness that caused a fire. (Read: Don’t leave candles out overnight, people!) They save the lives of your children, your pets and you. They may not save everything but they save what matters most: life.

We’re hopeful that all three of our local levies will be passed this election. We’re also realistic in the fact that with everything as it is right now, they might not. As you head to the polls, realize that you will not only be voting for your own safety but for the well-being of men and women like FireDad and for families like ours. Is this an emotional plea? Sure. But I figure if real politicians can get away with it, so can I. (That said, I’m not going to publicly berate you if you don’t vote for your local fire levies. Maybe in private but never in public. And with no name-calling either. Well, maybe a little name calling.)

Every Tuesday through November 4, 2008, we will be discussing something political here on Stop, Drop & Blog. Our weekly series is entitled “Is It November Yet” because, well, we’re excited for change, ready for the number of posts in our Google Reader to go down and overwhelmed with the wealth of information to search through. Next week I’m going to talk about something on the national level. Watch out for drama!