What has been your personal reaction to the news that our election system is flawed?
By 2018’s primary election, I had heard enough about election integrity that I decided I wanted to know first-hand just how messy our system is. So, I offered my services to the Ashtabula County Election Board.
The 2024 primary that just passed marked my 6th election served. I’m paid the munificent sum of $115 to work from 5.45 AM to 8 PM. It’s been an interesting journey.
Finally, here are the rules that we are trained to and are watched closely on:
Are you still wondering if the system is flawed in your area? Why not be an election worker?
Peace.
Tim McCarthy
I don't know what your destiny will be. Some of you will perhaps occupy remarkable positions. Perhaps some of you will become famous by your pens, or as artists. But I know one thing: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
---Albert Schweitzer, 1939 Aristotle College Commencement
Author’s note: Maybe it was just the mood I was in, but this song played in a coffee shop and I was dazzled by the quality of Ella's voice. Then when I looked it up on YouTube, it was cool to see this photo montage of he great woman's life.
Editor’s note: I didn’t read anything worth sharing this month. In fact, other than my required “brain candy”, mostly mysteries and thrillers, it was a disappointing month. Here, then are five books that I featured in the past, chosen carefully since each changed my views about why I’m here on this earth.
- “Man’s Search for Meaning”, by Viktor Frankl
- “New Seeds of Contemplation”, by Thomas Merton
- “When Everything You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough”, by Harold Kushner
- “Banker to the Poor”, by Mohammed Yunus
- “Living the Full Catastrophe”, by Jon Kabat Zinn
In keeping with my recent recollections of real-life funny stories, I recall my brother, Terry, running after his wife, Jan. They had argued and Jan walked away to join my Dad who was on his way to church. Terry: “Remember, you’re my wife”! Jan turned around and nose-to-nose said, “Don’t rub it in”. 😊