Jackson Free Press

As usual, I got up early and drove to the polling place so that I could get there a few minutes before it opened. Also, as usual, I parked my car on the side of the road and began to walk toward the fire station. On my way there, I noticed a couple of people waving campaign signs, one for Melton and one for Harvey Johnson. The one holdong the Melton sign had a T-shirt to match, and I thought to myself, Wow, he's really into this. I get a little closer to him, and I realize that the person holding up the Melton sign is, gasp, my godfather. Working hard to maintain my composure, I walked over to him and gave him a hug. During our brief conversation, he says, "I got to get my boy back in there. What do you think?" With my right hand, I pretended to lock up my lips and throw away the key. He laughed and said, "I understand," but I don't know if he really understands.

I'm not sure if he knows what I really think of Melton because I never discussed it with him. He and my godmother both voted for Melton in the last election, so I never really talked about my opinion of Melton with them. I never told them that I did not vote for him last time, and I certainly never discussed the time that I staged a protest against the incumbent mayor almost two years ago. I just didn't want to open that can of worms, and I detest conflict. I'd rather just continue to be the little girl with plaited hair that they watched grow up a few houses down from them.

After voting, I passed my godfather again on my way to my car. He yelled, "I gotta get my boy back in there. They need to give him a chance." I smiled and proceeded to walk faster. Ironically, another Harvey Johnson campaigner was standing about 12 feet from my godfather, and he asks, "What do you think of all this?" I said, "My godfather's over there. I can't talk now." A guy that was sitting in a truck as I passed by said, "You better run!" I certainly wanted to, but I just quickly got into my car and drove back home.

Yes, I know I can't run forever. One day, my godfather will probably ask me who I voted for or if I agree with him. Hopefully, I'll be able to think about my response ahead of time, but for now, I'll just keep my mouth shut. If he doesn't bring it up, neither will I. Does that make me a punk? Well...

Previous Comments

ID

146792

Comment

I understand completely. It's rough for me, being the only non-Republican in the family. One of these days, someone other than IG is going to spout some crap, and I'm going to fling it back. So, I guess I'm a punk. too. :D

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2009-05-05T12:21:58-06:00

ID

146804

Comment

I'm not sure I would call you a punk. ;-) I am by far the most liberal person in my family. All of them claim to be democrat, but often horrify me with their *family values* stance on most every thing. So we knock heads, get vocal, agree we'll never agree and make peace over some good ol' holiday turkey. MMM mmm!

Author

cricket

Date

2009-05-05T15:05:30-06:00

ID

146808

Comment

LH, I think we are all potential punks when it comes to family. :P

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-05-05T15:28:48-06:00

ID

146812

Comment

Family. Sometimes the ones we love the most become the ones we despise the most. At least in my case. :)

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2009-05-05T16:14:14-06:00

ID

146813

Comment

Pfft. I don't "spout" anything. :)

Author

Ironghost

Date

2009-05-05T16:19:52-06:00

ID

146869

Comment

I know the feeling... You should have seen the look of shock on my relatives' faces 4 years ago when they found out I didn't vote for Melton. Melton's win was being celebrated by my family, and my oldest daughter burst out with the following: "Momma's not happy because she voted for Harvey Johnson" A curtain of silence fell on everyone, and my spouse looked at me like I had cheated on him.. I thought OMG! Of course now everyone looks at me with the highest regard because I didn't vote for FM - whew, LW like I said, I know how you feel....

Author

lanier77

Date

2009-05-06T08:36:27-06:00

ID

146910

Comment

Interesting, lanier. I voted for HJ in the first election, but I didn't tell my mom (and you know my mom!). My mom and I used to get into arguments about Melton, but eventually she began to see the light. She still likes him, but she's disappointed in how he has done things.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-05-06T15:02:12-06:00

ID

146914

Comment

I feel you girl. Early on as FM began to implode as mayor, I didn't mind telling (bragging) that I didn't vote for him.

Author

lanier77

Date

2009-05-06T15:53:06-06:00

ID

146933

Comment

It was a mighty fine protest. I will picket the mayor, but when it comes to family....I'm a punk too.

Author

Michele

Date

2009-05-06T20:56:53-06:00

ID

146934

Comment

LW, I found out during the Presidential election last year that it's better for me to avoid talking politics with my family at all costs. It's clear that I'm now probably one of the most liberal members of my family, although my parents have voted Democrat in the past, just not last year. So I just go about my business and either change the subject or go play with my niece whenever such things come up! ;)

Author

andi

Date

2009-05-06T21:28:08-06:00

ID

146944

Comment

Michele, good to hear from you, and I appreacite how much you and Danno helped me during that time. Enjoy New Mexico, but we'll miss you! Andi, now that the mayor has passed, it's even more awkward. If my godparents ask me about it, I will stay positive and comment on him as a man rather than as a mayor. Maybe on down the line, I will use the sandwich method for my comments - something positive, then a criticism, then something positive again.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2009-05-07T05:17:32-06:00