Conversations with Smiths- Part 18

It is election season again here in Franklin County, Ohio. Voting here is a big deal. It should be a big deal everywhere, but it is particularly big here. Although, a little less so since this isn't a presidential election year. Thank goodness! We still get mailings and door signs and people knocking starting in September and oh the number of phone calls we get. I pretty much tune out everything candidate related until mid-October, then pick up the guide written up by the Ohio Women's League of Voters, do a little additional research, and THEN decide for whom I'm voting.

I do have some very definite opinions on the issues we get to vote on, though, so those I have decided well in advance. The other day I received a phone call that went like this:

Caller: Hello? Mrs. Smith? 

Me: This is she.

Caller: I was wondering if I could give you a little more information concerning issue #-.

Me: No, thanks. I'm already planning on voting for it.

Caller: Oh, that's wonderful! Would you like a yard sign to show your support?

Me: No. My husband is likely voting against it. This is usually the case, so we try to keep the yard a neutral zone.

Caller: I see. That sounds complicated.

Me: It's not bad.

Caller: Well, thanks for your vote, Mrs. Smith. 

Me: No problem. I'll try to trip my husband on the way out the door on election day.

Caller: We would certainly appreciate that, Ma'am.

Mr. Smith Talks Like Washington

Today after getting stuck in traffic for what feels like the gazillionth time in this election season, I called my husband and we had this conversation:

Me: Your candidate or his running mate are in town and made my commute back from the orthodontist this afternoon TERRIBLE!

Him: It was Romney.  He was at Worthington Industries today.

Me: We just happened to be able to inch off the highway to get on the other highway and lucked out that it was only closed going the other direction. So we were only stuck an extra 20 minutes.

Him: I'd rather my commute time go up a few times a year because of my candidate than my taxes go up (which they already have) because of yours.

Me: [Much laughter] And there's your political slogan, my dear. You're ready for office!

For the record, this is the most politically charged conversation we have had maybe ever.  Early on in our marriage it was very clear that we did not lean in the same political directions.  We respect one another enough to not try to argue our positions.  If pressed, we can both calmly explain why we make the choices we make.  I know that Todd is very thoughtful in all of his decisions, so I don't feel the need to try to think for him.  I'm not sure if that's why he doesn't try to change me, or if it's just because he knows how stubborn I am. ;)

It always surprises me when others are surprised that we vote on things differently and that we are okay as a couple.  It never even occurred to me that politics might be a problem in a relationship.  Perhaps another one of the advantages of marrying young before you really know anything about the world.  Whatever the reason, our home is a calm port in the face of the political tempest that brews outside our door this time of year.  I'm grateful for the very large part Todd plays in making it so. 

Sarah Palin Poetry

I know it's no longer National Poetry Month, but Sarah Palin (with the unlikely help of Conan O'Brian and William Shatner) has reminded us that every day can be a day to celebrate a little free verse!

Go here to enjoy!

Politics

This morning I was listening to NPR while packing school lunches. Nathaniel came up to me and said, "Mom, I heard Barack Obama say that kids are off limits." (Obama said it when reporters wanted him to comment on the pregnancy of Palin's daughter.)

Nathaniel continued, "That means that Obama thinks that robbers and stealers can't take kids."

Mr. Obama, the six year olds of the country are totally with you. ;)