Happy Thanksgiving and don’t forget to vote! Happy Thanksgiving and will you please sign my petition to get on the ballot for Judge? Happy Holidays and please remember the upcoming primaries!
Will it never end? No. It will not, not this year or next.
City Elections did not wrap up on November 8 and there are 4 city races in run-offs. These candidates are working their hearts out to gain the attention of voters. Two of the races are At-Large, meaning all registered voters in Houston can cast their ballots. Two are in Districts and must intensely focus their energies on neighborhoods while neighborhoods are busy designing and judging home decorating contests.
The Thanksgiving holiday is essentially a 5 day break from gaining the attention of voters. From Wednesday through Sunday, voters will be focused on family, shopping, decorating and preparing for the upcoming season. Don’t think these campaigns will take a 5 day holiday, though. They will be working all but Thanksgiving Day for their candidates.
The City Council Run-Off election is December 10.
Meanwhile, the state and federal elections are upon us.
In Texas, filing for the 2012 ballot opens on November 28 and closes on December 15. Anyone who plans to seek election in 2012 – from President to County Court Judges – will be on the ballot.
The Texas Primary election is on March 6. Voters may begin requesting ballots by mail as early as January 6.
Primary Run-offs, which are guaranteed to happen, will be held on May 22.
The Presidential election, state and local partisan elections will be held on November 6, 2012.
As you know, Party conventions will be held in the summer.
So, brace yourselves for a democracy marathon.
Happy Thanksgiving and remember to give thanks that you live in a democracy!
This entry was originally posted at Nancy Sims' blog, Ponderings.
Do you realize that our nation is at war? You probably do, somewhere in your mind. You know that American soldiers are shipped out everyday to places with names you can barely pronounce but you may not consider that they are fighting for your freedom.
This post is not a debate about whether the battles are right or wrong or the policy issues that led us here. This is about the men and women that serve our country today and those who have served before.
As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, I have the distinct pleasure of teaching 40-45 students per semester. I always have veterans among the group and occasionally, even active military soldiers. These students, both men and women, inspire me in ways I never anticipate. This semester, I have at least 5 students who are veterans.
Over the years, these veterans have taught me so much about war and service to our country. My respect for their personal sacrifices grows with each person I meet.
I recently learned that veterans returning from the wars of the last decade are not easily getting jobs and their homeless rate is increasing to levels of deep concern. While they do not experience the level of personal attacks that Vietnam Vets suffered, they are also not receiving the respect of previous soldiers.
People – wake up! These veterans are smart, dedicated and hard-working. They have gained experiences that advance their maturity far beyond their years and they want to reintegrate into our society and live normal lives again. I find that the veterans I have been privileged to teach make some of the best students.
Now, we have a President and a majority of Presidential candidates that never served their country in the military. The volunteer military of the last 30+ years should make us value our soldiers even more.
Lastly, I would like to pay tribute to my most favorite veteran of all – my Dad. A peace-time Vet, he never saw action on the battle field. Yet, he is proudest of the time he served our country and shares the experiences with my son frequently. To listen to them converse, one would think Dad left the Air Force just yesterday. We are so proud to have him with us still and proud of his service to our country.
Today, I pause from the craziness of busy schedules and commitments to salute our Veterans. Thank you!
This entry was originally posted at Nancy Sims' blog, Ponderings.