Get out and vote!

Food

February 24, 2010

Anonymous WEATHERFORD DEMOCRAT The Weatherford Democrat Wed Feb 24, 2010, 05:30 AM CST

WEATHERFORD — Janis Saunders, Democrat Food Critic

I am dedicating my column today to something that affects you, me, everyone. Our right to vote!

I’m serious. What would you do if a proclamation came out that no one could vote for anyone running for office? What if we were told someone named, oh say, Alf, had already chosen the winners in Parker County. Of course Alf doesn’t live in Parker County. He lives in New York and was appointed by a “chairman” to pick the winners. I’ll bet you would be mad as a March hare. How dare someone make a decision like that — especially someone who doesn’t even live in Texas.

Well, it could happen if we don’t treasure our rights and use them. Remember Sept. 11, and what happened on that day? Someone tried to bring us to our knees, but it didn’t happen. We rose up as one and we fought back. We’re still fighting back.

I remember the first presidential election I participated in. I won’t say who it was, but it wasn’t Washington or Lincoln. I had to stand in line for over an hour to cast my vote. Several times I almost left the line, but my dad’s words kept whispering in my ear, “If you don’t vote, others will take your place, but they may cast a vote for the opposing party. If you don’t vote, don’t complain later.”

I have friends who complain about everything that goes on in our city, county and the state. I have asked them if they voted and nine times out of 10 they reply they couldn’t find the time to go vote. See what I mean?

I have always remembered those words. Many times I have said to my self, “Self, why bother? My candidate is bound to win. My vote is not that important. I can find something else to do with my time.” But then that little inner voice would whisper, “Your vote may be the deciding one. Get going and go vote!” And, of course I did.

In the first election I voted at here in Parker County 22 years ago, I was shocked. There were only eight votes separating the winner and the loser in one of the races. My vote really did count.

I’m not trying to tell you who to vote for, or why I am voting for my candidates, but I will say I did my homework and then trusted my “gut” feeling on who were the right ones, then I cast my vote. Of course if your “gut” is giving you mixed signals, get all the information you can on the candidates. Then vote! If you feel you must complain about something you don’t like or agree with, make sure you complain to the right person or department. If the person in charge is an elected official, before complaining make sure you voted. If you did, then you have that right. That’s my opinion for what it’s worth.

If you happen to go to the courthouse annex this week, you may see me there. I will be exercising my right as a citizen to vote for the candidates of my choice.

And now a word to those who are going to be elected. Remember, the people who voted for you have good memories. Don’t promise something you can’t deliver. Remember the promise made back in the 30s — “A vote for me will mean a chicken in every pot.”

Unfortunately a lot of people didn’t even have pots and if they did, they remained empty, but the voters didn’t forget. They remembered that promise when they cast their next votes. So, please don’t make rash promises. Act like the adult you are and try to do the right thing.

Why not throw this casserole together, make this quick salad and your dinner is ready.

Mexican dinner casserole

1 pound good bulk sausage

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced green pepper

1 cups elbow macaroni

1 (1 pound) can diced tomatoes

1 cup dairy sour cream

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

Brown sausage, onion and green pepper. Add macaroni, tomatoes, sour cream, milk and seasonings. Bring to a boil, cover, simmer on low for 25 minutes or until macaroni is tender.

Carrot-raisin salad

1 (8-ounce) container sour cream

1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon grated orange rind

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1 pound carrots, scraped and shredded

1 (8 3/4-ounce) crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup raisins

Stir together first six ingredients in large bowl; add carrots, pineapple and raisins, tossing gently. Cover and chill.

Don’t forget to vote. I am proud to live in the United States of America.

u

Janis may be reached at: jks4417@aol.com.

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