So back in 1971, 18 year olds were given the right to vote. Shortly after my 18th birthday I registered to vote. Simple process. It is my right as a citizen of The United States of America.

My high school government teacher was a big advocate of voting. He stressed this to his students on many, many occasions. Mr. Ross influenced my lifelong record for voting. I have been registered and voted since 1972. I have never missed a presidential election. My party affiliation has changed a couple of times. My name has changed and my address has changed. But I have voted. I must also say my record at picking the winners hasn’t always worked. I questioned some of those selec- tions I made in the past 50 years.

I value that I am able to choose who runs this land and it is part of my freedom.

Once again, I know better than the to the grocery store on a Sunday. Sunday brings out a different sort of crowd.

I headed to the check out and saw a man with only 3 items. I invited him step in line in front of me. All was well. He asked me if I was voting on Tuesday. I said no. I had voted early. He asked me how I voted. This was the line in the sand. I said I don’t discuss my voting decisions with anyone but the ballot box. He informed me of his decision. I told him that was why we had elections, that was his decision.

What ensued was a five minute rant on why I should have voted the way he did. I guess he assumed that if I didn’t agree with his choice we were on opposite sides.

I noted he had a Vietnam Veterans hat on. He told me that he was a 26 year veteran. Was a corpsman had seen horrible things. I thanked him for his service. Our Viet vets have never been treated well, in my mind.

I was lectured and belittled in front of a horrified cashier and bagger. I do know not to confront people in grocery stores. So I kept silent.

That man has his rights. I also have rights. If you vote, there is no reason to harass someone at the grocery store. Make that voice known by voting. Vote what your head tells you, Vote what your heart believes.

Once again, I don’t think anyone ever converted someone in a grocery line.

The election will have been done by the time this is in print. My decisions are mine alone. I will accept the will of the majority. Lesson learned was, don’t go to the grocery store on Sunday, or don’t allow people with only three items ahead of you in line. You choose!