As we made history this week by electing the first African American President, I`m thinking back to family voting history. I don`t know any of the Davis or Short leanings but speculate it was Democrat for that is traditionally the working man`s party. The Balks were probably also Democrat because Bernard must have inherited that fierce loyality to that party from somewhere. He voted straight ticket always. It did not matter if his own relative was running. This happened when a cousin-in-law who was Republican ran and won a seat in the Oklahoma House of Representives without Bernard`s vote. I know they took the privilege of voting very seriously for we did not venture out often during the week except on Election Day. We trekked some 7-8 miles across country to a little church named Haskew. Bernard would call a trusted friend outside at the poll to make sure he understood all questions on the ballot.
I witnessed history in the 60`s when John F. Kennedy ran for President. Being the only Catholic family in our Freedom Public School I was tormented with such things as if he is elected we`ll all have to eat fish on Fridays and if elected the Pope will run the country. Of course those things did not happen.
Further back I know my Grandma Phillips as a woman could not vote until about age 40. According to Great Uncle Charley Phillips` grandson, T. J. Russell, Grandpa Phillips a Repulican settled in Oklahoma in an area of Democratic relatives. He was used to adversity tho-the Phillips in northwest Arkansas were a Confederate family living among mostly Union neighbors. Reportedly they kept to themselves back in a "holler ". I`m pretty sure Grandpa and my Dad didn`t discuss politics much.
Bernard`s party won this year. Obama is a charismatic, good looking (according to Kenzie) young man hopefully he does a good job in spite of lack of experienece.
Further back I know my Grandma
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