Jim Crow survivor casts first vote —- for Democrat

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

In his 103 years, Ernest Smith says, he never drank, smoked or voted.

Though he’s yet to sample tobacco or alcohol, on Thursday, Smith cast his first ballot —- for Democratic nominee Barack Obama.

“I voted, and I want to vote again,” said Smith, a testament to clean living. “It felt good.”

While the Lithonia man’s hearing is poor and his memory spotty, Smith moves without the aid of a walker and has few wrinkles.

“Loving the Lord,” he said, when asked his secret to longevity.

Born in 1905 in Pembroke, N.C., Smith lived most of his life there and was first eligible to vote in 1928 —- then the voting age was 21.

But for African-Americans like Smith, suffrage was far from universal. Literacy tests and poll taxes were enacted through much of the Jim Crow South to suppress black turnout.

Had Smith attempted to vote in 1928 —- he says he never tried to register —- his choices would have been Herbert Hoover, campaigning as a Republican maverick, and Democrat Al Smith who, like Obama, was a historic nominee.

Read more: http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/11/0...

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from article:


“We’ll make it, thank the Lord,” said Smith, bolting up from his rocking chair, clapping. A snapshot of Obama sits on his dresser.

The retired railroad worker plans on being around for the next presidential election, in 2012, to vote for Obama a second time.

[Ken Burch]

1. If Mr. Smith can get to the polls, NOBODY has any excuse not to vote.

This man is walking history and we must walk with him on the path to freedom.

On...to...Victory!!!!

[proudAZdem]

11. Let's hope he got all his friends and family to vote, too!

--------------------------
Obama 2008
“Mad McCain” videos: http://tv1.com/playlists/show/11

[dchristie]

27. No excuse not to vote

Unless you've had your most vital Constitutional Right yanked
here in The Land of The "Free" simply because you
decided to smoke, ingest or otherwise personally possess
something that the Regime in DC doesn't approve of. 

[JeffR]

2. God bless him

Come Tuesday night, he really ought to try a good cigar and a glass of brandy.

[BlooInBloo]

3. Sometimes new is old. :)

[BrklynLiberal]

4. This is truly a historical event. I am thrilled to be around to see it....

It is amazing to read all the stories of the people over 100 years old coming out to vote..and so many for the first time.

[ColbertWatcher]

14. I'm shocked that there are so many older people who are voting for the first time.

I always thought those stories were rare, that at some point as soon as Jim Crow was done away with everyone who had been denied the vote would register immediately and vote in the very next election.

I'm surprised there are so many people who never voted until now.

I wonder if the polls reflect this demographic? They're always saying how the young people make up the majority of the newly registered, but I wonder if anyone has figured out how many are like the old guy in the story?

[sandnsea]

5. Here's a pic

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2...

[DUlover2909]

8. He looks GREAT! Good on him and every other Obama voter!

[kimmylavin]

16. He's 103?

Maybe I should stop drinking...

Congratulations, Mr. Smith!

[SammyWinstonJack]

18. He looks great! Good for him!

[happygoluckytoyou]

6. I SAY BUY THE MAN A BEER, A CIGAR, AND A WOMAN... IT'S HIS TIME !!

[Eryemil]

9. Where can I buy a woman?

[Ken Burch]

13. try ebay.

...they sell everything else...

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Eurobabe]

10. What a great story! Thanks for posting...

that made my morning.

[Joe Chi Minh]

15. You took the words out of my mouth.

[democrank]

12. Bless you, Mr. Smith.

GOBAMA!

[Democat]

17. Great story!

That guy has seen some history.

[maddezmom]

19. Inspirational

[LeftishBrit]

20. Inspiring! Great that he finally saw this day!

[Mad_Dem_X]

21. A true inspiration!

God bless him!

[1776Forever]

22. Here's to Ernest - Cheers with a milk salute! You rock and thanks for voting!

You look great Ernest - Keep up the good work!

[Highway61]

23. Bless him

First thing I read this morning...made my day....and tomorrow, Mr. Smith, may you witness history being made.

[Window]

24. There are so many wonderful, moving stories coming out of this amazing,

historic election.

[beyurslf]

25. What a great story!

[amyrose2712]

26. What a wonderful story. K'ed & R'cd!!!!!