Who are you dedicating your vote to?

[Erin Elizabeth]

In 2004, when I voted, I whispered the name of a fallen soldier in Iraq. I dedicated my vote to him.

This year, I am whispering the name of my good friend's dad, who died last year. He was a lifelong Democrat and would have been so proud and amazed to have seen Obama at the top of the ticket. He used to ask his daughter "do you think we'll ever see a black president?"

Everyone in his family and many family friends are saying his name when they vote this year and hope he's somewhere smiling big at this historic vote that he would have been thrilled to make.

I am early voting with my husband tomorrow morning and we are taking our teenager with us to witness it. Happy voting. Dedicate it to someone special...

[av8rdave]

1. My daughter

A type 1 diabetic. She and others with chronic medical issues will suffer tremendously under a McCain health "plan."

[Erin Elizabeth]

3. Oh that's a great dedication.

:hug:

[av8rdave]

10. Thanks....she votes for the first time this election

You can guess where her vote is going.

[Erin Elizabeth]

15. YAY and good for her!

I don't see how ANYONE with a chronic illness or health issues would vote for McCain. I really don't.

[csorman]

133. I don't either...My husband and I are both Type 1

and we both need employer-based HC otherwise we would be bankrupt.

Under a McLame/Failin' administration, us diabetics - as well as those with MS, Parkinsons, ALS, Cancer, and ANY chronic or terminal ilness - would be royally fucked. And that is a HUGE percentage of this country.

Kudos to your daughter for now being able to vote! I'm so proud of her for standing up!

Yes. We. Can.

[mth44sc]

2. this vote is for

my grandkids. Its their future we've squandered

[Erin Elizabeth]

6. Way to make me tear up.

:hug:

[crossroads]

4. My mom! Nice thought... thanks!

[Bubbha Jo]

5. My children...... n/t

[maddezmom]

7. my children

:hi: Happy voting indeed.

[Erin Elizabeth]

12. ADORABLE!

Such cute kids! Definitely dedicate this vote to them!

[Hokie]

8. Easy question for me - Paul Wellstone

[Erin Elizabeth]

14. Yep.

Crying. He's a good one to dedicate it to.

[myrna minx]

191. Me too. n/t

[Erin Elizabeth]

9. I can already tell just from these few responses

this thread is going to make me cry.

[csorman]

134. Me too :( but also :) n/t

[Patsy Stone]

11. My goddaughter, India.

She's three and it's going to be a much better world for her.

[Erin Elizabeth]

19. That's so cool.

It's definitely going to be a better world for her. And what a great name!

[Patsy Stone]

45. She's beautiful!

And I'm glad they chose that name as well.

BTW, I cried reading this thread; I cried when I voted in the primary; and I'm going to vote tomorrow, and I'm sure I'll cry again.

:)

[Erin Elizabeth]

51. I know, right?

I didn't think about it when I posted it, but I swear every post in this thread is making me cry. Husband wants to know what's wrong with me. LOL.

[roguevalley]

162. my precious mom and dad, Alan and Dorothy, who wanted this

day to come but didn't make it there. I'm going the last few feet for all three of us.

[Mad_Dem_X]

213. ...

:cry: :hug:

[Clio the Leo]

13. Addie Mae, Denise, Carole and Cynthia.....

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAC16.htm

And Emmit Till
James Schwerner
Andrew Goodman
Michael Chaney

and all of those who made the moment possible but didn't live to see it. :cry:

Yes ..... "May men learn to replace bitterness and violence with love and understanding."

[Erin Elizabeth]

17. Oh my God.

Those babies. :cry:

[Clio the Leo]

21. I cant look at their pictures without thinking about Michelle.....

.... oh the ungodly waste. Oh the potential for greatness! Oh what might have been!!

[Erin Elizabeth]

92. You said a mouthful.

I can't even think about those girls without crying. When my daughter read about them last year in school, she came home and just cried. It broke my heart, she was learning that there really is hatred in the world...but out of that hate can grow hope.

[Clio the Leo]

139. Yep, and as we all know......

Hope Springs Eternal.

[Sunnyshine]

159. Thank you for keeping their memory and their dreams alive.

:cry:

[roguevalley]

163. that lady hugging him looks like my aunts. :)

[begin_within]

16. RFK

[Erin Elizabeth]

27. That's a cool dedication

I wouldn't have thought of.....

He will certainly be happy...

[begin_within]

41. Obama reminds me of RFK, from the standpoint of giving people hope.

[Gregorian]

18. All of the Iraqi children who live in fear of our guns.

I think of them every day. I think of them finding depleted Uranium while they play. Their nights full of fright.

[Erin Elizabeth]

20. ...

:cry:

They deserve better. They all do.

[Gregorian]

132. I'm sorry. I just hope Obama, when elected, will end it.

Sometimes it seems too bitter a subject to blurt out. But it really is the more important piece of the world's future.

I have a fierce soul. I've seen a lot in my life. But not everyone has insides of steel. Please accept my apologies. I know your post wasn't meant for this kind of post.

[AZBlue]

136. Personally, I thought your post was great!

I think a lot about the Iraqi victims too.

[Erin Elizabeth]

142. There was absolutely NOTHING wrong with your post.

And I'm glad the children in Iraq and Afghanistan have not been forgotten!

[bdamomma]

29. to all the children of the world.

we owe it to them.

[tblue]

46. And who have no voice in this.

Oh, the debt we owe them.......

[demmiblue]

22. What a wonderful idea!

I know exactly whose name I will be whispering (I am keeping it secret). It is to her future; a future in which she may not be able to protect herself. It is to a future that ensures that she will be protected.

[Erin Elizabeth]

23. ...

:hug:

Here's to that future....

[demmiblue]

32. Indeed!

We need to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Thank you for this thread!

:hug:

[Erin Elizabeth]

39. To me, that's what being a Democrat is all about...

[FrenchieCat]

24. My two daughters and my son in law......

as that vote will be to safeguard their future and those of thier children.

[blonndee]

25. My grandma.

She died three years ago. She was the only other Democrat in our family and the only person who understood (or who would have even cared to know)how awful I felt that awful Wednesday in 2004 when Kerry conceded. I so wish that she and I could have been talking about the elections this year and looking forward to the possibility of change together.

She was a wonderful and thoughtful woman. I miss her every day.

[Erin Elizabeth]

Awwwww

Maybe she'll be with you in some way. And nodding her head at your choice! :hug:

[csorman]

141. Me too - I will dedicate this vote to Constance Naslund Sorman

She died in January, age 78, married 60 years and had 10 children, 26 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren.

A tried and true, blue-collar, hard-working Democrat through and through. Very faithful Catholic who hated hate. Hated injustice. Hated war.

Her congressperson was Michele Bachman, and she said to me that in no way would Bachman EVER represent her.

Loved her country, loved her god. Lived by justice, fairness, and love.

But most important to her was her family.

I miss you, Grandma :cry:

[tedoll78]

26. Justice Stevens

He's held-on for so long, and I'm incredibly thankful to him.

[TheDonkey]

28. the United States of America.

oops saw that this was for a "person" but when I vote I am doing this for all of us.

[tblue]

30. My daddy, my hero.

Passed away 5 years ago. He would have loved Barack Obama. He would have hated McCain and Palin. He took no prisoners. He did not suffer fools gladly. I, more than anyone, inherited his gene for outrage against injustice and speaking truth to power, and those are the personal traits I am most proud of. My dad grew up a black man in Jim Crow Mississippi and segregated Chicago, served in WWII and Korea, and retired from the US Army after many years. And he was a liberal through and through. He had no problem with hippies, gay people, feminists, unions, foreigners, or people of any religion. How I wish he were here and could vote in this election.

Thank you for this OP. I hadn't thought of it that way.

[Erin Elizabeth]

43. Well, I'm crying again.

Here's to your daddy. And may he be with you in some way when you cast that vote...

[csorman]

144. your father was a hero.

...and you are so lucky for having him as your dad. He is looking on you, smiling, and casting his heavenly vote for Obama.

[Lisa0825]

31. My beautiful bi-racial niece!

She will be a part of a new chapter in American History!

[tblue]

36. She's gorgeous!

[Lisa0825]

42. And she knows how to wrap the world around her little finger!LOL

She's a spunky one! LOL

[tblue]

50. How beautiful -- a child who feels loved and empowered.

As every child should.

[Erin Elizabeth]

38. My LORD she's a gorgeous child!!!

You must be so proud of her. I've often thought of my friend's son, who is bi-racial. Like Obama, his mother is white and his father is Kenyan. She just tears up anytime she talks about the election, because she'll be voting for someone so much like her own son, who has often felt out of place and unable to fit in.

YAY for a NEW CHAPTER in American history!!!

[Lisa0825]

53. Her family is very "New American"

My brother had three white children with his first wife. Camryn's mom had three black children with her first husband. My brother and Camryn's mom have her, one bi-racial child together. I like to call them the Modern Day Brady Bunch. I just think they are such a cool symbol of change in society. And really, my brother was a redneck, surrounded by redneck friends, and he shocked them all when he fell in love and married a black woman. I think he has made several people rethink their attitudes. He and I do not have a very close relationship, but I really love to tell their story. You know, after telling you all about this, I realized I have never told him in so many words what I feel about his blended family. I think I should rectify that soon. I think he'd like to know.

[Erin Elizabeth]

56. Oh that's so awesome, you really should tell him.

I bet it would really mean a lot to him!

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. I always dedicate my vote to my dad

He was a history teacher and took me to vote with him when I was little. He died 9 years ago and I still miss him and think of him every election year. He would have LOVED Obama.

[RichardRay]

34. My father - Dewey Franklin Ray

He died last December. He taught me my politics, he taught me to think, he taught me to be gentle. One of the last coherent conversations I had with him while he was on his final trajectory was about politics, the news and the election. He was rather pissed that he would not get to vote for Barack Obama or see him become president. Due to family connections we had a letter to him from Barack - it garnered just about the last smile he had for anything beyond my mother, his partner for 65 years, his grandchildren, or his dog. He wanted to know if he could vote early. I told him it was a bit too early, but I'd take care of it for him.

[tblue]

40. He knows.

:hug:

[Erin Elizabeth]

47. Yes, he knows.

:hug:

[AZBlue]

137. Oh, he'll see him become President.

I'm not sure what heaven is or what exactly happens, but I know with every fiber of my being that our loved ones always know the good that goes on in the world and in us and they are smiling.

[csorman]

146. People like Dewey are going to watch out for us

I'm not very "religious" as they say, but I believe our loved ones live with us forever. Dewey Franklin Ray is a star in the sky, shining on us and guiding us into peace. Thank you, Dewey - I hope you and Grandma S are playing Canasta 'till the cows come home! :hug:

[roguevalley]

165. I agree. I feel my parents, my heroes, with me every day. They watch and know.

[mtnsnake]

35. Andy Stephenson would be a good choice

He worked so hard...

[Erin Elizabeth]

49. I remember him....

definitely a good choice to dedicate your vote to!

[Lisa0825]

54. Amen.

O8) :hug:

[expatriate]

176. As I filled out my overseas absentee ballot, I dedicated my vote

to Andy Stephenson, remembering his last days, his powerful wish to continue living so he could continue to work for election reform and voter verified paper ballots. As I took my ballot to the post office, I saw that the rose I planted in Andy's memory, selected because it matched his red hair, had its first bloom opening (it's spring here in the antipodes).

That one was for you, Coppertop, wherever you are.

[Lady-Damai]

37. To the future generation.

:patriot:

[Forkboy]

44. All of us.

[Dinger]

48. Hubby & I Are Voting This Wednesday

I am dedicating my vote to my mom and dad, and my son and his wife. I love them all so much.

[CitizenPatriot]

52. My grandfather, who was head of the local carpenters' union

and was progressive enough to hire a woman for VP long before that was the norm.

He is a staunch Democrat who has been terribly dismayed by the * years --raving about Republicans over dinner is not unusual. He's had a few scares, rushes to the hospital, and surgeries -- I told him to hang in there to see a Dem put into office.

I want him to experience Obama in office.

I heart my grandparents:-)

[demmiblue]

64. May I dedicate a song to him?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eziuTLKKS7U

Or a more lively version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KO90EdKB-g

Just because!

:loveya:

[CitizenPatriot]

66. How cool! thank you! He would love this - I'll have to find a way

to get it copied so he can watch it on his dvd player!

:hi: :hi: :hi:

did you put this together? Great job! I tried to leave a rating but it wouldn't let me! 5 stars:-)

[demmiblue]

82. No, it is not mine.

I just love the song, and thought you and your grandfather would appreciate it!

:hi:

[TlalocW]

55. All you lovely ladies out there

Cuz that's just the kind of guy I am.

TlalocW

[Aloha Spirit]

67. lol

[Lisa0825]

57. I think this beautiful thread should be sent to the Obama campaign.

I think they would really enjoy it.

[Erin Elizabeth]

84. That's so nice of you to say!

:love:

[glowing]

58. I'm going to be selfish.. This one's for ME..... The implications and the meaning

are the most historic thing and the most honorable thing I've ever been able to participate in... I cannot beleive I'm living in a time of History.. AND I thought so far life was rather drab, and was a bit dissapointed in America.. I understand what our founders must have felt drafting the beginning of a Free Nation.. We are just one more step closer to making this dream of a free nation realized. I understand why my mom has that ideal of America.. I understand it now.

[Erin Elizabeth]

80. You know what? I think that's a fantastic dedication!

I, too, have marveled at the time I'm lucky enough to live in!

[jwirr]

59. My daughter who is severely disabled and my 6 great grandchildren. nt

[Erin Elizabeth]

81. Great-grandchildren? Wow!

That's awesome! :hug: To your daughter and your great-grandkids!

[jwirr]

122. Thanks - they are the joy of my life.

[mentalsolstice]

60. To my great aunt who was my surrogate grandmother

after her sister and best friend, my real grandmother committed suicide. Oppie (my nickname for her) treated me as one of her own grandchildren. In fact, we were closer than some of her grandchildren because of a shitty daughter-in-law.

Oppie was very open-minded, she served the poor and disadvantaged in every way she could, although she lived hand-to-mouth herself. In one way or the other, she served in social services until she was nearly 90 years old. I would spend two weeks to two months with her in the summers, and I never tired of the stories she would tell, no matter how many times I had heard them before.

She died in 2002 (I hated that she had to live to through 9-11). However, she was a staunch Democrat, watched the news cycle every day, and I have the feeling she would really have enjoyed this election. Hillary or Obama, she would've supported either one. And she would be opening cans of whoop-ass to anyone that disagreed with her.

So I will dedicate my vote in her memory. I wish I could vote twice, once for me and once for her, because I know exactly what she would want me to do.

[Erin Elizabeth]

90. She sounds like an absolutely amazing woman.

My only dream in life is that when I am gone, my descendants speak of me in such fond terms. What a wonderful relationship you had! :hug: To her....

[mentalsolstice]

180. She was wonderful and very funny!

She lived in a small town and everyone knew her. However, she wasn't afraid to get in your face if she disagreed with you.

Backatcha :hug:

[Lisa0825]

61. PLEASE REC THIS THREAD

This was a great idea for a post. I want to see this on Greatest! :loveya:

[demmiblue]

74. I agree!

Rec away, people!

:loveya:

[MJkcj]

62. My mom and my daughters

she passed away 14 years ago. she used to always talk to me about how one day a woman would be president so when i voted for Hillary in the primaries it was for her. If she wss alive today she would be out there campaigning for Obama with me and we would be talking about how he fills us with hope.

And EVERYTIME I vote it is always for my three daughters so that they can have a future where their right to choose is protected, where there will be equal pay, where there is gun control so someone who is unstable can't purchase a gun without a background check, where government policies are designed to protect our environment and encourage research for new sources of energy .... well i could go on and on.

[Erin Elizabeth]

95. Amen to all of that.

I have one daughter and I hope her future and your daughters' futures are bright!

[OhioBlue]

63. My son.

I have a 1 year old - I'm voting for his future. He is happy, sweet and funny. I want him to grow up in a world full of promise, a happy world.

And, My niece, the first baby I ever held and cried over... Before that, I never knew you could fall in love with a new born baby in just a moment. She was born 2 months before * was selected in '00. When I would get depressed over 9-11 or the Iraq war, she was a tot that would always bring a smile to my face and make me forget about the world for a little while and just be happy to be with her. Laugh with her. Bush has been the Pres for pretty much her whole life. She's a beautiful little girl that helps her mom with her younger brother and sister. She is unselfish and kind. She is a painfully shy little girl that overcame that shyness to cheer in front of a crowd at half time of a HS football game recently. she is courageous and intelligent. She deserves a better President. She deserves a better world.

[cmf]

65. My mother!

One of my earliest memories is going into the voting booth with her. She voted in every election. Primaries, special elections, even if the only things up for election were the dog catcher and the school board. She grew up in the 50's and 60's in the Jim Crow south and she knew what an awesome right and responsibility it was to vote. She knew how many people had marched and were sprayed with fire hoses and had dogs sicced on them and were strung up from trees so that she could pull that lever. She really imparted that on me. It didn't stick so well on my sister, but I do my part to try to get her interested in voting at least on the presidential years.

Mama died in 2005. I often wish I could talk to her about how awesome and historic this election has been. She would have really loved it.

This thread is cool - thanks for posting!

[Erin Elizabeth]

97. ....

Crying again. I wish people like your mom could have seen this, too, but hopefully her spirit will be with you as you cast your vote!

[carpediem]

68. my children.

I want a better world for them.

[Erin Elizabeth]

98. Aw, they are gorgeous kids!

They look really happy! Here's to them and their future...

[EastTennesseeDem]

69. My gramma

My grandmother, who died two years ago. She was a Montana lady, and when her grandson--my cousin--graduated from high school, the speaker's speech was virtually a pro-war mandate. My grandma stood up and led a group of about a seventy people into the gym's lobby so they wouldn't have to be present for that crap, returning only when the names began to be called.

[Erin Elizabeth]

99. Oh WOW.

What an amazing woman. I got chills reading that.

God, there's so many people who would have loved to have seen this vote. But you can dedicate your vote to her and in that way, carry on...

[gauguin57]

70. I just found out my niece is pregnant. I'm TOTALLY dedicating my vote to this tiny representative

of the coming generation. We need Obama to put things right before that little baby needs medical care, needs a college loan, needs a secure job.

[politicasista]

71. My grandparents

They always voted in every single election and would have been elated and thrilled to vote for Obama.

[nevergiveup]

72. This old black minister

who took me under his wings and protected this young white man in times of trouble many years ago. He taught me tolerance and what real faith is. He passed this last May before his dream of seeing the first African American president could become a reality. My vote will be dedicated to him.

[Erin Elizabeth]

106. Oh my....

:cry:

To him.

[rosesaylavee]

73. Molly Ivins. n/t

[Erin Elizabeth]

107. As a Texan and long-time fan of hers, I thank you for that.

:hug:

[rosesaylavee]

178. She would be loving this.

I hope she is aware of what's happening wherever she is.

:hug:

[ourbluenation]

75. her...

[Lisa0825]

79. BRAVO!!!

:headbang:

[Erin Elizabeth]

86. I was not expecting that

and am now a whole-body goose bump.

Yes, her. Yes, Mrs. Rosa Parks. To those with courage such as hers...

[ourbluenation]

96. Wouldn't Rosa be so proud. We've certainly come a long way from the back of the bus.

[Erin Elizabeth]

105. A LONG way.

Still have a ways to go with some people, apparently. But I'm hoping instead of giving in to our fears and prejudices as a nation, we can usher in a period of hope and acceptance and love instead.

[nam78_two]

76. Our raped and pillaged environment.nt

[Erin Elizabeth]

109. Oh that's a very good choice.

[grannylib]

77. My dad and my daughter. Daddy because he worked so hard for this day,

and my daughter because I owe it to her kids to help create the kind of world she would have wanted for them.

[RayOfHope]

78. My 7 year old daughter and 6 year old son. I will never ever forget the night the US invaded Iraq.

I was holding my then 2yo and 7mo old kids and shaking from fear and disgust. I imagined the Iraqi mothers and the absolute terror they must have been feeling just trying to keep their children and families safe. I think at that moment all my hope flew out the window, and its been gone ever since (except for a few months in 2004, sigh). Its been slowly returning, and I am terrified and joyous and hopeful and nervous.

My kids deserve better. ALL kids deserve better. I hope to do for my kids what my parents have been able to do for me. Until very lately, I haven't been to sure that will happen, but maybe...just maybe..


I am dedicating my vote to my kiddos and their future.

[Erin Elizabeth]

111. OMG I did that.

I remember tucking my daughter in and I just started to cry (she was asleep). I was thinking of all those mothers in Iraq, in Baghdad, who were putting their children to bed (later I realized I had forgotten the time difference) and who were wondering if the bombs would come that night and if they would wake to see the next day, if their children would survive. I was just crying and praying for those fellow mothers and their fear and grief.

[TlalocW]

83. I'm dedicating it to Jesse Helms

Who I hope can be re-animated and brought back to life to see the first African-American become president. And then hopefully the shock and the realization that all the evil he fought for was conquered will kill him again.

TlalocW

[Lisa0825]

110. BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

I love it! :rofl:

[Erin Elizabeth]

112. It's a bit more mean-spirited, but I LIKE IT!!!

:rofl:

Could you IMAGINE the look on his face???

[MJkcj]

85. This thread reminds me of

a video clip that I saw about Obama, it might have been on his web site at at one point. Someone had taken a chalk board to an Obama rally and took pictures of people of all different ages and nationalities at the rally holding the chalk board after they wrote down what Obama meant ot them. A lot of people wrote the word "Hope". Reading this thread is giving e goosebumps the same way that video did. Its awesome.

[Erin Elizabeth]

88. How cool! Thanks!

I've been nothing but goose bumps and tears since the first responses. I'm a mess at this point. Thank you to everyone in this thread, talking about those you are choosing to dedicate your vote, your VOICE to.

[Rocknrule]

87. To Grandpa, Landfill, Great Gam-Gam, and America!

sorry, just got done watching Beerfest

[mb7588a]

89. Me. Is that selfish? nt.

[Erin Elizabeth]

93. NO.

It's not selfish at all. :hug: To you!

[mb7588a]

104. Thanks Pal!

We've all suffered immeasurably under President Asshat.

Though I do have him to thank for my two previous jobs, the doubling of the debt really hurt. The war really hurt, in very close and personal ways. The embarrassment when I travel overseas really hurts. It goes on and on...

[lady raven]

91. What a great idea. I will dedicate my vote to my grandparents

They survived the Great Depression and learned from it. My grandpa was a loyal union member. They taught me all about what it meant to be a Democrat. They are the best people I have ever known and I miss them terribly. My grandpa died on November 7, 1983 and my grandma died on August 28, 2003. I never properly grieved the loss of my grandmother, so this will be cathartic for me as well as one of the best ways I can think of to honor their memory.

[mckeown1128]

94. Stephanie Tubbs Jones nt

[Erin Elizabeth]

115. May she rest in peace.....wonderful idea for a dedication...

[progressivebydesign]

153. Wow. That's a wonderful one. I think I may have a lot of dedicating to do now. n/t

[Patchuli]

100. Rosa Parks!!

The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement and my birthday sister! :patriot:

[janx]

101. My parents and my kids.

If there's one thing we're all (or would be) unified on, this is it. My siblings and their spouses are voting for Obama--and my siblings and two of my kids aren't registered Dems; they're Indies, as I was prior to 2003. I spoke to my son last night to make sure he was planning to vote--in Alaska. He's almost 27 years old.

No, this is for my family and my friends. I know of maybe three or four very extended family/colleagues/friends who are not voting for Obama, and I'm a very open minded person. The few who are not voting for Obama are not freeper types, but they're scared. They are falling for the politics of religion/fear that have worked for the last 20 years or so.

I think I was especially remembering my mother when I cast my absentee ballot last week. She died in the summer of 2000. We often talked politics, and I miss her so.

Thanks for asking! :hi:

[csziggy]

102. The BIL we lost last year and his children

He was a terrific human being and helped my sister raise four good kids. The entire family misses him.

[Erin Elizabeth]

114. I'm so sorry.

:hug:

What a great dedication...

[csziggy]

232. Even though I was not real close, he was a great person

Unfortunately since he left us, my sister has lost her mind (sort of) and has turned into a being I don't know. But that is a while different subject.

[gkhouston]

103. A yellow-dog Dem who's long since gone to her reward.

She was a social worker with a soft spot for unwanted cats and Democrats. I remember her saying of one candidate, "He may be a butt, but he's our butt." :rofl:

[Barack_America]

108. Godwilling, my unborn children.

Who will come into this world with Obama as their President.

And my Uncle who died this year. He was a woods hippie and would've been thrilled to vote for Obama.

[AnnieBW]

113. Valerie Plame

Also, Sgt. Patrick Stewart, PFC Jerome Birnbaum, PFC James Price - three Wiccans who died in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[mtnsnake]

219. She is drop dead gorgeous, unlike that flabby faced tramp running for repuke VP

Yeah, Valerie would be a great one to dedicate one's vote to. I'm sure she and Joe will be smiling when Obama's victory is official.

[Jed Dilligan]

116. Me. It's a decision 100% my own.

I wouldn't be so presumptuous as to include anyone else in it.

[Erin Elizabeth]

118. It's just a whispered dedication.

Something in your heart. It's not a requirement, but I certainly don't think it's presumptuous to dedicate your vote to someone or something you care about.

[Jed Dilligan]

120. I'm not against other people doing it.

For myself, I wouldn't put it on anyone else.

[Erin Elizabeth]

129. Oh ok.

:hi:

[MJkcj]

117. Recommend this post

I am still too new to DU to recommend posts .... somebody recommend this so it gets on the favorites page!

[Crunchy Frog]

119. My fetuses.

This will hugely impact the type of world they will be born into.

[janx]

123. HEY HEY HEY!

I haven't seen you around in awhile, Crunchy! How have you been?

[Crunchy Frog]

225. I'm okay. Back in NYS after being in Colorado for a little over a year.

How are you?

[quiet.american]

121. In my thoughts will be all those brave souls who marched so that I could have the right to vote.

As a woman, every time I vote, I think of the brave women who endured so much to secure our right to vote. As an African-American, I don't think I've ever voted without thinking of those who marched in the South; who were threatened, beaten, hosed, and killed, and who, in the end, won. Won the right for me, born in the 60's, to vote.

So, these are the souls to whom I'll be dedicating my vote for Obama. :)

[Recursion]

124. Andy Stephenson

And two friends I lost in Iraq.

[progressivebydesign]

126. ah, dear Andy. He is missed here.. especially during elections.

How I wish he could be here for all of this. Can you just imagine how much he'd be enjoying all this?

[Recursion]

130. Well, personally I think he is

And he's enjoying it in much less of a shithole than we're in :)

[progressivebydesign]

151. so true.. so true. :) n/t

[LibraLiz1973]

125. This one goes out to Rosa Parks & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

She had the courage & he had the dream.
I am humbled and proud to be able to cast a vote for the best candidate who also happens to be African AMERICAN.
We live up to be best parts of our great countries promise when we move beyond what had, for so long, been considered impossible.

After Barack wins, I think dreams long ago deemed "unattainable", will become reality in the coming years.

[susanna]

127. I am dedicating it to two people, actually.

They are linked forever in my mind, though some may find it odd. I am dedicating it first to one of my most-loved friends, who died in Iraq in 2003, just at the start of the war. Several months later, my beloved nephew was born, and my sister named him after my late friend. So they share a name, and they share my heart, and both of them deserve a new world: my late friend for his sacrifice, and my nephew because I want him to live in a world that values all.

Thanks for this thread, Erin Elizabeth. I will remember on November 4, and I will dedicate.

[Lisa0825]

128. Gertrude Jones and Sally Baron.

They may not have gotten their wish about removing Bush from office, but I think they would be proud that we are electing Barack Obama!

http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/obituary.asp

[Zhade]

131. Justice.

And it's only hoped for, until I see what Obama does.

[WCGreen]

135. My dad...

I remember him telling us we couldn't watch Julia on the new color TV because he didn't spend all that money for us to watch the N*****s...

Why I am dedicating it to him is that by the time he passed away in 1988, he told me he was all wrong about a lot of stuff including his hatred for blacks...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

138. What a beautiful thought that is...

I hope he's smiling at you from wherever he is now...

:hug:

[firedupdem]

140. I love this post...

everyday I think of my father and how excited he would be to witness what is happening now. He grew up in segregated Alabama and fought for the right to vote. I will be whispering my dad's name on election day!

[Erin Elizabeth]

143. I just imagined all the whispered names

and causes the votes are being dedicated to on the same day and got chills.

To your dad....

[grantcart]

145. to the defeat of Proposition 8 --- I hope our great national victory will not be stained

[sfam]

147. I'm dedicating mine to having a real vote for President for the first time in my life...I live in VA

This is really the third national election where my vote will actually count. Chuck Robb/Ollie North for Senate in '94 was the first, and Webb/Allen for Senate in 2006 was the second. Other than that, I really have never had a "real" vote in the sense that my vote mattered.

Virginia has always gone Republican for President. So whether people here liked or hated the Republican nominee, it really didn't matter if they vote. Same with my Representative (Tom Davis) - he was always so far ahead that my vote didn't really matter.

But now Virginia has a real contest. Whether Virginia goes for Obama or not, I really feel that my vote for President will count for the first time ever.

Until we do away with the Electoral College, and go for majority vote determining the Presidential election, I'll have to be happy with this. :)

[handmade34]

148. I cried

My vote is for all of my children and grandchildren and yours too! I voted last Friday in Vermont and cried when I marked Obama/Biden. Wow! I have not missed a vote since 1972(26th Amendment) and I have never been so overcome with the thrill of being part of something wonderful and historic and positive and......

[Erin Elizabeth]

181. Oh, how cool.

I'll probably have a giant cry ball in my throat when I mark that ticket.

And then proceed to mark every Dem on the whole thing!

[fizzgig]

149. my grandmother

she passed in february. a lifelong dem, union worker for nearly 40 years, dnc delegate back in 96. i went to protest palin's visit to n. colorado today and wore one of my grandmother's scarves. i thought it was the fitting thing to do.

gods, i wish she could have lived to see this and i am missing her so badly right now

[Erin Elizabeth]

182. I know the feeling...

all four of my grandparents were the most awesome people, and they all just thought their grandkids hung the moon. We all felt so loved by them and they're all gone. There's not a single day that goes by that I don't miss Mimi and Papaw, and Mamaw and Papaw. I go to visit them and bring flowers and talk to them from time to time and as stupid as it may sound, it brings me a lot of peace to do so.

:hug:

[pamela]

150. Viola Liuzza n/t

[pamela]

158. oops, I spelled her name wrong, too late to edit...

Viola Liuzzo

http://www.geocities.com/gury4u/viola1.htm

[progressivebydesign]

152. My Grandma, and Barack's Grandma.

My Grandma, who lived in Hawaii for decades, passed away after moving to Iowa. She was a hardcore democrat with a young attitude and a great sense of humor. She loved Bill Clinton, and thought it was great fun when the canvassers and others descended upon Iowa during the elections and would assume that because she was "a little old lady" that she'd be a Democrat. She had fun setting them straight. I think she would have loved Obama, and probably thought he was pretty cute. So my vote is for her.. because I would have loved for her to witness this.

And to Barack's Grandma, who is ill right now, over in Hawaii. I can only imagine how very proud she is of Barack, and how much it would mean to the Obamas to have her see him sworn in as President.

[kentauros]

154. I know this may sound kinda sappy, but I'm doing this for the world.

I know too many people across the planet that are hoping we change things for the better. They're all looking to us right now as what happens in our country affects the whole planet, whether directly or indirectly, immediately or decades from now. It's like when the human race landed on the Moon in importance. I don't know if Obama's presidency will be as great as that achievement, but I do feel it will have that kind of global impact.

This is for everyone.

[chiefofclarinet]

155. My grandfather

He was a staunch Democrat, and hated Bush with a fiery passion only to rival my own. He died last summer, while I was off working to raise money for college. He was a WWII veteran, and was buried on the 4th of July. I only wish he could have seen the day when we take our country back.

[bhikkhu]

156. To my daughter, first

Then (as smarmy as this sounds) to the frozen dead of Wounded Knee, for whose sake I refused to participate in US elections for quite some time.

[Erin Elizabeth]

183. That doesn't sound smarmy to me.

[bhikkhu]

229. Thanks - this one picture still gives me chills:

That's Bigfoot after his group had surrendered to the 7th Cavalry and then been shot down. I think it snowed so heavily that winter they were unable to move most of the dead until the spring thaw.

[Sunnyshine]

157. Harriet, Rosa, Martin, and even Pat Tillman. All have been on my mind a lot lately.

Two spirited soldiers from opposite ends of history.


Ultimately, I think we are all dedicated to collectively supporting our biggest hope for the future, which naturally urges us to provide a safer and brighter world for our children. They are what motivates me to stay politically active even beyond voting in elections.



Sentimentally, I think of the old people, like Roscoe the mechanic/junk man who was black as night and loved White Castle coffee. He lived in a really white town. The Republicans re-zoned and condemned his shop. He left town after 25 years. There is Big Mike, our dear friend. The Dunham's. All of these people I have thought of or brought up in name here lately.

Its just too hard to narrow it down to just one dedication. I feel like I'm voting for everyone past, present, and future.

This vote is that big of a deal.

[Erin Elizabeth]

184. Your last line is the understatement of the year.

I love your dedication!!!

[goclark]

160. MLK , JFK and RK

[fortyfeetunder]

161. A loved one I cannot name

Who has a birthday on Election day and unfortunately I can't be there to celebrate. Just mailed my "birthday present" tonight.

[ClayZ]

173. To the children of the world!

http://www.childrensingforpeace.org/pictures.html

(Turn on your speakers)

Here are the lyrics, sing along!

WE ARE CHILDREN OF PEACE

We are the children of the world
We are the children of the world (repeat)

We are the children of love
(hope, friendship, compassion, justice, family)
We are the children of the world

We can make a difference
We are the children of the world. (repeat)

We don't want war anymore
We are the children of the world. (repeat)
(this verse was suggested by a 7 yr. old boy)

Chorus:
Listen people everywhere....hear our song
Come and take somebody's hand....sing along
The choice is ours.....what will we do?
It's up to me....it's up to you.

This song was written in 2002 by Mary K. McNeill, an artist in residence with the Seattle public school system. Her students gave her ideas for the song which is designed to send a message of peace to children around the world, letting them know that we seek friendship and do not want to be enemies.

It's been translated into Spanish, Arabic, Persian, Hindi, and Hebrew. This project involves sending the song to children all over the world, encouraging them to make up their ovwn verses and to sing along with us too. We'd like to make contact with children around the world using this song as a gesture of friendship and invite them to join in for next year's "A Children's Gathering For Peace" -

[Arugula Latte]

164. To Howard Dean, who blazed the trail and championed the 50-state strategy.

And to my son and daughter. It's about time they found out what it's like to live in a country where you're proud of your president and not ashamed of him.

[Erin Elizabeth]

185. I thought of him, too. I wondered if anyone would mention him.

I heart Howard.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

196. Hats off to Dr. Dean, brilliant 50 state strategy ! n/t

[last_texas_dem]

166. My grandfather

Lifelong Democrat (I think he said the only Republican presidential candidate he had ever voted for was Eisenhower) who died in April of this year. One of the last conversations I had with him before he died was about the primaries, and I was hoping he would live to see a Democratic president elected to replace Shrub because I know he was looking forward to the prospect.

[Liberty Belle]

167. My father, who died from our corrupted healthcare system.

Dad was a lifelong Democrat. This one's for him.

[Erin Elizabeth]

188. Oh, I'm so sorry.

What a horrible shame.

[rexy]

168. Mine isn't as sweet as the majority of the others, but...

My boyfriend. Who absolutely does NOT like Obama. He's not registered to vote so he can't vote for McCain to balance mine out. I think I'll drag him along and make him wait with me too. :)

[GrizzlyMan]

169. I'm dedicating mine to a kid I don't even know

[Erin Elizabeth]

189. I love how these kids are all looking at Obama like

"hey that could be ME someday." I love that.

[Whalestoe]

170. My dad.

[PDittie]

171. To a college friend who passed away in the summer

First let me say that I had not intended to vote for Obama. I planned to undervote the presidential; he had not been my first choice and I was disappointed with some of his Senate votes, FISA most particularly (I live in Texas, where we are not in contention so my rationale was that I could do that with a clear conscience.)

But in July one of my college fraternity brothers died of a heart attack at 48. He left a loving wife and two grown children and a few grandchildren. Yes, he didn't take care of his health over the years -- he smoked and drank and ate all the wrong things -- and he didn't go to the doctor when he started having chest pains ...

Jerry was one of the first people I knew who was unique in that he saw no one's race. He made no distinction or judgment about people based on ethnicity or gender or class, and that was special to me because I had grown up around many very prejudiced people. Truth to tell I was a little prejudiced myself, but what I saw demonstrated by others was appalling to me, so I found myself in college working hard to try to change that. As a result Jerry was one of the first black friends I had in my life. And he was one of the most popular guys everywhere he went: president of his high school class, first Af-Am chapter president, opening us up to an influx of black members, and so on.

We didn't stay close after college but I stayed close with others who did, and I learned he married a white woman (naturally, IMO) and had remained the same happy guy he always was.

So after learning of his passing and making contact again with a few others from college at the service (attended by a couple of hundred, and 50-50 black and white) and the reception afterwards, he it was obvious to me that he was loved as much by everyone else as much as we was loved by me. We spoke only a little about the election, its impact on the nation for the better, that sort of thing. I did have a few of these friends who had been very conservative who were seeing the light about the Bush administration, the pressing need for change, etc.

So I decided that my vote was going to be Jerry's, and when I cast it yesterday I got the distinct impression that he was thanking me as I did so.

[Erin Elizabeth]

194. Jerry sounds like he was amazing.

That story was amazing. Thank you so much for sharing it....

[ladyVet]

172. My grandfather.

A white, Southern, uneducated mill worker who was a dedicated Democrat. He always talked to his neighbors and coworkers and asked them if they were going to vote, and took many people to the polls who had no other way to get there. It didn't matter if they were white or black, or who they voted for.

He always told people that Republicans were only for rich people (nothing changed there, has it?) but Democrats were for the poor and working people. I think he would see in Obama something of the Democrats of his day, like FDR.

Also, for the suffragettes who fought to give women the same right to vote as men, because otherwise I would be sitting at home on Nov. 4, powerless to change anything.

[Kind of Blue]

174. One of my ancestors taken as a 12year old boy from Africa who we've

always wondered whether he made it to America safely and if he thrived and fathered future Americans. I suggested to my family we do this in honor of him after responding to another similar DU thread this weekend, and from emails I've gotten, his story was retold and passed on to relatives across the country - black, white & bi/multi-racial among us of voting age are doing the same. Somebody once said we are the hopes and dreams of our ancestors and I've never felt it more profoundly than this election. Thank you Erin Elizabeth and the other poster, whose thread I've lost, for reminding us of the brothers and sisters no longer here who I feel will be with us on November 4th.

[Erin Elizabeth]

186. They will all be with us.

I told myself I wouldn't look at this thread today because I've got a lot of work to do and can't be crying all my makeup off, but here I am. :cry:

That story sounds amazing. I love the phrase "we are the hopes and dreams of our ancestors..." Wow, that's so true.

[reggie the dog]

175. the common good of the world

[Lyric]

177. My little boy.

I already voted. It was really for him more than anything.

:hi:

[here_is_to_hope]

179. This little girl...

Whom I have taught to wonder at anything and question everything...

[SoxFan]

187. Ann Dunham

[Erin Elizabeth]

192. Another person I thought about!

But then I thought, you know who else will be whispering her name when he votes? Obama. I can totally see him saying to himself as he votes that this is for mom.

Augh.

I so wish she was here to see her son now.

[Bluenorthwest]

190. This year my vote is dedicated to many people

who are not here with us to vote, but would have loved voting for Obama. To many people, too many people.

[olkaz]

193. Bill Brasky

They say Gene Roddenberry got the idea for Star Trek by listening to Brasky talk in his sleep.

[qanda]

195. My grandmother who died three weeks ago today

91 years ago she was given up for adoption because she was half black. We have come a long way in our country and Barack Obama represents who my grandmother was and the hope that all children, regardless of race, now have in this country. RIP Grandma.

[Lilith Velkor]

197. George Carlin

He'd appreciate the irony of that.

[ncgrits]

198. When I left the polls on Friday I was tearful and realized it was for Mama. . .

who passed away in 1992 and would have loved Obama so much. She wrote in Jesse Jackson in 1988.

I voted in honor of my mama (and didn't even know it!) . . .

[mcg]

199. My dad, who imitated FDR saying "My friends, and you are my friends", and my brother.

My father, who last year during his last month here on Earth, fondly remembered Franklin D. Roosevelt's fireside chats and did an impression of him saying "My friends, and you are my friends.". It was a very good impression, partly because both he and FDR *meant* it.

Since my dad's passing, both my mother and I have found many feathers, which I take as a sign. This thread has given me an idea, to bring a feather and a Snoopy figurine into the voting booth and dedicate my vote to my dad and my late brother.

My brother earned a bronze metal working for the EPA when it was still the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clinton/Gore administration. Tipper Gore heard him singing with his band at a charity concert and picked his band to play as a warmup band at an inaugural ball for Clinton's second inauguration.

I was thinking of working for the EPA myself, but Bush effectively turned it into the Environmental Polluters Association.

Dad and bro, this one's for you.

And McCain, you're no Franklin D. Roosevelt.

[CADEMOCRAT7]

200. To African-American inner city teenage boys,

Study. Being smart is cool and sexy. There are options. There are role models. You could be president one day. Your life matters. Your work matters. We need your potential. Make a positive contribution. You are important to this nation.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

201. Lou Dobbs.

We couldn't have done it without the hispanic vote.

[npincus]

202. Nice thought.

I don't know...

[rucky]

203. Johnny.

stay gold

[rvablue]

204. Barack's mom

to thank her for inspiring her son to believe he could be anything he wanted in life!

[pipi_k]

205. My dad, Edgar DeGray, who taught us kids

about the importance of being honest and honorable, and that the color of a person's skin didn't matter...it's who the person was inside that counted.


RIP dad....

7/18/1925 - 10/14/2002

[Rowdyboy]

206. "Mo" Udall.....he would be very proud right about now....Molly Ivins and Ann Richards

are smiling somewhere....

[progdog]

207. RFK

I wonder how different our world would be today.

[LonelyLRLiberal]

208. The whole world, but in honor of the "Little Rock Nine" who integrated LR Centrall HS,

bravely facing massive racism.

[WindRiverMan]

209. My grandfather. 43 years in a coal mine, union man.

He lived through the company store, met Mother Jones, and knew what sacrifice was about. This one's for you Grandpa Lee!

[SuperTrouper]

210. My brother, a US marine who is still in Iraq and my other brother who is in Atlanta with PTSD after

3 tours of duty in Iraq. Thank you Bush, Thank you McCain, Thank you Sarah, I am sure that your so-called victory will be built on our countrymen's sacrifice, both physical and mental. My vote is for them with the hope that this will never occur again, never again.

[Avalux]

211. My Mum-Mum....

a lifelong Democrat; she absolutely hated Reagan; thought he was a "buffoon" (her word). She passed away more than 20 years ago now and would have been horrified by what the repukes have done to this country.

[Mad_Dem_X]

212. My parents, who raised me to be a Democrat

Both are still living but, due to health reasons, won't be able to go and vote this year. I believe they will both do better under Obama's health plan. They were each active in local government in NJ, and strong Democratic supporters. I'll vote with them in mind. :)

[cjsmom44]

214. My Vote

My vote is for our country...and it's future...I have long felt forlorn regarding the state of our Union...and I feel that Obama can bring some dignity and honesty back to the nations highest office. There has been no candidate in my adult lifetime that has spoken to the heart of the nation like Barack Obama. He is a true patriot...
:patriot:

[fryguy]

215. My son - whose due date is Feb 13, 2009

first child for me and my wife, who knew each other in high school and reconnected online last year, 19 years after we graduated.....

[shaniqua6392]

221. A new baby and a new President Obama!!!

What a great year 2009 will be. Blessings, peace and good health to you and your new little one!!

[ladyVet]

230. Congratulations!

But, you need to have him on the 22nd instead--it's my birthday ;) and I'd be honored to share it with him!

[JohnMcCant2008]

216. I dedicate my vote to Sarah Palin - I will forever believe that you were actually a robot, covertly

planted by the brilliant Super Secret Shadow Democratic Empire. No human could be as stupid as you.

[Born_A_Truman]

217. My Grandchildren

So they can grow up knowing the America we dream of becoming.

This is for you Sean (10) Amanda (8) Luke (6) Adeline (2)

[LatteLibertine]

218. All decent folks in the United States that want to see the country become better

NT

[Heathen57]

220. As I stated in another thread,

I will be carrying one of my mother's small angels to the voting booth and setting it on the stand while I fill out my ballot. She was an Obama supporter, not only because he is a Democrat, but because she thought he had the right ideas for the country.

[femrap]

222. To Eleanor Roosevelt...

whose spirit feels as mine, yet hopes that the newly elected prez will repeat the words of her husband when he spoke to The Corporations, 'I welcome your hatred.'

[BklynChick]

223. my daughter, who is 6yo and will see a biracial person like herself in the White House! glory be!

[nene1985]

224. My Dedication

My dedication is for my grandfather who died in 1963, who was never able to vote due to the color of his skin. Who never had an opportunity to be educated, who spent his whole life working somebody else's land or cleaning up after other people.

[KaryninMiami]

226. Andy Stephenson - maybe that will also help make sure that it gets counted

Plus, he'd be happy to see how much progress we've made even though we still have a long way to go.

[sofa king]

227. Medgar Evers

There was a guy who was willing to fight--against the Germans, for the right to vote and be counted, and for civil rights. The Nazis never got him, but one of their soul-mates in America did.

Truth be told, not much has changed since Evers' day. People of color in America are still having their votes stolen and not counted. Fascism still looms, as does prejudice and racism. Evers risked everything in order to do the right thing, and an Obama victory in November would mean, I think, that his risk has finally and entirely paid off.

I will dedicate this victory to the memory of him, one of my few heroes.

[1corona4u]

228. Joe Biden.

:-)

[kestrel91316]

231. Al Gore. Because we failed him when we let it be close enough to steal.

And I will always feel terrible about that.

[greenmutha]

233. Grandma Toot

For all of her self-sacrifice to get Obama where he is today.

[BlooInBloo]

234. Mom.

[Bullwinkle925]

235. I will be carrying my husband's memory in my heart.

He passed away October 2007 and would be thrilled to know that the Bush nightmare has finally ended.

My husband was impressed with Senator Obama and would be pleased!


So - Larry - this election is for you!!

(I love you honey)!


:loveya:

[workinclasszero]

236. My brother who died while serving this country in the USAF in Great Britain

My Dad a WW2 vet and all of my Uncles who also served in WW2.

My mothers Dad who served in WW1 and later died from a disease he picked up in the service. And finally my ancestors from long ago who fought in the Union armies from the state of Michigan in the Civil War.

I will think of them all when I make my mark for the next President of these United States, Barack Obama!:patriot: