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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels August 25, 2004 Enlist youth to think and vote The most encouraging thing about the John Kerry rally in southern Oregon happened afterwards as we drove home. Slowly rounding the corner, we spied a couple of Bush supporters with Bush/Cheney signs. They didn't look like millionaire industrialists who, as far as I can tell, are the only ones who actually benefit under the Bush regime, so I called out: "You're kidding!" One of them heard me and challenged: "Why would you vote for Kerry?" He was a youngster, perhaps about 16. I answered: "So you won't get killed in a senseless war." I saw a light of understanding flicker in his eyes. Of course, maybe I made this up, and in the next moment traffic moved and we were gone. But I prefer to think that he and I communicated and that, on some level, he got what I meant. There are millions of American voters out there who will probably vote for Bush/Cheney again, even though they are killing our children and enslaving our grandchildren with unprecedented debt. But, as most of us know, it's impossible to argue someone from their firm position. But the heart speaks a different language. If we can find innovative ways to express ourselves, not making others wrong to be right ourselves, but just expressing our concern (in this case my concern for this youngster's life), then maybe we can break through the hypnotic trance that so many are in. This young lad seemed to get it, just for a moment. Hopefully enough voters will by November. Will Wilkinson Ashland Kerry rally upbeat, positive I spent several hours at the recent Kerry rally, and I was impressed by the friendly, generous, upbeat crowd. People around me were sharing food, face-wipes, passing signs and flags overhead to those behind us, and ushering short kids to positions on the front rail where they could see. Volunteers were spritzing hot people with water and passing out bottled water and crushed ice all afternoon. Even after standing in one place for more than four hot hours waiting (from 2:30 to 7 p.m) I didn't hear a single complaint. I kept thinking about the recent Republican rally which barred anyone without an invitation, where demonstrators couldn't get anywhere near. Here, tickets were abundant and demonstrators were able to demonstrate wherever they could, and they did. They are certainly entitled to their opinion and it was no big deal. What a huge difference in attitudes! Irene Brady Talent Thanks to the rally volunteers My sincere gratitude to the 240 volunteers who performed an amazing job at the Kerry Event. All of you were professional, caring and talented individuals who stepped forward and worked hard to insure an extremely successful rally. The Kerry Advance team set the positive tone and every person involved carried that spirit forward to the 7,000-plus people in attendance. I especially want to thank our leaders and captains; Tom Mathieson, John and Linda Sanders, Joanne Steele, Mari Morsell, Rick Sawyer, Kurt Staicoff, Bob Wade, Julie Norman and my untiring husband, Doug McDonald. Their talents and leadership exceeded expectations. Democratic Headquarters staff including Jason, Alisa, Jean, Mary, Milt and numerous others was absolutely awesome. According to word from the Kerry Campaign, Southern Oregon Democrats are without a doubt the most positive, intelligent and hard working people they've encountered! Jackson County is Kerry country! Jean McDonald Kerry Event Volunteer Coordinator Medford Inspired by the young people At the Kerry rally I was so inspired by all of the young people there, especially a young man who was standing next to me. It was Jace's 18th birthday and he drove from Crescent City, Calif. to be there. He wanted to meet the man who he was going to vote for as president for the first time in his life! I told him that when I registered to vote, you had to be 21. My first presidential vote was to reelect John F. Kennedy in 1964. JFK was assassinated in November 1963 and sadly I didn't get to cast that vote. More than 40 years later, I did get to meet this JFK, and he'll certainly receive my vote in November. As we were there early and were standing at the railing, Jace got to meet John Kerry, shake his hand and even get wished happy birthday! Young people rock the vote!! Shelly Simmons Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams