Here’s an Election Day screed — not by me. But I am with this mom, every word, and wondering if this is happening out by you, too. (I know I asked before, but I’m wondering how to find out if this is truly a growing trend. Anybody know? If so, it deserves more press!) For good effect, I’m re-running my “Strangers in the Schools” video, written by me, sung and produced by Deviant Ollam.
Dear Free-Range Kids: I am currently in a Facebook dispute with the president of the PTO and other moms regarding whether we need to move the polling place from our small suburban elementary school, where people have voted for decades. I have been told that “Cannot be too cautious when it comes to our little ones. There are not problems but the best defense is always a good offense!” and “Too many crazies in the world today.” They are suggesting alternatives that are not even close to the precinct, which is primarily low to middle income residential neighborhoods. Having actually looked at the precinct map, I believe there is one church on a rural road at the very corner of the precinct. Meanwhile, everyone is familiar with the school. These women are already over-involved parents who are constantly requesting volunteers and home-baked treats for teachers, but working to make voting less convenient is taking things too far. They, of course, pointed out the fact that I did not attend the PTO meetings, where these concerns have been discussed — because I would rather be tortured.
I am sharing this mostly so I can calm down and don’t write something I will regret, and to thank you for running a website that makes me realize I’m not a crazy, reckless career woman who doesn’t care about my kids. – Voting Mom
STRANGERS IN THE SCHOOLS — THE ELECTION DAY SONG, by LENORE SKENAZY
Strangers in the schools, I look askance as
Strangers fill the schools, let’s take no chances
What if they have come with a grenade or two?
Something in their eyes, it’s so forboding
Look at how they smile, they say they’re “voting”
Something in my heart, tells me they’re perverts too!
Strangers in the schools!
Yes, they’re my neighbors, but they’re strangers in the schools!
And at that moment when they walk into the gym, hope for life grows dim
Bludgeon all the kids they may, to celebrate Election Day.
So — If you want your kids avoiding dangers
Never let your kids encounter strangers
Strangers like the ghouls who go and vote in schools.
