Like many other Americans (roughly half of the population) Life in the Boomer Lane has been inhabiting an alternate universe since November 8, 2016. On this date, we learned that the other half of the population had done something completely inexplicable. And, in the time since, the lines have been even more firmly drawn.
Many of us have stopped watching the news, when, after many months of trying to make sense out of events, we have failed. Many of us have stopped talking to friends and family, when, after many months of trying to make sense out of their justifications for what is happening, we have failed.
LBL has decided to stop qvetching and to stop complaining. Her anger, as articulately expressed as it is, will change nothing. She will also stop thinking that every time POTUS does something outrageous or dangerous or illegal, that maybe a handful of GOP congressmen will see the light. They won’t.
It’s time to put her energies elsewhere. To that end, she has decided to focus on the group with the most power and the least inclination to exercise their constitutional right: young, first-time voters. Young voters are more than the future. They are the sole voting group that began their political awareness during the visionary years of the Obama administration. Now, as newly-minted adults, they are experiencing an administration that is the exact opposite. And most first-time voters will vote for Democrats.
LBL is leading a drive to register these young, first-time voters (no matter their political persuasion) where they are: in coffee houses, restaurants, bars, gyms. It’s part of an amazing group, Freedom Is Not Free, which started in her neighborhood and has grown well beyond it.
She invites you to join them. Whichever state you are in, send for voter registration forms. Then call trendy coffee shops and restaurants where young people gather and get the owner/manager’s permission to register voters on site. Have a tee-shirt made, grab some friends, and have some fun. LBL intends to have a lot of fun doing this.
After each person has registered, and before election day, contact each person and thank them for voting. If you do that, there will be a better chance that they will actually vote. Remember: Each person you register is one more person who will be voting.
This country, as well as this world, is in desperate need of people who are committed to making a difference. We need leaders who lead with vision and with integrity, and who believe that true leadership means leading by example, rather than with fear and intimidation.
LBL is committed to making a difference. Join her. If you live in Northern Virginia, let her know. She’d love to welcome you to the team.
Life in the Boomer Lane 
BABYBOOMER johanna van zanten
August 23, 2018
That is an excellent initiative and if I were an American, I would join you in this. Good for you. Keep up the good work. I reposted it on my Facebook and Twitter pages (I have American friends).
A fan.
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 24, 2018
Many thanks, Johanna!
szpinner
August 23, 2018
LBL is wrong to abandon her position. That is exactly what the other team is hoping will happen, that people will tire of it all and because of boredom stop fighting them. Instead, fight harder, speak out louder, underline their crimes more openly, criticize more vehemently, protest more loudly…if you dont, they will shut you down. They have hoodwinked, conned, convinced a good portion of the population that wrong is right, wrong is the only truth, wrong is the correct thinking route. Speak out, protest, criticize as much as you can while you can. Dont abandon the ship just because you are bored or are losing friends, supporters, old allies moving into the the camp. Here in Canada we are not giving up the fight, I cannot say we are sticking to our guns as that is TRUE AMERICAN…we in Canada still talk, negotiate and try to persuade. And so far, our press/media is not gagged…yet. We dont have a nutbar like Huckabee…yet. Our media still speaks freely, criticizes openly and speaks out….still.
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 24, 2018
I’m sorry that I wasn’t clear in the post. I haven’t abandoned my position. I’ve participated in several marches/demonstrations, Tweeted, attend meetings, and am now heading the voter initiative drive. What I have “abandoned” is listening non-stop to the endless stream of Trump BS on CNN and venting to friends, who already believe what I do. I want my actions to count for something, and so that’s the direction I’m taking. I do believe that we are all, no matter where we live, in this fight together, to make the world a decent, productive place.
szpinner
November 5, 2019
Thanks for the clarification about NOT abandoning your position in regard to your “unPREZ.” We here in Canada are mesmerized by your political turmoil.
Phyllis Tallos-Goldring
August 23, 2018
To whom does one contact to get voter registration forms?
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 23, 2018
https://aauw-pa.aauw.net/policy/resources/registration/
momshieb
August 23, 2018
LBL is right: it is the youth who will change and shape and carve our future. Good for you! I applaud your efforts and support them in my own locality!
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 24, 2018
Thanks! Yes, it took a horrific act to mobilize the students of Parkland. Now, they and others around the country are carrying the torch for us. I am proud to help to create more young activists and to do what I can to support them.
Taswegian1957
August 23, 2018
That is a great idea. As I’ve discussed with other American blogger friends forcing people to vote as we do here in Australia doesn’t guarantee a sensible or even legal vote but engaging with young people and igniting their passions just might. You need young people who believe that their vote can change things and that they should excercise that right while they still have it.
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 24, 2018
Exactly. And, by the way, I am following the events in Austrailia now.
Taswegian1957
August 24, 2018
Nearly as crazy as yours but at least the parliamentary system prevents one person from having too much power.
Editor (Retired)
August 24, 2018
The voter registration drive you suggest is the best idea I’ve heard in a long time! In any state, the place to get multiple voter registration applications is your state or local election board. Some states used to have rules and requirements pertaining to volunteer voter registrars. Probably best to check with the election board about the best practices to follow.
I’ve done a fair bit of voter registration over the years. I have some reservations about a lot of enthusiastic volunteers running around willy-nilly registering young voters. Registering voters is a SERIOUS responsibility. Anyone who registers another person to vote needs to take great care to do it properly, and not to misplace completed registration forms, but turn them in promptly. Imagine the dismay of a young person who thinks they have registered to vote, but discovers on election day that the volunteer who registered them lost the paperwork. I’m not trying to be negative, only helpful.
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 24, 2018
Outstanding comments. Yes, voter registration is serious business, and the person in charge must abide by state rules in submitting registration forms. AAUW (Assn of American University Women) has outstanding info on voter registration, with links to state guidelines. The most important thing is FOLLOW UP with these first-time voters to make sure they actually do get to the polls.
Widdershins
August 25, 2018
Go, LBL! 😀
Life in the Boomer Lane
August 26, 2018
Haha, thanks!