Is Voting in Your Genes? Plus Some Stories about Parades
A friend of mine sent me this news release about a recent study. Thanks, Bid.
The study suggests that voting and participating in other political activities may have a genetic basis and the link is surprisingly strong.
Speaking of political activities, I marched in my first parade supporting a candidate yesterday. I'll tell you my feelings about parades in a moment, but first I want to tell you about the parade yesterday. First of all, we must have had 100-150 people marching. Our group included a pick-up truck pulling a flat bed trailer. On the trailer, we had two pallets of small water bottles with a label including the candidate's name, picture and logo. In addition, the water had been pre-chilled. This was summertime, so people wanted that water more than they wanted the candy we were throwing. It was a wild ride trying to keep up with the truck and throw water; almost like a roller coaster ride. I couldn't believe all the people lined up and how much they were prepared to watch the parade and what a big deal it was to them.
I should confess--I don't like parades. I've been in too many military ones that were too much work. I once took leave so I wouldn't have to be in a parade. Remember, too, that as a member of the military I was not supposed to be overtly involved in a political campaign. All of which reminds me of two stories about parades.
Story One: The Barbarian Conquerer, upon conquest of a new territory, would always have a parade. The parade would include the conquered people, unusual animals native to the region, and crucified members of the defeated army. At one of the parades, the Barbarian Conquerer noticed that one of the crucified soldiers was smiling. "Bring that man to me!" demanded the Barbarian Conquerer. "How dare the conquered show happiness!" The man was brought before the Conquerer who demanded, "Why are you smiling?" To which the man replied, "I love a parade."
Story Two: I was at a luncheon once with a 3 Star General present. The subject of parades came up. The General said, "I probably shouldn't tell you this story, but I will anyway. When I was a Company Grade officer, I was very competitive. That was back in the days when we worked six days a week. On Saturdays we had a parade and the battalion gave an award to the best marching company. I marched my guys to death, but I could never win that award. Then one week I was hurt and couldn't march, so the Executive Officer led the company--and we won. Instead of being glad, I was mad. I called the XO and the First Sergeant into my office and I said, 'What the hell happened? Why did we win this time?' The XO and the First Sergeant looked at one another. The XO shrugged and said, 'Well, sir, no one had the heart to tell you, but you waddle like a God damn duck.'"
The moral of the story, the General said, was that if things aren't working out as you want, then look to yourself first.
Here's the link to the announcements.
http://www.apsanet.org/content_53616.cfm
The study suggests that voting and participating in other political activities may have a genetic basis and the link is surprisingly strong.
Speaking of political activities, I marched in my first parade supporting a candidate yesterday. I'll tell you my feelings about parades in a moment, but first I want to tell you about the parade yesterday. First of all, we must have had 100-150 people marching. Our group included a pick-up truck pulling a flat bed trailer. On the trailer, we had two pallets of small water bottles with a label including the candidate's name, picture and logo. In addition, the water had been pre-chilled. This was summertime, so people wanted that water more than they wanted the candy we were throwing. It was a wild ride trying to keep up with the truck and throw water; almost like a roller coaster ride. I couldn't believe all the people lined up and how much they were prepared to watch the parade and what a big deal it was to them.
I should confess--I don't like parades. I've been in too many military ones that were too much work. I once took leave so I wouldn't have to be in a parade. Remember, too, that as a member of the military I was not supposed to be overtly involved in a political campaign. All of which reminds me of two stories about parades.
Story One: The Barbarian Conquerer, upon conquest of a new territory, would always have a parade. The parade would include the conquered people, unusual animals native to the region, and crucified members of the defeated army. At one of the parades, the Barbarian Conquerer noticed that one of the crucified soldiers was smiling. "Bring that man to me!" demanded the Barbarian Conquerer. "How dare the conquered show happiness!" The man was brought before the Conquerer who demanded, "Why are you smiling?" To which the man replied, "I love a parade."
Story Two: I was at a luncheon once with a 3 Star General present. The subject of parades came up. The General said, "I probably shouldn't tell you this story, but I will anyway. When I was a Company Grade officer, I was very competitive. That was back in the days when we worked six days a week. On Saturdays we had a parade and the battalion gave an award to the best marching company. I marched my guys to death, but I could never win that award. Then one week I was hurt and couldn't march, so the Executive Officer led the company--and we won. Instead of being glad, I was mad. I called the XO and the First Sergeant into my office and I said, 'What the hell happened? Why did we win this time?' The XO and the First Sergeant looked at one another. The XO shrugged and said, 'Well, sir, no one had the heart to tell you, but you waddle like a God damn duck.'"
The moral of the story, the General said, was that if things aren't working out as you want, then look to yourself first.
Here's the link to the announcements.
http://www.apsanet.org/content_53616.cfm
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