Someone brought up ageism today, something that I've been thinking about too. It's the "ism" that really hasn't been discussed much in this election. Yet, the bias and negativity is running rampant in the media and in the blogosphere (McCain is too old, Hillary wins among old women). I really don't care which candidate you support, but I do care that older people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as human beings, as members of our society, and as citizens that have worked and given their lives for their country, their sons and daughters, their grandchildren - the you and me of this moment.

Hopefully, we each have a memory of a parent/grandparent or other significant older person in our life, a person that gave us the gifts of wisdom, love, and encouragement. Every older person is part of the fabric of you and me. To denigrate anyone based on gender, race, or age, denigrates us all, diminishes "hope" in the worst way.

So, I open this thread as a peace offering, a space where we can come together and acknowledge the wondrous and unbelievable moment that older African-Americans and women must be experiencing in this historic election. Share stories, anecdotes, and/or personal accounts of older people voting for Hillary and Barack.  This is a great story of two Texas voters: Jewel Hodges, age 91 and Lenore Brieger, age 101.

When it comes to the history of voting, most of us have only read about it. For Lenore Brieger and Jewel Hodges, each textbook page is a vivid memory. "We've come a long way because back in my time, I don't suppose women were able to vote," Brieger said. These women participated in early voting to support their candidate of choice. "Well I'm voting for Hillary Clinton," Brieger said.

At 101 and 91 years old, Brieger and Hodges were both young when voting rights were passed. Neither ever expected to see a woman run for president. "I thank God if he lets me live to see it," Hodges said. "That's why I'm standing here right now, getting ready to vote for the first woman president." Hodges spent 67 years working for civil rights. "I know the price that had to be paid for me to come and cast this ballot so I take it very, very seriously," Hodges said. Though she doesn't plan to vote for Sen. Barack Obama, Hodges is equally proud to see an African-American in the presidential race. "I take a pride and joy that he's receiving that kind of reception, but again, I know what price was paid for him to even be received," Hodges said. Though they remember the past, they continue to look ahead and hope more women will have their say, whatever it may be.

Source: Austin, Texas News 8 story "Bastrop women ages 91 and 101 vote Clinton"

Note: All are welcomed. Trolls, shoes and shirts required.
Cross posted on DailyKos.