And, anyway, I generally try not to go very heavy here with specific political opinions. Everybody has opinions. And yours are as valid as mine, except when they differ; then my opinions are the correct ones, right?

A “great modern philosopher” named Taylor Swift (yes, that Taylor, haha) said: “We don’t need to share the same opinions as others, but we need to be respectful.” I respect Taylor’s opinion as stated there.

There are a few things, though, that I can share here now in the aftermath of the elections. Last week, the subject here was quotations. I think I’d like to take the easy road again and pass on a few quotations that were sent to me by a family member a while back. I thought about some of these quotes as I marked my early voting ballot.

I waited until a few days before election day to do my early voting. I was wondering if there would be some new gigantic scandal or revelation that would affect my voting choices.

See what you think of these quotations.

“If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.” — Jay Leno

“The problem with political jokes is they get elected” — Henry Cate, VII

“If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the Union speeches, there wouldn’t be any inducement to go to heaven.” — Will Rogers

“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.” — Nikita Khrushchev

“When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.” — Clarence Darrow

“Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel.” — John Quinton

“Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.” — Unknown

“I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop telling the truth about them.” — Adlai Stevenson, 1952

“A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.” — Tex Guinan

“Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.” — Doug Larson

“There ought to be one day – just one – when there is open season on Congressmen.” — Will Rogers

“We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate.” — Kin Hubbard

In other news: It’s Veterans Day this Friday. Veterans Day is a federal holiday. The post office, courthouse, banks, etc. will be closed.

Some years, Veterans Day has been the day that I’ve used to get up on the roof and put Christmas lights on the house. I’m not sure if it will be my plan this year.

I sometimes procrastinate until it’s really a bad weather day to put up the lights. That way I can increase the risk to my life on the roof as I do the job. Overcoming life threatening circumstances will make me feel more accomplished when I finish the project. Does that make sense? No, I agree, it doesn’t.

Veteran’s Day is the day that is set apart for special honors and remembrances of those who have served in the military for this country. Many paid for our freedom with their lives.

Veterans of all the wars and “conflicts” are to be remembered. It’s important that we remember all of them.

I occasionally check the numbers on surviving World War II veterans. (It may be kind of a morbid hobby) Those WWII vets need to be remembered because they are disappearing quite rapidly.

Of the 16,112,566 Americans who served, there are about 167,284 left with approximately 180 dying each day. Two years ago, when, I believe, I last reported here, there were 325,574 surviving with 296 dying each day on average.

According to my research, Utah has 1,230 surviving vets from World War II (2 years ago 2,105). Florida has the largest number at 14,823 (2 years ago 31,898). Alaska has the smallest number at 99 (2 years ago 512).

Those in our families who served in WWII are gone now. Otherwise, we have a few left in our Sanpete neighborhoods. They have an interesting perspective on life and the world.

Of course, Veterans Day is meant to honor all veterans. You might know of veterans from the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm/Desert Shield, or other conflicts. They should all be remembered as we have opportunities.

We were in Boise, Idaho last weekend and visited the military cemetery there. It’s a majestic site and an impressive sight. It’s a sacred and somber place. We have a connection to a couple of soldiers buried there. Our visit there was a great way to begin Veterans Day week.

Enjoy the week. Don’t let the election depress you too much, if some races didn’t turn out the way you had hoped. Let this week of Veterans Day boost your spirits. And don’t forget. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. – Merrill