That's one small vote for Beto......

[DFW]

(and Colin Allred, and Lupe Valdez, etc....)

And one big early vote for the Texas Democrats. One thing I have to say about Dallas, they get their absentee ballots out to the four corners of the earth early. I just got mine in the mail today here in Germany, and filled it out already. I never mark the straight party box, just don't trust it. I marked every candidate individually.

I will be bringing it to the post office this afternoon. It is a huge oversized envelope, so it will probably cost me about €5 to send it to America. I don't care. €5 is a small price to pay for being able to vote for Beto O'Rourke against Ted Cruz, not to mention Colin Allred against the odious Pete Sessions, who was gerrymandered into place by Tom DeLay. Voting for the many other Texas Democrats was icing on the cake.

[TexasTowelie]

1. Thanks for voting

and I agree with you that Pete Sessions is odious even though he is alum of the same university that I attended.

[DFW]

6. Hey I graduated from both P.A. Andover and the University of Pennsylvania

That's Bush Junior AND Trump. How about a little sympathy?

[TexasTowelie]

11. You have it.

While Pete Sessions is odious, the two that you mentioned take things to a much more damaging level.

When I lived in Irving several years ago I was only a couple of miles from being in Pete Sessions' district so at least I have something to be grateful for.

[DFW]

12. I'm near the corner of Preston and Mockingbird

So I'm squarely within the borders of Martin Frost's old district. Can't WAIT to get Sessions outta there!

[Ohiogal]

2. Feels good to do your part, doesn't it?

Now if everyone else would do the same!

I visited Bavaria many years ago. What a beautiful area.

[DFW]

7. I don't get down there much except to Miunich for working day trips

I'm at the other end, in the Rheinland (Düsseldorf area), though I travel constantly. Bavaria IS beautiful, but the people in Northern Germany consider the Bavarians to be foreigners (practically). They even have their own language, Bayerisch! One of my wife's cousins recently moved down there to the gorgeous city of Coburg. We were there for the wedding. They can't WAIT to find jobs back in the north (Hamburg, Bremen, Berlin, Rheinland, ANYWHERE but Bavaria). They just can't get used to the people there.

[bigbrother05]

13. Next time you're in Coburg, head down to Bamberg

Beautiful town and famous for their Rauchbier.

Never spent any time in your neck of the woods, mostly the Frankonian areas and Heidelberg. Always found the Bavarians to be more laid back, but it is the deep South of Germany.

[DFW]

19. Bamberg is legendary

Supposedly the only picturesque town that was spared being bombed during the second world war. Some day, we'll spontaneously take a weekend off and run down there just for the hell of it.

Forget the beer, though. I can't stand the taste of beer (any beer) and don't do alcohol in any case. They had better have something else that tastes good down there!

[bigbrother05]

23. Bamberg is our 2nd hometown

Mrs. BB05 and I met there in '73 when our parents were stationed there. Finally made it back to the area in 2002, then returned to Bamberg for 3 years in 2008.

The whole of the old town is UN Heritage listed. Try the Bamberer Zweiblen at one of the restaurants just below the cathedral. It's like a meatloaf baked inside a huge onion on mashed potatoes with brown gravy. As always, a Jagerschnitzel is great.

If you didn't get a chance when you were there, the Coburger bratwurst is wonderful too.

[DFW]

25. I have cholesterol issues

As in nearly died twice due to coronary artery clogging. Do they have any salads of note?

[bigbrother05]

32. Not sure, that might be why I had a stent done

Lots of good places all around the old town and adjacent areas with pretty much any kind of food you'd desire.

Below the cathedral, there are numerous places from beer hall (pub) and sidewalk dining to wonderful restaurants serving all types of cuisine. Another local favorite is the fish, Bamberg has a fisherman's fest each year along the river (little Venice).

[DFW]

36. I have two of them!

After mine were put in, the surgeon told me, "OK, NOW I can tell you you'll be OK, but your are the luckiest man in Europe today." I had two forward coronary arteries 99% blocked, and was a heart attack waiting to happen in the next day or so, max. That was 14 years ago. When they told me my "new" diet, they called my wife in, and told us both then new rules.

[Hekate]

50. Dayum, DFW, you can't eat the Meatloaf Special and won't drink the beer! I laughed so hard...

...that hubby came out of his office to see why. I read him the description of that dish and he practically drooled he thought it sounded so wonderful. I knew he would, which is why I laughed -- I wouldn't touch that meal with a 10 foot pole, since I've been on statins for over 25 years.

I'm very happy to hear you are alive and well -- and posting here. It was your final comment about salads that set me off.

BTW, the only beer I really like is Guinness, but I only have occasion a few times a year.

[bigbrother05]

56. It's really one of those dishes that has to be tasted to be appreciated

And the Smoke Beer is one of the few that can be classified in a similar strata with Guinness.

I've always said the when people talk about beer, Germany comes up.

When Germans talk about beer, Bavaria comes up.

When Bavarians talk about beer, it's Bamberg!

[smirkymonkey]

18. What do they find so different about them?

I mean, besides the language/accent. I am always curious about how Europeans see each other.

[DFW]

24. I never asked them, but if my wife is any indication

She finds the Bavarians "different," as do most northerners. Bavarians often refer to northerners as "Prussians," which to them is an insult (sort of like "Yankees" or "Libbruls" ). It is both the bastion of urban sophistication (München) and backward rural 19th century double standards (strict Catholics, whose politicians oppose abortions except for their mistresses, and I take that from recent history, not a fictitious stereotype). The rural Bavarians are curiously insular for a people at a crossroads of European cultures.

These days, with open borders and many cross-country/cross-cultural families/friendships, the more Europeans have contacts with others, the less they see cultural differences, even when they are big. My wife grew up in post-war Germany, and yet had family in Holland, which wasn't exactly German-friendly after the war. She had a playmate who was Dutch, and the languages are similar enough that they could play together as small children. They are still in contact today. Here, in my small town, we have friends who are Swiss, Bulgarian, Croatian, Austrian, Greek, etc. There was a family of Italians, too, but they moved away when their parents died. As long as there is communication, there is less tendency to view each other as "different." When a friend of mine retired as Canadian Ambassador to France, he held two good-bye parties, one for French speakers (he is from Québec) and one for the Anglos. I was the only Anglo invited to the French party (an honor to my French, but unfortunately boring, as I knew NOBODY in the French government!). The Anglo party was mostly for Brits, Australians, but especially Americans, who live for years in France and never learn French.

The distinction is made less these days as to where you were born, and what counts more is whether or not you can communicate with each other in SOME common language, and enjoy each other's company. There's a reason Europeans tend to know at LEAST two languages, and often three or four. Look at where I live. I'm a 90 minute drive from Holland, a 2 hour drive to Belgium, a 5 hour drive from Paris or Switzerland or Poland, six hours to reach Austria, an hour's flight from Copenhagen, London or Prague, you get the idea. You either learn another language or two, lead a very insular life, or you're an idiot for limiting your possible circle of friends like that.

[smirkymonkey]

29. It's interesting to observe regional differences, since many Americans think that

most European cultures are a monolith (and vice versa). In my travels, I have even noticed cultural differences between urban and rural Europeans in various countries.

It's funny, but when I was visiting my brother and his wife when they lived outside of Kaiserslautern, we had dinner with some German friends of theirs and we were leaving for the Netherlands the next day. The German woman told us that they called the Dutch "cheese pokers". I'm not really sure what she meant by that - maybe their cheese has holes in it? I would think that would be a more apt description of the Swiss. Anyway, I just find it interesting to see the way Europeans view each other.

Thanks for your insight!

[DFW]

34. The Germans and the Dutch have a strained recent history

The German occupation of the Netherlands was a brutal one. There are all sorts of bureaucratic un-necessities that the Germans are trying to impose on the EU basically because German officials love bureaucracy and paperwork), and can't get it done because the Dutch used their veto. Germans imposing rules and regulations on Holland still leaves a nasty taste in Dutch mouths.

However, this does NOT extend to personal friendships, and we have MANY good friends in the Netherlands that we visit, have over, or even go on vacation with. I speak Dutch, so it's not a problem for me, but my wife doesn't understand all of it, and the accent gets hard for her to follow. It is not unusual for people in Holland to learn German--first because it is easy, but second, because anyone with a business will almost certainly come into contact with German customers who, even today, barge into stores and hotels in Holland and start speaking German without even asking if someone understands them.

Sometimes, the arrogance goes even farther. Thirty years ago, I used to play in a part-time folk music group called the "Holland-America Line," named because it was me and some Dutch guys. The fiddle player knew a grocery shop owner in Middleburg in Zeeland. One day, shortly after the war was over, a German tourist drove by, and showed his family the shop. The owner had to be restrained from killing the German. The German had killed the store owner's brother during the war, and had the audacity to show his family around just a few years later, as if murdering the shop owner's brother during the occupation had been some kind of temporary inconvenience. It was as if William Calley led his family on a walking tour of My Lai once American tourists were welcome in Vietnam after diplomatic relations had been restored. Some things you just don't do.

[panader0]

39. Thanks. I find stuff like this very interesting.

My brief visit to Germany was in '57, back when I found Mickey Mouse
more interesting.

[DFW]

42. LOL !!

I remember those days. I was 7 when my dad came back from his first visit to Russia. He brought back some post cards, and to a second grader like me, it seemed like those poor, crazy Russians couldn't even print the alphabet correctly.

[bigbrother05]

26. Can't speak for DFW, but kind of New England vs Dixie

Modern, industrial, cosmopolitan, big city vs traditional, farming, conservative, small town

Just like US, not totally true but reflects a general stereotype

[smirkymonkey]

31. I guess so, I had only been to Munich in Bavaria, and that was during

Oktoberfest so it was hard for me to judge. I had spent a little more time in northern Germany and noticed the language was different since I learned German in Vienna when I studied there in college. The people also seemed a little more reserved.

[DFW]

35. That's a generalization that is often true, but far from always

Most of my German friends are from the north, and while it does take a but longer to get to know them, once you do, they are the most solid friends you could ever want to have.

As for your German, go around Hamburg or Düsseldorf speaking like a Viennese, and you will get stares as if you were to walk around Bangor, Maine, speaking like you had never left the confines of Meridian, Mississippi before in your life.

[smirkymonkey]

48. Yes, I found that out. They found my pronunciation very strange. The Viennese were

very particular about how you pronounced your German and my instructor and my host family drilled me until I said words properly according to their dialect. It was a little confusing at first, since as an American I just thought German was German, but I learned pretty quickly that I was wrong.

[Bavorskoami]

40. Bavaria's like a second home to me.

I was stationed for three years in the Bavarian Forest and have many friends there still. I've been to Berlin for a bit and a number of other cities in Europe, but I'll stick with Bavaria. One word why: Gemütlichkeit. My Austrian and Czech friends have it, too. The beauty of the land and towns is a big draw for me as well.

[Wounded Bear]

3. Good for you!

Turn Texas Blue!

[DFW]

8. We're working on it!

I've been in touch with people like Matt Angle and Aimee Boone (now Cunningham) for MANY years. It's an uphill battle, but worth the fight.

[bearsfootball516]

4. How long does it usually take to receive your absentee ballot?

I'm in Indiana and mailed out my application for an absentee ballot a week ago, haven't gotten anything back since.

[DFW]

9. I have no clue. The envelopes are not postmarked.

But I am on some kind of permanent list, so Dallas sends me an absentee ballot here automatically until I tell them I have moved or moved back.

It may also have to do with whether or not your primaries were decided early or late in the season. They have to be over and done with, and the candidates' names known before a state can even print its absentee ballots for the general election.

[True Blue American]

16. Fwaiting on mine,too.

Jon Husted refused to send out requests for absentee ballots,except the one year the Court forced him to. This year he is running with DeWine, so sent the requests out.

Pleased me because I am voting against him.

[DFW]

27. I can't STAND Husted

A fitting successor to Kenneth Blackwell, who helped in the 2004 scam that flipped Ohio fraudulently for Bush Junior.

[True Blue American]

33. I remember it well! Had to train

On the Diebold machines he bought for Ohio. Piece of junk then so bad now they cannibalize others to make them work.

Main reason I vote Absentee. The workers at the board are great.

[malthaussen]

5. So, there are all sorts of advantages with living overseas...

... although one could argue that five Euros to vote is a poll tax.

-- Mal

[DFW]

10. Well, they are postpaid if mailed within the USA

I could theoretically wait and find someone who was traveling to the USA before the election, and ask them to stick it in the mail once they get home. Besides, if you're taking your responsibility as an American Abroad seriously, it's worth it to participate. The State of Texas provides the "No postage required if mailed within the United States" envelope. They can't be expected to stick the required amount of return postage on each ballot envelope with stamps of every country they send ballots to--even if they DID know how much each country charged!

[LittleGirl]

14. Our last address was in AZ

Tucson area and I voted via email in the primary a couple of weeks ago. We'll get our November ballot in October sometime. That's really early for November's election but I'm like you, honored to vote from abroad.

[mahina]

15. Thank you brother!

[DFW]

28. Na'u ka hau'oli !

As they say in Waikoloa or Waimea.......

[dalton99a]

17. I sure hope Beto wins

[ismnotwasm]

20. That is truly awesome

Thank you

[NewJeffCT]

21. Thank you for voting

I think Beto has an honest shot at an upset.

[DFW]

30. So do I !!

I think this time, it is achievable

[Dem_4_Life]

22. Wohoo thanks for voting!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

37. Good for you, my dear DFW!

I"m helping support Beto and wow, I hope he will win.

What a great change that will be.

[DFW]

38. There will be a big ray of sunshine lighting up Texas if Beto is our next Senator

I have supported him, too, as well you know.

[NastyRiffraff]

41. I'm envious

I wish I could vote for Beto. It's an exciting time for Texans!

[DFW]

44. I just got back from the post office

My vote is on the way. EVERY one counts this time!

[NastyRiffraff]

45. Thank you for voting

Texas, this is your moment!

[DFW]

47. To any Texas Democrat, it should be a given that we ALL vote this time.

No more need to thank us for voting than to thank us for breathing. It is just about as vital for our future!

[Hekate]

43. So that's why every time I see your handle I think Dallas-Fort Worth!

I've got my fingers crossed for Beto. Did you see his interview with Stephen Colbert? Quite the focused young man -- and if his history as a travelling punk rocker doesn't get the attention of the youngsters, nothing will. I'll bet there have been a lot of online searches for his music this year...

[DFW]

46. I did see his session with Colbert

I actually thought he crossed the line that too many politicians running for higher office do when being interviewed, i.e. brought too much campaign rhetoric into his time with the microphone--just a little bit, though, not like Republicans do.

Beto is quick on his feet, and a fast thinker. He doesn't need to resort to canned lines. The BRILLIANT session where he answered the question about taking a knee not being disrespectful was one of the best non-teleprompted responses to a question EVER.

[Hekate]

51. Agree on all counts

[Blue_true]

49. Way to go. Enjoy Octoberfest. nt

[BlueTexasMan]

52. And one more

I was working with a young helper who recently got his citizenship. I asked him if he was registered to vote. He said no and I gave him instructions for registering online. He agreed that it was important and is going to vote.

[DFW]

53. Good for you! One by one is how it's done

It's a team effort or it's nowhere.

[Liberal In Texas]

54. YAY...Good for you.

I just got my BETO yard sign up this week.

There are many on our block and I've also noticed that on streets where I usually see a lot of repub yard signs (affluent neighborhoods with very large houses) a lot of them are now sporting BETO signs.

[efhmc]

55. This is the last time one can vote a straight ticket in Texas.

I wish it were already done since I think many more would vote for Beto if they were required to vote for people individually.

[Scurrilous]

57. K&R

[Honeycombe8]

58. A true patriot! Mark one down for the Blue Wave! Thank you.

Thank you for going through the trouble and expense of voting.

[DFW]

59. More trouble than expense

The final tab was only €3.70, not €5. It took some time to fill in those circles individually, but I did. Luckily, there wasn't much of a line at the post office, so I was in and out of there in five minutes, and almost all of the counter workers there know me by name. They get paid crap, and work long hours, often having to deal with impossible people at the counter.

At Christmas time, it is customary to leave them an envelope with €5 or €10 if you have been happy with their service, which many are not (some people expect their letters delivered with breakfast in bed--at least it seems that way from how they treat the workers there). It is to help them with their own office Christmas party, for which the Postal Service gives them exactly zero. I always give them €100, because I know the hours they put in. Maybe other people do, too, but they sure treat me as if I'm the only one. It's a small price to pay for year-round friendly service.