As a metalsmith, I have many hammers: planishing, forming, mallet, raising, and my beloved Goldsmith's hammer used for most of my tiny hollow forms. My hammers are used to move metal into different shapes and forms, they can also be used to stretch metal by sinking and raising the interior. There is also a beauty in old hammers, their shapes, the history that we project upon them and the fact that you can really get something done with a hammer.
Hammers are one of humanity's earliest tools. The earliest hammers were made of stone and probably didn't have the handles that we have today. The handle was a great modification. It gives the user more leverage and keeps your hand away from the impact.
Hammers are also used for cooking in food preparation, to tenderize your meat.
I've only just discovered, there is a Hammer Museum in Haines, Alaska. The Hammer museum claims that the hammer was the very first human tool. www.hammermuseum.org
Voting box from 1960's
Tin Voting box from the 1890's
Our last U.S. presidential election turnout out was 61%. The reports for Mid-Term elections are not favorable for large voter turnout. Let's prove them wrong. Bring your hammer, bell and song to the voting booth Today!
Hammers have many uses throughout societies...the Gavel is brought down on a block of wood as an audible presence for a judge. It is used as a form of power by a judge to control the courtroom and establish Justice.
The Hammer Museum in Haines, Alaska
The song, "If I Had A Hammer" written by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger in 1949, was most famously performed by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962. The lyrics focus on the hammer symbolically and idealistically...about freedom, justice and love among fellow human-kind. In the final verse, the listener is reminded they have all that they need: a hammer, bell and song, it's up to them/US as to how they/WE use these items.
Playskools, My First Voting Booth: cardboard fold-ups that serve their purpose, in utilitarian style.
This is the type of voting booth my mother used. She took me to the local elementary school and let me pull the lever. When it was time for me to vote, I was dissapointed with the cardboard voting booths--no glamour, no pomp, but still, acting upon my civic duty is all the glamour we need.
In 1919, the 19th Ammendment gave women the right to vote, well, it was ratified in 1920. However, Women could vote in New Jersey, provided they could prove that they had property rights. Originally voting was reserved for Caucasian property owners. Several Amendments were passed to open voting rights to other U.S. Citizens. The 14th gave rights to born or naturalized citizens, 18 years or older. 15th got rid of certain discrimination: Race, color or other servitude. Then there is the voting rights act of 1965 which basically states that you can't be denied the right to vote as long as you are a U.S. Citizen, 18 years or older.
There are so many laws, amendments, acts, put in place, why can't all those who wish to vote, vote? What's all the tsuris about? Use the tools that you are rightfully given and Go Vote!!