GOTV Dinner

Turns out GOTV stands for Get Out The Vote. The first few weeks of campaign meetings I thought it was a special political television channel, but nope, turns out it is just fancy politico lingo. And, if there was ever a day to GOTV, today is that day - especially if you live in Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties. Funny thing about August primary elections - they have horribly low voter turnout. In fact, it is the argument some politicians use for only placing millages on general election (aka November) ballots is that more people (although still low) vote. However, there is an argument to be made that August is more important than November, because the candidates that win in August are those that appear on the November ballot. Food for thought.

Seriously, what innovation of the mid 20th century was more significant to both food and pop culture than the frozen TV dinner? Think about it, "meat" entree, starch, veg and dessert all in one perfectly compartmentalized aluminum tray. Fried chicken, Salisbury steak, peach cobbler, brownie - man these frozen delights had it all. I mean, what other food also had an accompanying piece of furniture (the TV tray) and not only encouraged but practically required the watching of TV while eating? And good things come to those who wait, because remember, these were big before microwave ovens - there was preheating and then at least 25 minutes of baking. But still, it was a time saving invention that freed housewives like myself pursue other pastimes, and solved the everyday problem of how to please the whole family. With TV dinners, everyone could vote for their own meal - father could have meatloaf while junior enjoyed roast beef and little sister could have macaroni and cheese (when she was in her vegetarian phase).  Now, don't make me choose between Swanson and Banquet - that's like asking who was better Mary Tyler Moore or Carol Burnett. It just can't be done.


The Recipe:

Vote early and often
Democracy is at it's best with robust honest debate
You can't complain if you don't participate
Passion for a cause and an understanding family, help too
Serving size: every vote counts