Every vote counts, but you know that

"All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure."

- Mark Twain

The polls open in Augusta today, and there's always the chance that someone will tell you how important it is to vote.

Often they cite a well-known list of historic events that swung on the power of a single ballot. It's an old list quoted by as many different sources as Jesse Jackson at the Democratic National Convention and advice columnists Ann Landers and Dear Abby.

You've heard it.

In 1649, one vote caused Charles I of England to be executed.

In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German.

In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the union.

In 1923, one vote gave Adolf Hitler leadership of the Nazi Party.

In 1941, one vote saved Selective Service - weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Well, those statements are all false. Historians aren't sure who started the famous "one vote" list, but it seems like every election it gets repeated.

A cynical citizen might complain that anyone who has to be urged to vote probably shouldn't be making such decisions for the rest of us, but I won't.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a grill?

TODAY'S JOKE: Here's one from Bill Wood in Hephzibah.

It seems a man was driving down an Atlanta street, late for a big meeting with his most important sales customer. Desperate, he looked upward and said, "Lord, if you can find me a parking space, I won't miss a day of church or Sunday school for five years!"

Just then he rounded a corner, and there was a vacant spot right in front of the office building.

He quickly looked up and said, "Hey, never mind, Lord. I found one."

Reach Bill Kirby at (706) 823-3344 or bill.kirby@augustachronicle.com.