Ripples

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, October 6, 1999

ANNA MONICA / L’Observateur / October 6, 1999

Just about this time the usual complaints are probably beginning to roll in as they do every four years at election time. The political signs posted all overseem to bug some people, but, frankly, I like them. Why? Because it is theAmerican way! Every eligible citizen has a chance to seek political office and everybody else who can vote has a chance to look them over and make a decision.

I like seeing the competition.

What I do deplore is the vandalism that takes place with signs being knocked down and/or demolished. They cost money, time and effort to put up, andregardless of who they are for, the signs should not be violated.

When I see the signs, I think about my vote. Plus, I think about the campaigners,those hard workers who seek to promote the candidate of their choice. I am notwalking the streets this time because my brother, Carl, who has been in the past, is not a candidate for anything this time. We asked him not to run this yearbecause of other important family considerations. Frankly, though, I miss theaction! Soliciting votes is a tough job. I remember walking down many streets,identifying myself, handing out brochures and giving my little campaign talk. Itwas fun much of the time, and people were basically responsive or, at least, polite. My fellow campaigners, though, were bothered by my ability to disappearinto people’s homes and they didn’t know where I was. But I had been invited into see their drapes, children, new furniture or have something to drink. InReserve, which was one of my favorite places to campaign, many knew me and sent word down the neighborhood that “Anna’s coming.” They said it took that toget me to visit. Mainly, campaigning is really hard work.Today I wonder why I didn’t feel silly driving my brother-in-law’s pickup truck for weeks to advertise my candidate. And, talk about cumbersome! I took thattruck with its large signs everywhere while my brother-in-law, Wayne, rather enjoyed the swap and use of my own driver-friendly vehicle. He is talking aboutgetting rid of the truck, though, and I feel it will be like giving up a good friend.

The truck and I have been down many campaign roads together. I would feelbetter if it were going to a museum since it’s been through so much.

Only twice I can remember people not coming to the door to answer my knock while on the campaign trail. One man simply yelled out behind closed doors,”we’re not interested,” and a lady said she was too busy with her baby and couldn’t come to the door. Campaigning is quite a telltale lesson about peopleand their personalities. After all, campaign workers after a while can get to besomething like some of those telephone solicitors who are continuously calling to get your business. However, getting your vote is more important and someday,if I am needed, I’ll be a seasoned campaigner ready to go – and I’ll probably still be disappearing into people’s houses. Overall, to me, it was a very positiveexperience.

The signs are only seasonal. They should make us think, and thinking is what weneed to do. Later, let’s talk about voting. Right now, in some way, let’s campaignfor the candidate of our choice! You can probably get a sign if you need one.

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