Signs of the political times
Last week, I was on the phone with a friend who lives on the West coast.
“Do California politicians stand on street corners, holding up signs and waving at traffic?” I asked.
“Do our politicians do what?”
“Stand on corners, waving at cars. Usually they’re dressed really nice, even if it’s raining.”
“No way,” she said. “That’s bizarre. What are they trying to do? Lock up the reckless driver vote? Our politicians just shake hands and kiss babies.”
I like the friendly politician thing we have going on. It has a charming, small-townish feel. But in recent weeks, when they’ve been on darn near every corner in town, I’ve had a strange urge to join them. If you see a woman standing on a corner, holding up a sign that says, “Not running. Just friendly.” That’ll be me.
I might get my daughter to stand with me. Have her hold up a sign that says, “Honk if you support honking.”
We have several months before the general election nears and they start gathering on the corners again.
I’m not sure why political season stirs me in ways tha
t aren’t normal, or why my attention is so often focused on political signs. I tire of seeing the same names over and over, grow weary of their use of only red, white and blue. I resent their blatant disregard for the unwritten rule limiting poles and trees for posting yard sale and lost pet notices. The nerve. I expect I’m not the only one who is tired of the signs, but six months remain for us to endure. I was thinking it might be fun to make up some other signs, too. Mingle them intermittently with the others.
Taylor for Sheriff. Fife for Deputy
Your candidate for Agriculture Commissioner–Woody Harrelson
For Supreme Court - Judith Sheindlin
Board of Education - Bresch
I suppose there’s a message the politicians believe they’re sending the public by standing roadside, rain or shine, day in and day out. Perhaps they believe they’re demonstrating how determined and serious they are about the position for which they’re running. This is what I’m willing to do to impress you.
It’s scary to think there are some among us who might actually choose their candidates based on waving skills.
Wow! Nice use of the wrist. He’s getting my vote!
There are times when I’ve suspected some voters completely disregard a candidate’s qualifications, voting record, and smile-and-wave skills in favor of the all-important entertainment factor. They believe our politicians aren’t merely in office to serve. They’re there to entertain. (He looks like a womanizer–bet he’ll stir some fun scandals!)
It would be refreshing to have a candidate straight-shooting enough to say, “Look, no matter who you vote for, you’re probably going to regret it. With me in office, you might still regret it, but at least you’ll be entertained.”
