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H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
Thu Nov 7, 2013, 02:49 PM Nov 2013

A Quay in the Life

"All politics is local."
-- Tip O'Neill, Speaker of the House of Representatives

It's been a strange couple of weeks in rural, upstate New York. In one town, I helped run three campaigns; in a town in another county, I helped to run two. Although the record of candidates I've backed in elections in the past two years won five of five contests, this year's results were not so good (two wins and three loses). But we continue the Good Fight.

Early on the morning following one of my letters-to-the-editor being published in a small weekly, I had one of those annoying anonymous calls: "I hope you have life insurance, you big-mouthed asshole." Not having consumed any coffee, I was at a loss for a glib response. And the fellow hung up immediately anyhow.

I did a radio ad, focusing on a republican candidate's record with dumping toxic wastes in the town. I noted that if he wanted, I would be glad to debate him on the issue. After five days of play, he went to the radio station, and demanded the ad be dropped. The station manager offered to arrange a live, on-air debate, if the fellow wanted to "correct the record." He declined; the ad continued to play.

Last Sunday, a friend and I did some door-to-door dropping off of a campaign flier. Most people were interested in the flier. But not all: one fellow wanted to throw stuff at me; another wanted to push me; and a third had to struggle with the urge to punch me. As we left his driveway, he was yelling, "Fuck you! And fuck the environment, too!" Yikes! It's as if "road rage" has seeped into people's lawns and homes.

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A Quay in the Life (Original Post) H2O Man Nov 2013 OP
Your activism is inspirational voteearlyvoteoften Nov 2013 #1
I think that H2O Man Nov 2013 #3
Yikes, indeed! brer cat Nov 2013 #2
My friend asked H2O Man Nov 2013 #4

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
3. I think that
Thu Nov 7, 2013, 11:56 PM
Nov 2013

I'm more perspirational. (grin)

Lots of rage-filled people out there. I'm fully aware that I am more a target of their hostility than my co-workers. But my friends worry enough about that stuff for me. It doesn't change my thinking or behavior.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
4. My friend asked
Fri Nov 8, 2013, 12:00 AM
Nov 2013

me how I could remain calm when the crazy stuff was happening? First, I did "community crises response" for the mental health clinic for many years. I'm used to certain aggressive behaviors. I've had shotguns aimed a few inches from my face. Second, when I was young, I boxed literally hundreds of amateur fights. I got my behind kicked a few times by really tough guys. Fear is a stick that is used against many good people. I don't feel that stick.

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