Wow! I I am amazed by how many Duer's think that they

[saracat]

can treat this as a "normal" election! I am amazed at how many feel they have to hide their support for Kerry. I am even more surprised and disappointed by how many feel it is either impolite or inaappropriate to discuss politics with their coworkers or neighbors. Is it any wonder we are having trouble getting the word out? I am just so surprised! And please don't flame me with the life threatening stories. Those are different. I am talking about car scratches and rude responses. I have been chased with a gun and I still won't shut up!( I also hauled ass, I'm no hero!) lol! But , seriously.....

[RhodaGrits]

1. I have a small town business and, in the past, I've made a point of

not putting up signs, wearing buttons etc because I didn't want to offend my clients. Not this year. I've got a Kerry lapel pin on my white coat and Kerry yard signs all over and a DUMP BUSH on my car and a Kerry-Edwards sticker on my husband's. This is the most important election of my lifetime and I'm not sitting on the sidelines.

[saracat]

3. Thank you, Rhoda Grits.

You are exceptional, and you do have grits! Too some bad others won't follow your lead!

[haydukelives]

4. supporting Kerry

I have never put up yard signs or bumper stickers or anything.
UNTILL THIS YEAR.
COLORADO FOR KERRY

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

18. COLORADO FOR KERRY!!!

It's possible! I proudly display my K/E sticker on my car in the scariest of all conservative places.....Colorado Springs (Home of the infamous Focus on the Family nutjobs) I also have a "focus on your own damned family" sticker too!Loud and Proud.....only way to win!

[Steely_Dan]

19. LOLOLOLOL

Great response with your bumper sticker.

-P

[ZombieNixon]

Ooh, yeah!

Can't imagine it's too easy being a Democrat in Colorado Springs.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

21. you might be surprised!

I think there are more of us than most realize. I did a volunteer search in my VERY republican zip code on Johnkerry.com and found out there are about 15 volunteers for Kerry here....it may not sound like a lot but to have 15 people feel strongly enough to volunteer for the campaign in THIS neighborhood is HUGE!

Southside Springs is very Kerry leaning. I'm telling you, Kerry could very well take this state when you factor in Denver, Boulder and Pueblo leaning heavily to Kerry. Not to mention that the Salazars (Ken and John) are favored in the polls, we could pick up a senator and representative as well! Waahoo!

[Cha]

25. LOL!

I love it.."Focus on your own damn family"!!:7

[Cha]

23. Welcome to DU,

going to school! :toast:

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

27. Thanks!

Been here since May and I'm an addict!

[spooky3]

2. Here's Miss Manners' take on it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A58376-2004Sep28.html

snip

" Miss Manners fears that this may be disappointing to you, primed as you are to articulate and defend your reasons for supporting your candidate. But you should remember that the time-honored custom of canvassing violates two everyday rules of etiquette: against invading the privacy of people's homes, and against challenging other people's politics.

This is not to say that you are wrong to do it, or that anyone is justified in being rude to you. It is just that you -- in common with religious proselytizers, traveling salesmen and collectors for charity -- must expect some irritation when you ring doorbells. Sadly, it is often rudely expressed. "

snip

There are also a lot of people who correctly fear retaliation from bosses for letting their political views be known. It's unfortunate but it is a reality for a lot of people.

Speaking for myself, I've never donated more than small amounts to any politician until the past year. Everything's changed since then.

[tigereye]

5. I don't care. I am polite,

but this is too important to softpedal. I just put another bumpersticker on my car! I work for liberals, so it isn't usually a problem.

[saracat]

7. And I suppose you advocate this position?

We should all just stay home? This is why Repugs win. We think it "rude" and impolite to campaign. BTW, Miss Manners is satire.

[spooky3]

26. It is very frustrating to me when people assume that posters

agree with every quotation they post and then jump all over them. You are not alone in doing that. Please stop it.

Please note also that Miss Manners specifically said she didn't think canvassing was wrong. And, you are wrong that Miss Manners is satire. She may use sarcasm in her columns, but she is the Washington Post's etiquette columnist and is quite serious about it.

I was simply responding to your post where you didn't seem to understand why certain people reacted as they did. This column offers one explanation as to why, and I added my thoughts about bosses and donations.

[Minimus]

24. "invading the privacy of people's homes" and

"challenging other people's politics" - I canvassed this past weekend and I did neither.

I did not invade their homes, I spoke with them at the door or outside. I did not challenge their politics, I asked if they were voting and who they were supporting and offered information.

No one was rude, many even thanked me for what I was doing. It was a great experience. And I like to think that when some of the "undecideds" get to the voting booth they will remember the friendly lady and pull the lever for my guy!

Miss Manners can bite me! ;)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

6. This is the most important election of my lifetime

and if it doesn't go Dem, we might not have another. You're darned right I'm talking to anyone who will listen.

[skylarmae]

8. skylarmae

I'm with you! I keep getting in trouble too. What I can't figure our is how these (Repubs) people can distort and lie and behave so; yet God forbid anyone even try to talk about what's going on. I think they are just all skitzo. If they dare behave so, I dare run my mouth about it. Now is not the time for the TRUTH to take a back seat to anything or anyone.

[desertalien]

9. I wish I had more courage.

I live in blue Ca. but my area couldn't be any more red. The repugs around here are like rabid dogs. Good heavens, Gerald Ford lives here. They don't even listen, it's like talking to a pack of wild animals. I just keep emailing them things like the commentary, by John Eisenhower in the Union Leader and hope they read them.

[Steely_Dan]

20. You Must Live In...

Orange County

-P

[cheshire]

10. Not this year I have more backbone this year but I am madder than they are

too. I just don't give a shit how it looks or what happens. Sorry I didn't do this before. The other side can go to hell before I back down. I'll help them get there.

[progressivebydesign]

11. I know you're not trying to sound morally superior..

..but.. you have no idea what is going on in other people's lives or homes. It is inappropriate to discuss politics at work. Canvassing, staffing booths, phonebanking is just as effective, no it's more effective. I have no interest in turning my work into a political debate... and some people desperately need to keep their job.

I have no ill will toward those that are not speaking out at the job, or sporting bumper stickers. We all have our reasons, I thought we were the party of tolerance?

[saracat]

12. If we don't speak out we will have

nothing to hold on to.But, I understand people don't want to take risks. I just don't understand anything being more important than this election. The future of this nation is at stake. If we don't win those of us lucky enough to have jobs, if they keep them, won't have anything else. No freedom,. People have died for the freedom others think is less important than their jobs. As far as the families are concerned, we will be stripped of all laws protecting them. Anyone with a daughter should be even more afraid of silence. You do know they plan on ending even birth control? Women as chattel once again.
We should not be the party of tolerance when it comes to silently letting the RW spread their message.
The Repugs aren't "tolerant" and look how they have managed to get control.We can no longer be polite or nice. It is destroying the nation. Tom Dascle was nice. It got us into war and the Patriot Act.

[roseBudd]

13. And if you have not distributed the TWO-FACED graphic...

I am on Day 4 glueing this puppy to metal utility poles, bus stop shelters and empty storefront windows. Every where I go people ask for copies. If you don't get it just take my word for it and do it. Print it and head to Kinkos. Get some 3M Spray Adhesive from Staples.

Go to http://somnamblst.tripod.com to download high resolution TIF or PDF file to print and distribute everywhere. Utility poles, bus stops, bulletin boards, newspaper racks, car windshields, phone booths, etc. Guerilla marketers needed to create MAXIMUM BUZZ!

[saracat]

14. Great idea! I just wished it resembled him more.

I have people asking who it is! But at least they ask!

[roseBudd]

16. I put it on a pole

in front of a house where some little black kids were playing and I said, "do you know who this is?" and they said, "Bush"

Everyone knows who this is. Quit questioning. Just do it.

The aministrators asked us to do this 5 days ago. How many people have done it?

[secular_warrior]

15. I agree

there has to be 'no spin zones' if our society is to function. Politics - like religion - is an emotional issue that divides and shouldn't be discussed in work or school settings where people have to work together in a united fashion.

If the co-workers are all friendly and have an understanding with each other, then it's probably Ok -- but I've still seen it get emotional and out of hand among friends in a work setting. The best bet is to only talk to friendly co-workers about politics while outside of the immediate work setting (so other co-workers are not present), like at lunch or coffee breaks.

[roseBudd]

17. canvass total strangers on the street

if they don't agree keep walking

[Tansy_Gold]

22. Confronting people at work and taking risks are not the only

way to campaign.

I have been in the position where the slightest political word would have meant the end of my job, regardless which party or candidate I supported (one of the rules working for a government agency). The risk to my immediate livelihood, the potential loss of future income (I work for a temp service, and they would not have lookd favorably on my behavior), the potential loss of home and other assets had to be taken into consideration for me, as I am sure it has to be taken into consideration by others.

That's not to say I haven't contributed to the campaign. I suffered second degree sunburn (the kind that blisters before you get home and peels through four or five layers of bleeding skin) helping an appallingly incompetent Kerry campaign effort a few weeks ago, and was excoriated for DARING to suggest the "leaders" ought to prepare better the next time. Now they won't even accept my email, and won't let me volunteer.

On my own, I have tacked up signs, handed out flyers, slipped surreptitious cards into books and magazines, slapped stickers on newspaper vending machines and my outgoing mail, written LTTEs, sent scads of email, donated -- yes, DONATED -- buttons to the cause.

To suggest that because I -- or any other DUer -- haven't put my barely-sufficient income at risk I must be a do-nothing or lukewarm supporter is unfair. If I lose my home and possessions fighting the good fight, would I be any better off than if boosh wins?

[saracat]

31. Tansy, I have never suggested that you or anyone else

put your "barely sufficient income at risk" I do suggest however that if Bush wins we will probably not even have a " barely sufficient income to worry about.
I specifically asked not to be flamed about life threatening circumstances (loss of income qualifies to some). I am addressing the issue of those people who are afraid of scratching their cars or offending RW'ers. I am offended by people who worry about being "polite " and "appropriate" to people who are destroying this country. Tom Dashcle and all his "politeness" got us the Patriot Act! Kerry's being "polite" about the SWBVFT certainly hasn't helped him. We Dems are "politing" ourselves to hell. And a lot of Dems are hiding ,trying to play both sides against the middle. That is why we lose. And that is , to me, despicable. We need to stand up and be counted. We have no media to do it for us. Buttons, bumper stickers, yard signs and our mouths are the only evidence we have of our presence. We must allow ourselves to be heard if only to encourage the thousands of us who think they are almost alone.
I have never said you must confront people at work. I said you shouldn't be afraid to speak your mind, if you want to.And many people do make converts at work.But if you can't...that's up to you.
Tansy, you are not part of the group to which I was referring . You have been extremely visible and have never cowered and been afraid of displaying your convictions. It may not mean much coming from me, but I thank you. Your efforts are not unappreciated.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tomfodw]

28. I don't know any Kerry supporter...

...who is hiding it. I certainly am not. I talk about it with everyone I can. I'm sure just about everyone on DU is, too. This is where activists hang out. If you find your way here and read all the horrible truth about Bush, it's kind of hard to stay silent. It's the people who haven't found DU that I think may not understand.

[n2mark]

29. Quiet voters

Maybe there is more support for Kerry then the polls suggest. Another reason why not to listen to the polls.

I firmly believe there is an "underground support for Kerry"

Don't knock those who don't openly support Kerry, let those who are staying quiet surprise everyone on election day.

My advice to you, remember Dewey and Truman? Bet there were many people who did not commit.

Ah yes, the pollsters if they were to call me, I would not give an answer. I will be one of their "I don't know." My answer will be given on election day. Let the pollsters give the wrong info...and let them answer to their mistakes. Let them eat their words the day after election.

It will be the underground Kerry supporters who will help him win because the quiet ones will finally be heard. Those of you in DU know where I stand but the pollsters don't. I want to be placed as an undecided and keep the Shrubs guessing.

This is my saying to those who are on the edge, "Fool me once, don't ever, ever fool me again."

DU you are addictive, I think you are the greatest.

I am a senior for Kerry, a Catholic for Kerry, an ex-nun for Kerry a parent for Kerry, a caring person for our environment for Kerry, a retired college employee for Kerry and totally an unbeliever of the Iraq War!

KERRY YOU GO AND TRIM THAT SHRUB!

[Lerkfish]

30. I've been annoying coworkers since before the shrub stole the election...

I tried to tell them about neocons, I predicted that the way Bush shaped up his cabinet (all oil, military industrial complex or big business-connected) that he intended to start a war for oil.

They started chiding me as a conspiracy theorist...but as time went on, as one coworker said: "you know, I used to think you were a nut, but damn if everything you tried to warn us about didn't come true."

And I tell them I'd have rather been wrong.

[LittleClarkie]

37. I'm doing that now

I have a bet running with someone that if Bush gets in we go to war with either Syria or Iran, and the draft gets reinstated.

I don't want that $5.

I want the $5 I bet that Kerry will win, and it won't even be close. I'm ready to go double or nothing in the case of a landslide.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

34. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

36. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LittleClarkie]

35. I keep waiting to be keyed.

It is true, bumperstickers don't vote.

But just yesterday I took the "Real Deal" sign out of my car window and put a bumpersticker on my bumper instead.

Someone said that people are avoiding actually putting bumper stickers on their cars, and are taping them to the rear windows instead, because come November 3, they might be embarrassed to have the bumper sticker of a loser on their car.

So I figured actually attaching the thing to my car was a sign of loyalty in a way. A really small sign, but eh, it's something. I'm proud to be a Kerry Democrat either way.

My new theme song, from Dido
"I will go down with this ship.
I won't put my arms up and surrender.
There will be no white flag above my door.
I'm in love, and always will be."

[saracat]

38. What a wonderful post.Thank you!

[crispini]

39. My car is bumper stickered up

and I wear a button every day, all day. Even to work. I try to keep the politics a little quiet there, but my Out N Proud status has resulted in us forming a small coalition of D's there. And, I've gotten several more quiet thumbs up.

In Texas, mind you now!

Today I went to the dentist's office. the hygenist commented on my button, but it was a neutral comment, something like, "I see you're really getting into this election." With that response she was probably for Shrub, as Democrats tend to say "Migawd, I thought I was the only one!" so I just said something neutral like, "Yes, since we're having an election I thought I'd enjoy it." She then asked me about my job. I told her how lucky I consider myself to have a job as we had another round of layoffs not that long ago, some of my friends have been out of work for two years, and the company's looking at doing some outsourcing.

I hope she made the connection...

[Envisioned]

40. wait, you were what?

Chased with a gun? Tell us more.