SlowpokeBlog

Did a "lit drop" for Jim Webb and Al Weed in a poor neighborhood of ramshackle trailer homes today. Talked to a discouraged older guy who said, "What's the use? They're all crooks." Then he started talking about how terrible the Iraq war is, looking as though he were about to cry. I tried to explain that Webb is a Vietnam vet who opposed the war from the beginning, and that he had to vote on Tuesday to vote to get rid of the crooks, but I didn't get the feeling I'd convinced him to go to the polls. It was a sad reminder that those most adversely affected by the Bush administration's policies are the least likely to vote. Canvassing neighborhoods like this, you get a clear sense of a feedback loop in which Republican policies hurt the poor, they feel even more powerless and detached from the political process, and therefore become even less likely to vote. The same with the smear ads -- they turn people off from politics altogether. The electorate grows to distrust all politicians, and by extension, government in general. Which always benefits the Republicans.

After droppin' science in the trailer park, I went to a rally downtown featuring former Gov. Mark Warner, who was a presidential contender until he bowed out recently. Fortunately, my camera was working this time (click to enlarge).


Warner did promise to run again for political office someday. Afterwards he mingled with the crowd and I got to shake his hand and mumble something about looking forward to voting for him again.

I've been hearing a lot of optimism from Democrats lately about this election, but I can't say I feel terribly ebullient myself. Given what has happened in this country, it should be a blowout. Yet many key races are neck-and-neck. As long as Fox News exists, about 40% of America will be in the stranglehold of a delusional reality, and I shudder to think of what dirty tactics will be employed on election day. Mr. Slowpoke's prediction is that the entry for earth may as well be deleted from the intergalactic encyclopedia. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't get out there and try to be a force for good. I worked alongside everyone from high school sophomores to grandmothers this weekend. You'll feel better if you do something!