Why are they both sharing a title headline?
Because they are both featured in alternative newspapers this week. Ben as mentioned earlier in the week was in the Toledo Free Press and he is also in this week's Toledo City Paper. It's an enjoyable read that I recommend, though I'm hungry for funnel cakes now...
Then we head over to "The View from BGSU University Hall" at Sojourner's Truth written by Jack Ford. This is also a recommended read and contains this bit of information:
The recent salute by the 100 Black Men of America (as reported in The Truth last week) to Ken Blackwell, candidate for governor of Ohio, may be a harbinger of other black-based organizations leaning towards Blackwell. Blackwell is an archon in the Alpha Phi Boule (an fraternity of professional men) and a 33rd degree Prince Hall Mason.
There are 10,000 Prince Hall Masons in Ohio and a thousand Boule members. I wonder if Blackwell can connect the dots.
I can't speak to the issue of race, however I do think it's important to realize how others feel. Chances are very great if Jack Ford is putting this in writing that others agree with him.
Keeping Your Belongings Safe Through Storms
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4 comments:
After reading Ben Konop's piece on showing love to political candidates at festivals, I must respectfully dissent. If I'm out trying to have a good time, and you're trying to get my vote, you're probably not going to get my vote because you're annoying me. I don't go to such events to be harassed by political candidates, I go to have fun and have a few drinks while experiencing the things that make Toledo great. The last thing I want is a "politico" annoying me.
In fact, two weeks ago to the day, I went to a mudhens game. I had an event there, and as such, the party started an hour before the game. While waiting in line to give my ticket to the person who takes tickets, somebody was passing out nail files for Lourdes Santiago. This person asked me if I was a Toledo voter. In response, I decided to lie and said no so this person would leave me alone because I don't go to a game to hear about politics. Frankly, the beer and food were free and I had worked all day and was in no mood to deal with someone passing out nail files. There are two reasons I didn't like this approach. The first is that I don't file my nails. I'm a guy, comeon. Second, of I wanted to talk to you, I would talk to you. Just back off.
I have realized over the last few months that politics isn't for me (meaning I will never run for anything). As a certain politician I know says, "you have to be savvy to be a politician." If you're not savvy and supporting the party line, you're screwed. I could never support a party line through and through because both parties are wrong, and I'm right. I'm sorry democrats and republicans, I'm better than you, especially the democrats. I guess my point is this... we need to elect people in office who aren't political savvy and really want to do the job. I will soon announce my endorsements for the 2006 General Election over at Progressive Toledo. It will surprise you.
Not to pick on you Kurt, but it's the "I don't want to be bothered" mentality that is part of the problem in this area. We want change, we want things to be different yet we want it when it is convenient for us. People who are campaigning for office need to get their message out. How else to do that then to make those brief few seconds of contact to at least have you hear of their name.
Come November, I'll be as sick of the rest of us when it comes to the barrage of political ads that will hit the tv and the radio. Yet I also know those few seconds are an attempt to get voters to make note of a name, a position, anything to make them hopefully take the next step and become informed about a candidate or a ballot issue.
So to me, running into a political candidate or one of their volunteers is just like the ads, part of a necessary "evil" to try to create change or for some to continue in office.
I'm not sure if I am even going to endorse anyone on the blog. Part of me feels for what I am trying to do here that it would be counter productive. My main goal at this point is to have as many people vote as possible but even more importantly to provide information. Especially on some of the candidates that aren't going to get as much media attention. That doesn't mean I am trying to tell you that I don't think you should, just stating why I probably won't. As for surprising me? Maybe, maybe not, I don't expect that all of us will agree on the same candidates. Whoever you decide you feel is who you want to support is your personal decision. It's not my place to take issue with that.
Kurt - I've always been especially sensitive to campaigning at festivals for the exact reason you state.
You can tell those who don't want to be bothered from those who are receptive to meeting you...of course, it's what you say when you meet them that makes the difference. Just introducing yourself and saying 'hi' goes over very well....a recitation of why you're the better candidate (without being asked first) doesn't.
Kurt,
You have that campaigning at public events/venues exactly right. However I would like to suggest a little lighter approach to the running for office issue; never say never… ;-)
BTW, you also have it exactly right about supporting any party line. Although politics and campaigning may never go away, a quick review of our nations political parties seem to suggest that, parties come and parties go,
(I can’t wait for your endorsements.)
Lisa,
”Not to pick on you Kurt, but it's the "I don't want to be bothered" mentality that is part of the problem in this area.”
Don’t be too hard on Kurt for his perceived attitude, I’m sure he meant to express, "I don't want to be bothered NOW." Surely you can see the difference. There are too few of us voters that try to be truly informed, as evidenced by our current office holders. Yet, there is a proper time and place for campaigning, like when we WANT to pay attention. I just wish that more of us wanted to watch and listen then.
As for endorsing candidates, you say you don’t think endorsing would be good for you, but your blogs already indicate (quite heavily) which way you are leaning. So, whether directly or otherwise, our writings telegraph unspoken our endorsements, whether we like it, or not. This is just how it is.
Maggie,
Sounds to me like you’ve got this campaigning figured just about right. Too many politicians exude too much ego and can’t see the signs of a non receptive voter.
Waterville Democrat,
In your comments about racists and voting, you left out the blacks (also mistakenly referred to as African-American) that would never vote white, when a black candidate is on the ballot for the same spot. Just another flavor of racism…
As for me, it’s all about the ideas and never about party, having disavowed any association with any of them. And, I probably wouldn’t be appreciative of most candidates hitting me up for my vote when I am attending what is essentially a party (not political). Now, if greeted by a candidate, and I had a question or comment, that would be my choosing.
:-?
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