Registering Voters

Elyn and I just got back from a three-hour stint of voter registration for the Obama campaign. In two sessions we have registered nearly thirty voters here in New Mexico. So far, only one has registered as a Republican. Several have wanted to register as "Green" but they can't participate in the primaries in New Mexico unless they are registered as either Democrat or Republican. Of course, the Obama campaign has chosen the local Co-op grocery store as a location, so the Republicans are probably shopping at the big food chains.

We get many interesting comments from people passing by. Many thank us for being there and many smile and tell us they are already registered and planning to vote. A few try to ignore us and one even said, “None of your damned business" when we asked if his voter registration was up to date. People stop and visit and ask many questions, some of which we can answer. People want to know about absentee ballots, how to register their automobiles, obtaining drivers licenses, etc. Elyn will call county offices to try to find any information that we are asked that we don’t know.

We see it as our small way of trying to return democracy to this proto-fascist theocracy. As for the obvious preference of Democrats for wholesome, locally grown and organic food, I say here is a new progressive strategy. Let’s not tell the Republicans about our food choices. Keep them eating fast food and shopping at the big chains. If we can’t beat them when it comes to money, maybe we can at least outlive them. My slogan for the day is, “Let’s outlive the bastards!”