I live in a tiny town, deep New-Hampshire-conservative, live-free-or-die territory. The parents of New Hampshire's Republican party live in town. People are passionate-to-loony about their politics. In fact, a number of Obama/Biden signs have been stolen and/or RUN OVER by McCain/Palin crazies.
But our town also esteems the old traditional values of courtesy, honesty, hard work and achievement. Neighbors help neighbors and the whole town contributes to a scholarship fund for successful high school grads to go to college.
Yesterday, talking to our town Democratic committee leader, I was amazed to find that two died-in-the wool old righties - great old ladies, had called up to ask for Obama signs.
Why, I asked my friend, would Betty and Virginia have switched? They are both members of the founding families in town, feisty dames who would defend their conservative values to the grave. They go to town meeting and vote against every penny in the budget that they think is wasteful. They have voted Republican since Eisenhower, and are proud of it. Why the switch?
My friend answered that she had asked both women -- who, incidentally, called independently, and didn't know the other one was doing the same. Betty and Virginia both had two words: "Sarah Palin". Betty was insulted that McCain would think she'd fall for this "floozie". Virginia was downright scared of being in Palin's hands if the need arose. Both of them were appalled at the Palin rallies and their dangerous invective.
If Betty and Virginia have wrestled with their loyalties and history, and have gone so far as to declare their decision ON THEIR LAWNS, then how many others are lurking in silence, but will cast their votes for Obama in NOvember?
I see a landslide coming in our town -- 800 votes for OBAMA? It's a drop in the bucket, but it's a drop in the right bucket. You can steal my sign, or run over it, but you can't silence me on November 4th.