I've taken to think of it as a gift, particularly useful in crowds or on subways. I have a knack for repelling people away - no, not with my ugly mug, but with a distinctly nasty glare. Many have told me it's scary to see it in action, and there was once a time when I tried to control it, for use at will, though I can't say I've been sucessful; every now and then, it slips out when I'm not paying attention.
Like this morning, walking through Westfield, NJ again. I had just finished voting (up at the crack of dawn and I was still only number 6 in line!), and was all worked up. I got my morning coffee and shot the breeze with the cafe crew (they think we're in for monkey business) then headed home. I decided to take the underpass at the train station.
And there they were; the Kean cortege all in a mob, with assorted photographers and hangers on. Probably two dozen at the least. It gave me a laugh, since on the one side of the track were all of 3 trying as best they could to get anyone interested in taking a flyer. On the other side of the track were everyone else, seeing off the NYC commute crowd, and huddling around their man. I thought, "Well, the moon is full, so they might just pull this off if enough of the crazies come out today," and in I plunged ready for a fight.
My nasty glare must have kicked in, since it is the only way to account for what happened. Not a single one of them approached me. Not one had anything to say, nor even wanted to hand me a flyer. While I was certain that I would end up like so much dead meat in the midst of these jackals, I was perfectly safe.
How funny to see the 'dittohead' mentality in action. They are comfortable in packs, speaking with those who are like minded, and are more than happy recruiting others already ripe to their way of thinking. But be something different, something contrary, something other than a suit, tie and six-figure salary, and they have no idea what to do with you.
I caught the eye of one photographer, he looked like he saw an opportunity, but didn't know how to take advantage of it. I kept moving.
I've long prided myself on being an 'independent' voter, with no party affiliation. For the first time ever today, I voted a party ticket. Kean, Jr. might have been saddened to hear it, if he was really interested in getting the opinions of all potential constituents.