Bernie's crossover appeal not only transcends Party; it also reaches across the Pearly Gates.
My town has an
All-American Anyone Can Join, Fabulous, Fantastic Fourth of July Parade where all you do is show up and you're in the parade. The only rule is that walkers are first and vehicles are last. Those with ponies, llamas and greyhounds follow the walkers, shovels in hand. I have marched in this parade for the past four years under one progressive banner or another. This time I was there for Bernie.
Occupy schooled me on how to just put together a sign and go. All I had was the date and I went with that. I wasn't looking forward to the walk in the sun on the hot pavement; however, I spotted Cheyne on one of our three Pedicabs and rode in style like a parade princess!
Like Cheyne said, our float was a real crowd pleaser. It was great fun to see people read the sign and just light up. All I had was the date, so when I saw that thumbs up or interest, I would just tell them to watch the community calendar for the place.
It's a good thing I don't have a venue yet because I have to keep ramping up the estimated crowd. I had abandoned my plan to have it in a local deli and am now thinking of the library meeting room which can hold ninety.
I went to Trader Joe's last night wearing my We Want Bernie button to make a quick trip for a few last minute goodies for the Fourth. At the checkout stand, the three 20-something clerks (one with dreadlocks) almost mobbed me. I told them about the public MeetUp on the 29th and they want--very much--to go.
Judging from the response of the parade watchers, that library room is beginning to look a little small.