First things first. Once again, I have to thank Cheeselord as the inspiration for my efforts. As I understand it, he is only 17 years old, and in my opinion, a genius! After reading his diary, I was moved to begin my personal "Had Enough?" Campaign. Beginning last Thursday, I began distributing my "Had Enough? Vote Democratic" bills to every shop, store, restaurant, and other business where I spent money. Here are some sample bills:
http://members.aol.com/...
The response has been remarkable. Here's one of them:
Paid for the carwash, and the clerk just looked at the bill. I smiled broadly..."I've had it. I can't stand Bush's policies anymore. This is my personal protest." The cashier, a young man in his early twenties, looked at me like I had two heads. But then, after a pause, he said, "My brother is in Iraq. My mother cries all the time. I wish he would come home." "Oh, God, how awful for all of your family," I said.
"Yeah...I hate that "f...ing" Bush. "Well, I replied, I'm working to do everything I can to see that the Democrats get elected and end this war. I hope your brother stays safe and comes home soon." He had tears in his eyes as he handed me my change and walked away. I must admit, I had tears in my eyes too.
Here's another: Next stop hair salon for a haircut. Gave them as a tip. My hairdresser just laughed. Then she began to tell me about how she works two jobs as does her husband. They are Hispanic, have 4 kids, two boys and a pair of 8 year old twins. She also cares for her mother at home and pays over $1,000 a month for her mother's medications. "We do what we have to." My mom has no place to go but with us."
I asked her if she knew what the repugs did with the new prescription drug plan. "Don't get me started on it." We called that phone number about 50 times and never got any help. They (repugs) don't care about regular people. Well, they better watch out. I vote, and they are never gonna see my vote again. I admit, I don't like the gay marriages, and I voted for them (repugs)last time. But, we can't live like this. I've got 4 kids. I don't know what we're going to do when school starts...new clothes, all the fees, and my car is falling apart. All they care about is keeping the Mexicans out. Well, I'm a citizen and I vote."
I've had few negative responses. Mostly indifference if they don't react positively. I suspect because they are in Customer Service positions and have to be polite. But, it doesn't matter really, because the bills are still "out there."
So here's the challenge to all of us. If you're already doing this, post and let us know what's happening, positively or not.
If you're not doing this, join us! I am so convinced of the positive impact this can have. If yor're like many of us, we read the diaries here and want to get involved, end our feeling of powerlessness....well, here's your chance.
Maybe you've wanted to donate to someone's campaign, but can't afford it. Well, you CAN afford this. We all spend money anyway. Let's make it have an impact.
Had enough?