Well, this morning was interesting. Today, I volunteered with the RCGR at the Reston Farmers' Market to help get the word out about McCain. I made sure I didn't wear blue, just in case, and drove on over. My supervisor, Harry, and the RCGR have a table there every weekend with information brochures, bumper stickers, yard signs, etc that support McCain but also other people like Gilmore and Wolf. He also gives out information on absentee ballots as well. What's funny is the table next to a bus stop bench, and on the other side of the bench are the Obama people. I just found it kinda funny. It was like the dividing line of war or something. Anyway, at first it was really slow. Although quite a few people were at the market, they pretty much just walked pass the table. Harry pointed out this guy to me at the market who organizes the whole thing I guess, and he's also a staunch democrat. So basicaly, he never gave us a glance. Fine dude, be that way. After about 20 minutes or so, things started to pick up a little bit. I started noticing more people coming over to grab a "Veteran for McCain" sticker or other stuff. Although, by just looking at the people shopping, it was totally evident how liberal Northern VA is. I saw a lot of little old ladies with their Obama buttons on, which are kind of tacky, but whatever. I was able to recruit a few more volunteers and I think some people, although they didn't exactly say it, were glad to see I was there, because hardly any youth care about what's going on. Since we've been studying liberal and conservative areas in the country in class, I found it really interesting to meet a New England man from Massachusetts. He was telling us how happy he was the see the table because up in New England, it is Obama-Country. He seemed almost relieved and it was pretty cool to meet someone whose different from their surrounding society. This man was staying in Reston with his Republican brother who walked over to the table wearing a "No-bama" shirt. Again, I think anything political that is apart of fashion is super tacky, but at least it supports a cause. With him, he had his daughter and he asked her "What does Daddy's shirt say?" And she replied "NOBAMA!" Well, there's political socialization for you.
Although the Democrats were practically right next door, they were pretty nice...ish. We kind of got the stink-eye from some, and I just stood thinking can't we all be friends!!??" Ugh.
Later this middle-age lady dressed all in pink was with her sister who wanted to come by our table. The pink lady was a Democrat, and her sister was a Republican. She kept telling her sister "Don't take the stickers!" But her sister didn't listen. The pink lady then went on to complain about Palin and said "I just don't understand how she can see Russia from her house!" She was serious, too. I just let Harry handle that one.
Overall, it was really interesting because it restored my faith that we still have a large amount of Republicans in this area. The people I met, as you have read, were also interesting. One lady just said, "I'm voting for McCain, but it's up to the Lord." She also said we should get rid of Congress...hmmm. There were others who kept saying how we just can't let Obama get into the White House. It opened my eyes to the people who are really serious about this. Being just a teenager, this election does not effect me as much as it effects all the men and woman with families and careers. People are really serious about this. To some, whoever gets into office is the be-all end-all for them. It was like...whoa. Some do go a little overboard, but they have a purpose and they are doing what they can to see it through. I'm looking foreward to my next weekend there, and I'll also have pictures next time.
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