More Signs of the Times
I’ve been on the road more than normal this week…both to rural areas, downtown Des Moines, and it seems, everywhere in between.
I noted here a week or so ago that I had not seen many campaign yard signs around, especially for Republicans. After my road time this week, I can say I saw a few more Republican signs than in the past…but again, overall, far fewer signs than I recall from past campaigns at this time, barely two weeks out.
Fine by me; they really are the definition of “visual clutter”. But we have used them to gauge strength of candidate or party in the past.
There are yards with signs for every candidate of a certain party, so those folks are proud and clear about where they stand.
But I have to wonder in this needlessly hypercharged political atmosphere if some folks are keeping things to themselves–not because they aren’t secure in their choices, blue or red–but because they just don’t want to hear about it from someone in person or on line.
That’s a step back for us, I’m afraid…if we aren’t able to rationally discuss differences in policy without childish name calling. Some of the current crop take that to a new level, and I don’t think we’re better for it.
Hopefully, the lack of public declarations for candidates in and around those inflatable Halloween decorations in our front yards does not mean a lack of informed voting coming November 5th.
