Charming the natives
This story ends with me speeding down the 490 East last night with bloody raw meat in the back of my car…
So I was sent out to Riga last night for the Churchville Lions Annual Regional Steak Roast. Sounds simple enough, go in, buy some food, mingle, talk shop. That was my first mistake. Apparently I needed to register ahead of time and apparently there is “no politicking” allowed at these events. I’m getting this anti-political vibe everywhere I go lately. What’s up with that? Anyway, I was told I’d be escorted out if I handed out one flyer. I almost titled this piece “Scaring the natives.”
Since my political plans were squashed I decided I’d mingle and eat chips and dip. The Regional Steak Roast brings together Lions chapters from all over the Riga area, including Hamlin, Brockport and a few other towns. I learned that the Lions sponsor a yearly six-week camp for disabled children in Spencer, New York, about 150 miles away, called Camp Badger, among other community services. I also learned that the Churchville Lions have an extensive Medical Loan Closet and that this chapter’s growth last year was robust. Community service is what the Lions are all about. Democrats can really get into that but sadly there were few Democrats in attendance. In fact, I may have been the only one amongst the Lions…
Deciding to keep my political persuasion to myself and just talk issues, I learned that most people really care about the same things: jobs, health care and the war. Only the mechanism of making things right was different, but not that different. In political discussions, the best way to persuade someone, in my opinion, is not to forcefully attack their position but instead approach the topic with an open mind, acknowledge flaws in both viewpoints and try to gain some sort of common ground. Open-mindedness and overt, thoughtful consideration of all angles goes a long way.
I tried this approach out on a young man in the hallway as I was about to leave. He asked me what I was doing here (since I was obviously not a native???) and there was my opening. I said “I originally came to campaign for Jon Powers, candidate for Congress in your district, NY-26, but I was told I couldn’t do that. So, now i’m here to eat potatoes and take pictures.” He looked puzzled and said “Well, is he a Republican?” My reply? “No, but he’s a good man with good ideas and we need more of that in Washington. You should come help me work for him here in Monroe County.”
The young man then whispered as he glanced around the room “But I’m a Republican!” I kept talking to him about Powers’ ideas and strengths and he said he might volunteer for him.
Thinking my work here was done, I was set to leave when several people stopped me at the door. My first thought was I’d broken the “no politicking” rule. Instead, a nice lady spoke up and said how nice it was to meet me and then “You can’t leave without taking your steak.” “Oh, that’s alright” I said. “I don’t eat steak.” But she was having none of that. “You go on in the kitchen and get your meat. You paid for it.”
Indeed. So I headed east with bloody raw meat in the back of my car, given to me by Lions.
Related posts:
- Democrats have “the kwan”
- NY-26: Konst to drop bid for Congress against Powers; mulling challenging Volker for State Senate instead
- NY-26: Behind the scenes at Jon Powers’ Campaign Headquarters
- Jon Powers: Boots on the ground
- Rochester and Buffalo/Niagara Praised by Powers (NY-26) for Low Carbon Footprint
It’s funny to hear younger voters “admit” their policitical stance, like it’s a disease (both Rep. and Dem. alike) I think it shows the old school type politician (like Tom Reynolds) who won’t support the other side, because they’re the other side. Not because of ideas and values. I think Jon Powers is a great candidate who Republicans can feel comfortable voting for because he just represents America, and what is good for America. He’ll work with both sides to achieve the best options for all Americans.
I agree that Powers will work with both sides.