So I'm gabbing with my secretary and she's such a big Kerry supporter that she's block captain or something like that and goes door-to-door every weekend with lawn signs and bumper stickers trying to drum up the faithful and maybe turn one or two fence sitters.
She tells me that she's bringing her young son along so that he can witness democracy in action.
I too am involved in politics, although in a slightly different way. Each election season those I work with, those I work for, and those with whom I'd like to work solicit my contributions to their favored candidates, Democrats and Republicans.
Of course, this being a free country, I'm under no obligation to give. And, of course, this being a free country, they're under no obligation to keep me employed or to hire my company or give me the time of day in the future if I choose not to give. So, presented with offers I can't refuse, I often find myself flushing my hard-earned dollars down into the political system, sometimes giving to competing candidates.
None of this has anything to do with politics or issues, of course. It's just about placating those in power by paying monetary tribute that they in turn can pass along to their favored candidate, much like the old charitable shakedown that bedevils me between elections.
Anyways, after talking with my secretary, I imagine what it would be like if I brought my seven year-old daughter along with me so that she could witness my democracy in action.
"Daddy, why do we have a Bush lawn sign and a Kerry lawn sign?"
"Because in order to keep powerful people happy Daddies need to play both sides of the fence, dear."
A valuable lesson, indeed, but one I think I'll spare her until she's at least ten.
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