Plain Speaking
Sign, sign everywhere a (political) sign.
It’s campaign season and other than the start of football season each fall, this is the season I look forward to the most.
Unfortunately, we only have statewide elections every four years so political junkies like myself have to savor each one like gold. After November, it will be a long, dry spell before we enter statewide politics again.
Actually, the fun part of the campaign is almost upon us: the primary. This is when you have numerous candidates (never enough for my liking) who are trying to get their party’s nomination for the general election later this year.
As I drove to various destinations in the Northeast Georgia area last weekend, you could tell it was political season because of the campaign signs that are beginning to decorate the highways and byways. To some people, these signs are nothing more than clutter or something that equates litter along the roadside.
For me, it’s the definition of what makes our country great. What could be greater than candidates taking part in open elections? What’s better than volunteers going out for the candidate of their choice and putting up campaign signs in hopes of catching a potential voter’s eye.
Campaigns have changed a lot through the decades. At one time, signs were a major part of spreading the word about a campaign, be it local or at the state level. Now, big-time campaigns put as much — if not more — time into websites than anything. While I realize websites are important in 2006, I hope the old-fashioned style of campaigning should never go away.
Even the well-funded candidates who are conducting statewide campaigns this year still realize the value of an old-fashioned sign. I’ve seen numerous signs for three candidates who are running for state agriculture commissioner. I’ve seen signs for candidates for governor and lieutenant governor.
No doubt over the next few weeks (we are now less than a month until the primary) we will see even more political signs in people’s front yards and in areas where there is heavy traffic.
Through the years, I’ve placed many signs in my front yard declaring support for the candidate of my choice in any number of contested races.
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Believe it or not, there are some people who would never do this in fear that someone might not like the candidate of your choice. I say, if you aren’t for the candidate I am voting for then put a sign of your own in your front yard.
As I said, this is what makes America great. We can agree to disagree about politics and candidates. We can do so without fear of action being taken against us (other than an occasional zealous supporter of another ballot qualifier who decides to take your sign.)
As we continue to get closer to July 18, remember to study the slate of candidates who are running at both the local and state levels.
I’m not someone who wears his patriotism on his sleeve, but I have always believed it was my civic duty to vote. I don’t care who you vote for, just go to your polling place and cast your vote. It’s something that can never be overvalued. It’s the definition of freedom, liberty and the American way. It’s what a countless number of Americans have died for.
We owe it to them, ourselves and the future of our county, state and country to do so.
Note: Monticello native Chris Bridges is a reporter and columnist for Mainstreet Newspapers, based in Jefferson. He welcomes comments on his columns which appear in The Monticello News. You can e-mail him at chris@main streetnews.com.
