It all started with 2 bumperstickers, a small kerry sign, and a t-shirt...

[AgadorSparticus]

I went to a precinct meeting this morning and wore my John Kerry Tshirt. On the way home, I thought I'd stop at the Post Office and pick up some voter registration cards for my neighborhood/possibly house party. I didn't think about my shirt but when I walked in, I got a couple thumbs up and comments. To make a long story short, I signed up 2 people and got them to volunteer with me (and I was only there for 5 minutes).

The older gentleman told me how bush slashed his gov't job and he is underemployed and hating life. One of the first things he asked me was about the polls and what I thought of the numbers. I saw the fear on his face and I told him that I don't believe the polls. I told him there is a big discrepancy between what I am seeing in turnouts and what others around the country are seeing as opposed to what is being reported. I told him he's not alone, that I have family in the same underemployed boat, and that the cunning media wants to do nothing more than instill fear and despair.

He looked very relieved to know that he isn't alone in this fight. I truly felt for him and understood where he came from. 7 months ago, before finding DU, I thought I was alone in the fight too. It is disheartening and depressing to be alone with your frustrations and fears. Sometimes, all it takes is just a little reassurance from a stranger.

I guess part of why I'm sharing this story (aside from it being kind of gloomy on DU lately) is that something as simple as throwing on a shirt can manifest more change than we sometimes are aware of or think can happen. I went to the car and got him a kerryzona.com sticker and some forms to fill out.

I then talked to another neighbor today who thought I was some bigtime Kerry Campaign organizer--all because I put up 2 bumperstickers, a yard sign, and wore a kerry tshirt in a part of town that is run amuck with bush stickers (thank you for the free kerry welcome packet). I am now in the formative stages of planning a medium to large size house party.

It is amazing what little steps can lead to...

[doni_georgia]

1. I always get positive response to my Kerry shirt, & I live in freeperville

I try to wear my Kerry gear whenever I am out running errands. I always get asked by people where they can get one. This wouldn't be so amazing except I live in the most Republican county in metro Atlanta. Don't believe the polls people - they lie!

[havocmom]

2. Lovely post! Action = Empowerment + Example

That is why the junta wants everyone paralyzed with fear and depression.
They are toast when We The People make it so; Rove & the corporate media be damned!

[glitch]

5. Exactly! And more people are realizing it every day! nt

[murielm99]

3. You are so right!

I wear my Kerry shirt, or a couple of buttons every time I do errands.

Even in repuke areas, I get a positive response. Sometimes it is quiet, or tenative, but it is there.

The other day, I was wearing my Kerry button and my Obama button. The grocery store clerk told me very quietly that she liked my buttons. I think she was afraid to say so too loudly.

We are making headway.

[Lex]

4. Thank you for posting your story.

It was great to read about what you experienced just by putting on a Kerry/Edwards T-shirt!

Awesome!

[AgadorSparticus]

7. you're welcome. We ARE making a difference and we are out

there. We are just not seen or acknowledged by the media. But it doesn't mean that we don't exist. Sometimes, I feel like we need to be reminded of that.

What struck me was how easy it was. I was hesitant at first thinking about all the nasty reactions I would get. but like Doni_Georgia, I haven't had really bad experiences either. I do get looks/stares or occasional honking but that tends to be about it. And there are plenty of republicans in my neck of the woods.

And the thing is, I find that people who are afraid to speak up, aren't so afraid when I tell them that there is a group of us doing something. The 2 people I met today are both willing to go with me to the next meeting and/or hold up signs at busy intersections. The 2 people I met at the rally are the same way.

I think this is how it starts: just 2 people talking and then others gravitate to you like metal to magnets. I NEVER thought I'd be hosting a party, calling people, organizing with my neighbors or walking my neighborhood. I am a very private person living in my own little world. I am like a hermit in the suburbs. Like I said, it's amazing what a couple little steps can do. And if I can do it, ANYONE can.

[txindy]

6. You're doing good work!

As you can probably see by my screen name, I live in the state that is going to have to take * back when he loses. I can live with that. Meanwhile, I, too, wear my Kerry shirt or a button everywhere I go and I have yet to get a negative response. I can hardly believe it, but it's true. I get positive comments from clerks in stores and quite a few other people I meet. I've even had someone roll down his window two lanes away in a parking lot just to yell that he liked my shirt and give me a big thumbs-up! It never fails to amaze me.

If it can happen here, it can happen EVERYWHERE! There is much more support than polls indicate. MUCH more.

[AgadorSparticus]

8. thanks. i believe it. where are you in TX? nt

to add: i used to live there and it's not all uberRW like everyone thinks. i went to school in the hill country and knew tons of environmentalists that liberals. ann richards is from there so it can't all be bad! :evilgrin:

[txindy]

10. Just like you,

the hill country. Yep, agreed about environmentalists and liberals heavy in the area, but many went rabid for Bush in '00. Many just because he was "from Texas." ?!?! I couldn't believe it. Seems most are appalled about that, now. Hey, as long as they're willing to admit and fix a mistake! Our whole area was lousy with B/C signs in '00. There are two now. Two.
:toast:

Jeez, I miss Ann Richards! She sure had * pegged! Come back, Ann! Pleeaase!!

[Minimus]

9. I wear a "Proud to be a Democrat" button

right beside my Kerry/Edwards button and I get a lot of compliments.

My family and I just went to Colonial Williamsburg for vacation and I had so many people from all over the country commenting positively on my button. I asked everyone that commented if they were registered and all said yes, several even spoke about their campaign work. I talked to several people from OH and a couple even had K/E buttons. They are really working on swinging that state to Kerry. One lady from OH said she was voting for Kerry but hoped Bush won because he has made such a mess she did not want a Democrat to be associated with trying to clean it up. I told her I understood her concern but we could not afford another 4 years of Bush, just think of the bigger mess. She did agree to that.

The staff at the sites (the ones in costume)complimented my buttons, after all other spectators were gone. One lady asked how long we were going to be in VA because they need more Democrats. I told her we needed more in NC too.

My mother wore a Seniors for Kerry Button, my sister wore a Democrat t-shirt. No one said anything negative, just support for Kery. It was a great experience.