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We've noticed the same thing here in ME. My wife and I think that some number of those whom voted for W last time are either deeply regretful or embarrassed about their vote. I see signs supporting 'the troops' as an avatar for 'being republican' or 'for George', but not much else. This is in the more 'conservative' other half of Maine, too.
I do think there's also some 'in your face' frustration/desperation and 'fire in the belly' activism by Dems, which is fine and dandy and needs to be encouraged.
While talking with the director of the local Dem electioneering office this last week about the availability of bumper stickers, buttons, etc, she said that they are focusing on getting people to HELP, not just wear buttons or slap stickers on autos. That's where they are putting their (our) money. A good idea, I think.
So don't be disappointed if you don't see many stickers/buttons. Call the local office and volunteer, as I just did. I gathered more names of volunteers at the National Folk Festival here in Bangor and also inputted the data into computer database. This is where the rubber meets the road to move this Demobile.
Any way you can help is appreciated. I had lots of folks ask me what they could do, not thinking that they had anything to contribute. I told them that I was told by the director that they need "all the help we can get". What you do, when you do it, how you do it, how much you do is flexible. ASK them what they need done; TELL them what you can do!
I worked with retired ladies inputting data, with kids too young to vote signing up volunteers and handing out sticker buttons, with moms calling up volunteers (from the lists) to come in to help, etc. That's how we get the work done. Lots of little people each doing a little bit.
So keep looking for the bumper stickers, but also ASK folks if they are helping the local campaign and TELL them what you're doing to help.
Sounds like participant democracy, to me.
PS My grampa lived down there in the winters for over 25 years. Up the coast in Nokomis. A Mass. snowbird. He liked the nice people there.
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