Sidewalk activism

[pagerbear]

Just outside the place where I get lunch I saw two bright-looking college-age youngsters trying to enlist support for our cause with clipboards that said prominently "Beat Bush" on that back, and I could see the forms on the clipboards said "DNC" on them. It being summer in the city, one sees this sort of thing from time to time, either for political candidates or some other cause. I don't want to be rude to them, especially if I don't support their cause, but I'm hesitant to talk with them for the following reasons:

• I don't want to give my personal information or money to anyone who approaches me on the street.


• Often these people really work for some third-party fundraising enterprise. If I really want to support the cause in question, I can donate directly through a secure web site or snail mail.


• Sometimes these people are really hard to shake--they won't take no for an answer!

Am I being too cynical?

[tech3149]

1. You can never be too cynical

After 15 or so yrs in NJ, I know how many scams are out there.
( Sorry NJ, I know it's just as bad in most major population centers ) If they truly represent their stated cause, they should be willing to understand your concerns and offer alternatives for support. They also have to accept that they are intruding on your personal life. Don't feel bad about it, just consider how things would be if the situation were reversed.

[Speck Tater]

2. On the bright side

I was at the local farmers market this weekend (an affair that covers four city blocks here) and there was one "Defeat Bush" booth and a few rows over a "Kerry/Edwards" booth. There were no Bush booths in sight, and nothing but anti-Bush T-shirts among the crowd.