Here in conservative country (suburban/rural Georgia), roughly 15% of my daughter’s elementary school enrollment (total enrollment: 811) did not hear the speech that President Obama delivered to students today. I got this number from the one of the school’s custodian who I’m friends (he counted 120 children in the gymnasium; where children went who didn’t participate). That percentage could be higher counting in absences. The custodian (who’s been working in this school district for over 30 years) said he has never seen anything like this (he’s a lifelong conservative Republican). His words:
One one hand, I’m excited by the citizen activism, especially after getting our butts (Republicans) handed to to us by Obama in November. On the other hand, I’m dismayed at how this activism was bred: with alot of nasty name-calling and viciousness.
From the local conservative activism forefront, I would say today was a good day (regarding my daughter’s school and probably many others in conservative country). With the Tea Party March On Washington coming September 12th, this could prove to be a galvanizing week for conservative activists (especially if the numbers in Washington are substantial).
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Speaking of the BIG Tea Party, if I were President Obama, I would make it a point to go out there and address the Tea Party protesters on September 12th. Get booed, get jeered, get heckled. But I would head on out there and address (with proper precautions) the Americans that came from far and wide to voice their concerns. President Obama has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Make the arrangements now. Contact the organizers of the Tea Party March On Washington. I think it would say much about you, in a good way, if you did.
I’m not complex. Don’t have time for all that. And all that complex stuff bad for the stomach. Just color me simple and plain with a twist.