Yard sign & bumper sticker question

[southlandshari]

I live in Auburn, and travel all over central Alabama for work, and am curious about whether some of you see what I see...

Lately, I have seen a lot more Kerry-Edwards bumper stickers than those for Bush-Cheney. It seems like the increase is dramatic in recent weeks. Maybe it is because I'm more likely to notice a K-E bumper sticker or sign, or because I'm so used to the B-C ones that I tune them out. Whether or not the K-E bumper stickers actually do outnumber the B-C signs, the significant increase in the number of cars and yards showing support for the Dem ticket is undeniable.

I'm sure Bush supporters in states like ours are taking for granted that they'll win by a landslide. Don't get me wrong - I harbor no illusions that our state will ultimately go Republican in the presidential race come November. But I sure would like to see a dramatic narrowing of the gap between votes for Bush and Kerry in our state. And I see signs that may well happen.

Keep up the good work, local county chapters!

[Nocturnes]

1. In Alabama as well

I live in Tuscaloosa. There are a lot more Kerry/Edwards signs in yards than * ones. On cars though I see more of the opposite.

Anecdote: I was at rally at UA last week. A couple of young women there told of harrassment and vandalism from ReThugs in their dorms. Seems they are the only Demms there

[Warpy]

2. I'm surprised anybody in Alabama has the guts

to put up Kerry signs. I drove the length of the state last fall during the height of the Roy Moore idiocy, and I have to tell you that Alabama took the prize for the most poisonous radio in the whole south.

I turned lefty in a sea of southern Baptists in NC, and I thought I was tough. You guys have me beat six ways from Sunday.

[JessicaEast]

3. Noticed the Same

I've noticed the same in Auburn. At the Auburn College Dems meeting, we had 200+ people show up, and we pretty much sold every piece of material we had for Kerry, all our club Tshirts, everything. After that I saw a big jump in stickers and signs. Hopefully every meeting we have (as well as the Lee Co Dems) will increase the showing a bit more. Let's give Bush as narrow a lead as possible. Wouldn't it be great if we forced him to spend precious campaign money here just to be sure it went for him?

[southlandshari]

4. The fruits of your labor!

You guys are doing a fantastic job, Jessica! I plan to be at the next Lee Co. Democratic Party meeting (week from today, right?). Hope to see you there!

[BamaLefty]

5. A Question

I applied for a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker in June and it still hasn't come. Any thoughts?

[Nocturnes]

6. Where in AL are you?

I can mail you one if you like

[BamaLefty]

9. address

p.o. drawer 1128
andalusia, al 36420

THANKS A MILLION!!! :-)

[Nocturnes]

10. On the way

I have one in the mail for you!

[BamaLefty]

11. Appreciation

I really appreciate you doing that for me Nocturnes. Just know that it is people like you that will help elect John Kerry to the White House. Thanks man, BamaLefty.

[marano]

8. I got an extra one.

Send me your address and I will gladly mail it to you.

[marano]

7. Noticed it also.

I still see a lot of Bush/Cheney stickers but I have noticed that Kerry stickers are starting to pick up. The Bush stickers I hate the most are the small black ones that say "W" the President.

[Syrinx]

12. I don't see that many of either, but

I would say I see about 2 Kerry stickers for every bush sticker. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come. But more realistically, probably more people will vote for bush even though they're not really enthused about the guy. Time will tell. Go Kerry!

[BamaLefty]

13. I disagree

I see way more Bush/Cheney stickers than Kerry/Edwards ones. I will say that I don't live in a very big town (12,000 people) but even when you go to B-ham, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery... those awful "W-The President" stickers are on almost every car. At least were trying, and hopefully I'm wrong.

[Syrinx]

14. most of the Bush stickers I see are from 2000

I'm in Tuscaloosa, and I just don't see many Bush-Cheney '04 stickers. Maybe I'm just lucky. ;)

[Nocturnes]

16. Hey syrinx9999

Do you get down the the HQ at all?

[Syrinx]

17. I went to the Dem hq last Friday

I was going to get some stickers and buttons. But nobody was there. I waited around for a while, but finally gave up.

[Nocturnes]

18. Short staffed

There is probably nobody there at the moment either. I am there mornings during the week, we do have stuff to give away but keeping the place staffed is problematic.

Of course, if you know of anyone who could help with that...

PM me, I may have some stuff I can give you anyway

[Syrinx]

19. I went back this afternoon

I got a couple of buttons and bumper stickers. They were out of yard signs. A very nice lady was there, but I forgot to ask when they expect the signs to come in. Do you know? Thanks for your kindness.

(Oh yeah. Something the lady said upset me a little bit. I asked her if she thought Kerry or Edwards would be making any public appearances in the state. She said probably not since they don't have a hope of carrying Alabama. While just maybe that's true, that's not the right attitude for Dem headquarters to be showing. Even in Alabama.)

:hi:

[Nocturnes]

21. Ouch

That is a terrible attitude to be putting forth to people here. I don't suppose you know who it was? I will bring that up anyway.

We have expected signs in for a while now - since at least Thursday. One of the biggest problems, of course, is that they keep getting stolen from people's yards. We were told we ought to have had them by Thursday or Friday of last week. Hopefully they will be there when I get in this morning - or maybe this afternoon. I will let you know via the forum when we do though.

Anyways, if you make it back down to get any, I will be the guy with the English sounding accent and long hair. And I will not be putting out pessimism. We could carry Alabama if we can get enough people to the polls on the day. This state is not quite so conservative as people think.

[Syrinx]

22. I don't know her name

And I really didn't have a lot of eye contact with her. But to the best of my memory, she was an attractive middle-aged lady with blonde hair. As I said, she was very friendly, but I was disappointed with her pessimistic attitude.

"English-sounding?" Does your last name start with a "B?" :mysterious grin:

[Syrinx]

26. Just to clarify: b had nothing to do with a bush

I was once acquainted with some English people in Tuscaloosa.

I met Humphrey Osmond too. Albeit accidentally. ;)

[southlandshari]

23. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I can't tell you how happy it made me to read the last paragraph of your post about the possibility Alabama could actually "carry Kerry" (how's that for a catchy, campaign theme?).

I know the odds are stacked against us. I know that nearly everyone in our own party outside this state (and many - if not most - here at home) have written off any hope of turning our state "blue" again.

I don't care. I was born and raised in this state, so I know better than any pollster or political analyst what can and can't be accomplished.

And I say, even if we go down red as usual, let's go down fighting!!!

History is full of surprises and magic - why couldn't Alabama's amazing switch from Republican to Democrat in a presidential election become a reality in 2004? For goodness sakes - the only thing that stands between that as a fantasy and reality is us.

Get thy rear ends out and register voters! I am, and I am recruiting as many others to get on board as possible. I am too old to be naive about the challenge ahead, but I refuse to be cynical, resigned or self-defeating!

[Nocturnes]

24. I hear that

Talk to as many people as you can. If we could get the people who usually don't vote, to go do so, we could make an enormous impact. Register people
Drive them to the polls on election day
Tell them why this is so important - especially this year
I am not saying I believe in miracles - but we could make a difference.

It is worth it

[BamaLefty]

25. Try 2008

I am not trying to sound like a pessimist, but it is hard to think otherwise. Alabama has not voted for a Democrat Presidential Candidate since Jimmy Carter won AL back in 1976. John Kerry cannot win Alabama on November 2nd... he can make it close and give us some liberal momentum heading into 2008. We can starting working today by doing the little things. With that I mean, getting people registered (mainly young African-Americans as well as other young voters), putting a Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker on our car, telling our friends, etc. We can make it happen for the Dems here in Alabama. I am sick and tired of seeing 80% (?) of elected State officials being Republicans. We can have a Democratic presence in Alabama, and it would be for the people instead of the big corporations. We can win Alabama, and put our 9 electoral votes back in the hands of which they came... the Democratic Party. Only we can make it happen though.

[vajraroshana]

15. I'm in Huntsville

and I haven't seen a single Kerry/Edwards bumpersticker or yard sign. Not surprising either. A friend told me of a high school kid she knows that has a lot of liberal message bumber stickers as well as K/E stickers on his car and he gets constant harassment at school and has his car vandalized almost daily (keyed, egged, mirrors and antenna bent).

[EMAN51]

20. Former Huntsville resident

says "Hi y'all". Now living in SoCal and proudly displaying my Kerry bumper stickers/yard signs. I used to live on Drake Ave. and went to Randolph in the mid-70's. Great place to grow up. :dem:

[SouthALdem]

27. Same thing here in Mobile

I'm seeing those "W" stickers here and there but tons of Kerry bumper stickers and signs.

[artboy]

28. Hi all

I live and Dothan and have seen Bush crap everywhere...I have no idea where the local Dem Hq is and how I go about getting a Yard sign, car sticker...etc...I would truly love one. Most folks in my neighborhood have the Bush/Cheney signs,,I would love to have a Kerry sign,,,just to stir the pot, heheheh, any help would greatly be appreciated!!

:( :( (shamfully)...I must confess I have never been politically motivated to vote/participate..nothing....and again I must very shamefully say I am 40 years old. (I've had 20+ years of voting rights in my hand..and basically pi**ed them away)

I always just sat back and took what was handed to me. For 8 years things were pretty good (Clinton days) then when GW came into office my awareness drastically changed. I challenge people all the time in regard to there political view. I read many forums/websites and try to see both side of every story. I have lost a few friends over this (political stance)...primarily we have agreed to disagree..This year is DIFFERENT!!!I am very motivated and would very much like to do some type of volunteer work locally for this cause. Any help from anyone would be very much appreciated.

Lee

[Nocturnes]

29. Hi artboy - details below

The county chair for your area is as follows:

Mr. Jared Forrester
106 Rainbow Dr.
Dothan 36303
334-673-0123
334-696-3363
[e-mail]

Sorry I am not sure where the HQ is down there but I am sure that the county chair can help you

[artboy]

30. Thank You

very much.....:) :thumbsup:

[BamaGirl]

31. I'm in Dothan too

I've seen ONE K/E sticker. Pretty sad. I think I'll contact the local chair.

~~BamaGirl

[Nocturnes]

32. It is worth doing

I know it is tough - and the county chairs are finding it so as well. Most of the campaigning in Alabama is being done by volunteers and funded by local organisations.

But it is worth it. People say we cannot win Alabama. Maybe that is true. But we are sure as hell going to give it our best shot. At the very least let's turn it into a swing state.

Alabama does not belong to the reThugs. Many people have have simply been overexposed to the right-wing propaganda machine. This has not been helped by the hijacking of the Southern Baptist Convention some years ago by the radical right. There was once a time when this was a liberal church. Hell, I am an atheist and I can see the effects of this all around me.

We need to let people in our state know that Democrats have not given up on them, that we will take back that which is ours - freedom and compassion. We need to know that we will fight to get real jobs created. We need to let them know that we will not send their children and their grandchildren to die for oil.

Hope is on the way

[BamaGirl]

33. So sad about the SBC

My Mom (also a Dem) and I have been fighting about this for years. I won't go to church anymore. They've taken over my church, adding insult to injury as it were.

I'm from Ga, so I don't know Al electoral history very well. But Clinton took Ga in 1992, so I don't see why the national party can't take Al now. There are two problems as I see it. One the take over of the SBC by the right wing, and two the vilification of the word liberal. It doesn't help that we are basically ignored on this end of the state either. I haven't heard one word about state elections down here.

~~BamaGirl

[Nocturnes]

34. I can send you

some stuff on local people (Sowell etc) and of course the judges standing for State Supreme court and Court of Civil Appeals.

If you would like that then email me:

nocturnes(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Hopefully that email is spamproof now - replace the words in brackets with the symbols

[BamaGirl]

35. Thx!

Sent you an email!

BamaGirl

[BamaLefty]

38. And we can win them!

Man, we have a helluva crew running for State wide offices this year on the courts. I think that Robert H. Smith is a shoe in, and I think that Judge John Rochester, Sharon Yates, and Roger Monroe will all win as well. Here are some sites:

http://judgerochester.com

http://robert-h-smith.com

[southlandshari]

40. John Rochester is great!

He spoke to my local Democratic county chapter recently, and I was very impressed. He was genuine and passionate, and declared that he was in no way a "hang dog Democrat," not at all ashamed to stand by his party or his principles.

Not common rhetoric around our fair state, where Democrats run from the term "liberal" and usually duck anything resembling a question about Roy Moore, the Ten Commandments or morals in general.

[BamaLefty]

45. Right On!

Judge Rochester is an awesome man, and he will make a great Supreme Court Justice as well. His bio is similar to that of John Edwards'. Anyway, Rochester wins by 10% or more.

http://judgerochester.com

[lforbus]

56. Calhoun County Dem Event 10/21

Calhoun County Democrats will be putting on an event Thursday Oct 21 from 5 p.m. til 7 p.m. at Oxford Lake, Oxford AL (email me for directions). This event is free and open to everyone. Judge Rochester will be there along with Bill Fuller. Hot dogs from the grill as well. Email: [e-mail]

[southlandshari]

36. Just want to reiterate my original message

that started this thread. I continue to be impressed and inspired at the number of Kerry-Edwards bumper stickers I am seeing in the area I travel daily for work, the Auburn/Opelika area in particular.

I see very few yard signs from either side, perhaps it is too early for that. But there is a significant increase in visibility on our side on the roads around here. I see K-E stickers on cars of all shapes and sizes, driven by people of all colors, age, gender, etc...

There are clearly more people willing to make their Democratic choice known publicly in this election than ever before (in my lifetime, anyway). This is wonderful!

[artboy]

37. Another Dothanite!!!!!

Hey BamaGirl!!!

"I've seen ONE K/E sticker. Pretty sad. I think I'll contact the local chair.

~~BamaGirl"

Yes...very sad....The new Kerry/Edwards HQ I think is downtown across from Sears, by Mc'eee Dees.......wife saw it yesterday setting up she suspects....I want some signs and whatnot for distribution

[BamaGirl]

46. Great news!

I was getting worried about Dothan. I'll go by there tomorrow.

~~BamaGirl

[BamaLefty]

39. How did Auburn/Opelika vote in 2000?

I think I remember seeing the whole section of central Alabama being blue. Auburn might have been just to the north of this area, but I somehow think they went for Gore in 2000. Do you know if this is true?

[southlandshari]

41. very interesting data for Alabamians

According to a quick google, Lee County went for Bush over Gore about 1.5:1 in 2000. Very interesting. I don't think the results will be the same this November. If I was a betting person, I'd bet on Kerry, by a slim margin, in my county this year. Even if Bush wins our county this year, it won't be by much.

Some quick "facts" (I haven't checked with independent sources on their accuracy) on county-by-county voting in 2000....


http://www.usatoday.com/news/vote2000/cbc/map.htm

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/results/AL/P.county.html

[southlandshari]

42. A bit more detail on county by county voting in 2000

Can be found here:

http://www.sos.state.al.us/downloads/dl2.cfm?div1=Elections%20Division&types=Data

[BamaLefty]

44. Covington County...

Bush-8,961
Gore- 4,440

It will be much closer this time. A very narrow Bush win. But again, we'll keep our fingers crossed.

[BamaLefty]

43. Thanks Shari

I could have sworn the Lee went for Gore.. but oh well. You have mentioned Central Alabama showing up blue this year. Well just keep our fingers crossed.

[southlandshari]

47. We are doing all we can in Lee County!

If Bush wins here, it will be by a MUCH smaller margin than in 2000. Lots and lots of efforts going on - AU Democratic Club and Lee County Democratic Party Chapter are doing great work. League of Women Voters starts voter registration push tomorrow!

[southlandshari]

48. Have to repeat myself yet again

I continue to be excited by the number of Kerry-Edwards bumper stickers I am seeing in my community! Just for the heck of it, we counted bumper stickers in the parking lot of our local Kroger this evening, and after walking the entire lot, came up with EIGHT K-E stickers and FIVE B-C (or "W") stickers. I can't describe how significant this is for a community like mine.

I do still see Bush-Cheney stickers, but at least half of them are holdovers from 2000. Most new B-C bumper stickers I see are the very, very discreet "W" window stickers, as if Republicans are ashamed to proclaim their preference to the general public.

My five-year-old daughter is thrilled whenever she sees a K-E sticker like the one on our car (our family's first EVER political bumper sticker). She loves to roll down the window and give a thumbs-up to other cars supporting our ticket, and (with my permission) approaches people in parking lots with K-E stickers to congratulate them on their good taste!

Maybe I'm just seeing what I want to see. But I swear, in my 35 years growing up in the South, I have NEVER seen such visible support for a Democratic presidential candidate as I am seeing right now.

KEEP IT UP, FRIENDS!

[speakfree]

49. I'm in Huntsville

and I have to say that I am seeing more Kerry-Edwards signs than I had even hoped. My DH is a defense contractor and we see them on the the cars in the parking lot at work. Many people have told him that they support Kerry but are not brave enough to display a sticker.

Lots of K-E stickers on cars in the line at school. I am very encouraged.

[artboy]

50. whoo-hoo

I just put 2 signs up in my yard....and I actually put my name on a volunteer list
There are probably 20 - 30 * & Cheney signs in my neighborhood...stands to reason...each one of them is Dr..Lawyer...or other prominent figure head in the community..me..Im just a pot smoking...draft dodging liberal...heheheh NOT).....oh...the neighbors are gonna be pissed now...

hahahahahahahahah

:)

Lee
Dothan, AL

[BamaLefty]

51. I'm surprised the Dothan lawyers are for Bush

Where does Steadman Shealy stand?

[BamaGirl]

53. Hey Lee

Has the office downtown been open? I've gone by a couple of times and it's always closed. My husband is DPD and he checks for me when he is town on shift and hasn't seen it open yet.

"There are probably 20 - 30 * & Cheney signs in my neighborhood...stands to reason...each one of them is Dr..Lawyer...or other prominent figure head in the community..."

You must live on the north side of town lol. :D We are outside the circle on the Medical Center side. My husband usually works the Flowers side of town. He says the B/C signs are breeding over there. I don't get it. My Mom is a lawyer (not here, we're from Atlanta) and she doesn't know ANY lawyers for Bush. All the big firms here are medical malpractice/product liability firms. Surely they realize Bushco would like to put them out of business. :shrug:

[artboy]

54. Yea..

We live in the Garden District....I know a few Dr.'s who have the signs...Lawyers??? I believe there are 2 that I know of...only because I saw their donation$ on a site where you type in your address and zip and it gives you a list of the people around you that have contributed to their parties choice (D) or (R). I will try and send the link this pm...Im at work now and the info is on home computer..

Funny thing we may have some of the same friends..I know a few cops :hippie:

The office was open yesterday...10-5 I think is the hours...they dont have alot of voluteers to man the office during the day...there is a Phone # on the sign outside..maybe your hubby can write it down and you can call um...

See ya
:headbang: Lee

[BamaLefty]

55. The lawyer thing has me pissed...

It makes me hate Repubs! :smile:

:kick:

[BamaLefty]

52. Well, I am in South Alabama....

and in my school we have 4 Kerry stickers to 2 Bush. So it must be paying off down here.

We have Kerry stickers on every car that we have, and my grandad has a Vets 4 Kerry on his truck. It'll pay off.

:kick:

[bamacrat]

57. Not where I am

I attend The University of Alabama, and used to always view tuscaloosa as a progressive town, and while it may be, there is a large majority of the students here who have "W" stickers all over their cars. For some reason it seems that mostly the frat boys and sorority girls are the ones who advertise their close mindedness.

[BamaLefty]

58. The DKE house "W-The President" Sticker

The DKE house had a "W-The President" Banner for the UA/Ole Miss game. And yes, UA is full of Bushwacked frat boys.

Bigotry & Racism. Point blank.

[InternalScrutinizer]

59. I used be one of those frat boys

And though I wasn't all that political at the time, the venomous conservatism bothered me to no end. That culture is one of widespread racism and cronyism. Unfortunately those are the type of people who "inherit" Alabama politically. The good news is, most of the people from the powerful families were idiots and more interested in cocaine than academic pursuits. Hmmm, sounds familiar....

I'm not sure what my point is other than maybe to say that there consolation in the fact that not all the mindless fraternity and sorority people grow up to be republicans.

And btw, in the big picture, Tuscaloosa is not a progressive town by any stretch ;)

[southlandshari]

60. Welcome to DU, InternalScrutinizer!

I grew up with many of your fellow frat brothers in the South (and their counterparts in the sorority system), and still count many as close friends today, though it was never my scene. So rest assured there are folks who understand that intelligent life can be found on Fraternity Row, and we appreciate the hell out of people like you!

[BamaLefty]

61. Welcome to DU!

Pull up a chair and post a while!

[InternalScrutinizer]

62. Thanks for the welcomes!

Wish I had found this site earlier but better late than never. I am in much friendlier territory than you guys (Oregon) but have been working on friends and family still in Alabama. I would love to see Kerry carry Alabama but I would settle for a close race. With the new makeup of the Alabama electorate I could see it happening.

[speakfree]

63. Yard signs stolen by pastor

I don't have enough posts to start a thread, so I thought I would post this here.

I just saw a local TV news report of a youth pastor at Owens Cross Roads United Methodist Church (near Huntsville) taking his youth on a scavenger hunt where the kids, led by their youth pastor, stole Kerry signs and burned them. The pastor has apologized, but I was shocked at this behavior. These people have lost it.

[BamaLefty]

64. What a Bastard!

I ain't surprised though!

:mad:

[southlandshari]

65. Thread in GDE 04 forum

on this called "Youth pastor orders burning of Kerry signs" from last night. I think it has been archived for now, though, so it isn't available. The story was supposedly covered by a Huntsville tv station, though I'm not from the area so cannot confirm. Here's the channel's website if you want to check it out:

http://www.waaytv.com/