Since when is a bumper sticker or yard sign a litmus test?

[SW FL Dem]

Am I the only one that is uncomfortable with the recent attacks by DUers on other DUers for not having bumper stickers or yard signs. Some of us are in positions that make it impossible, uncomfortable, life- threatening or job-threatening to put a bumper sticker on our car or a sign in our yard. Many of those who have been criticized on DU have stated that they are donating time and/or money to the DNC or other worthwhile organizations.

I don't have a bumper sticker or a yard sign, but I have donated more than I can afford to Dem causes in the past year. I'm a block captain and poll-watcher. I am going to spend several hours a week between now and the election phone banking and canvassing. This is the most important election in my lifetime. Shouldn't we be focusing on getting Kerry elected instead of criticizing each other for what we do or don't do.

[Frances]

1. You are doing just fine by supporting Kerry the best way you can

I know that is true because I am doing the same things you are.

[GainesT1958]

2. I can't put up any yard signs...

Because of the stupid HOA rules in my condo complex--and the Repubs on the board enforcing them!:mad:

Folks, stickers and signs are ONLY a "litmus test" to the Repubs giving you--and me--the finger every time they see what I've got on my car. And my sticker is my "finger" to them in return!

Whether or not you've got a sticker there, on on your bag, or a sign in your yard, matters not. What matters is your belief, and your desire to work for that belief to win out. NOTHING else matters!:D

:kick:

B-)

[REP]

3. Did Seeing a Bumpersitcker Ever Change YOUR Vote?

It never has changed mine, and I don't see why I should provide free advertising while defacing my vehicle for what is essentially a useless gesture.

[Lex]

6. No, but I do get encouragement when I see Kerry/Edwards bumperstickers.

Or yard signs.

I'm not necessarily trying to change minds--I want to show encouragement and solidarity with my fellow Kerry/Edwards supporters (whether or not they themselves are sporting a sticker).

[JVS]

9. I was going to vote Republican once...

but noticed the driver in front of me with the Dole/ Kemp sticker was shotgunning beers and chucking the empties out the window. He was also throwing babies from the car. This altered the way I voted ;-)

[UdoKier]

4. I wouldn't "attack" anyone for not having one...

But I honestly can't understandy why anyone wouldn't, especially if you live in a "republican" area. It sends a message to those on the fence, or discouraged democrats, that there indeed ARE others like you in your area, and your vote will NOT be wasted.

I wish you would consider doing it.

But I would certainly have no hard feelings if you didn't. I don't think anybody views it as a litmus test, iut's just that this is such a crucial election that every little bit is crucial...

[Barney Rocks]

5. Some people cannot

my significant other drives a company car and will get fired if it is used to display ANY stickers of ANY kind. (they don't even have to be political or controversial--those are the rules--and to have free use of a car--they are worth it).

We live in an apartment community with strict rules about displaying things--other folks have gotten fines.

I say it is great to show your support however you can. I show my support by

1) giving more money than I really can afford to give to JK and to the DNC. 2) voting 3) registering new voters by canvassing both door to door and at the local mall 4) phone banking on local issues 5) talking to swing voters whenever I can find them 6) coming to DU and other Democratic sites to inform myself and stay up on what is going on (voting in on-line polls, e-mails to media people etc).

I feel like my contribution is plenty. I do appreciate those of you who display a bumper sticker--but I do what I can.

[proud patriot]

7. While I have lots of stickers and signs

I would never disparage those who choose not to have them.

Thanks for all the time and money you have contributed .

:hug:

[Cleita]

8. Thank you for posting this.

I personally can't put up signs or bumper stickers for personal reasons and donating money is becoming less of an option, but I do work with the local club for this election, precinct walking and working the phone bank on election day, and in the meantime distributing whatever literature, signs and buttons we have.

We all walk our own path on this and criticizing anyone for not doing what another one does isn't very democratic.

[RummyTheDummy]

10. Even more annoying than that (Please read)

Are the simpletons who equate seeing 3-1 margin of Kerry to Bush stickers on their way to work as evidence Kerry has put "Utah, Wyoming, Alabama or Texas....fill in the blank" in play.

Bumper stickers and yard signs don't count for shit, people. I can't tell you how many local and state elections I've seen where the candidate with 100 yard signs on ever corner and bumper stickers out the wazoo got the shit kicked out of them on election day.

It's just plain stupid. This is a big pet peeve of mine these days.