Observations

I have recently done some grassroot work in my town, Georgetown, for the Mayor Pete Buttigeig campaign.   The past two Saturdays I have pushed myself to go out and get beyond my comfort zone to meet people and to ask them about their presidential choice.  I ask if they have made up their mind, and if not is Mayor Pete in their top three?  By the answer I can tell if 1. They know who he is, 2. If they are considering a Democrat, 3. They want to learn more.

Here are a few observations from my very limited experiences:

Stepping out and doing something challenging, but doing something you believe in is satisfying.

Taking a few hours each week to be active about what I speak about is confirming.  I don’t want to be just ‘all talk and no action.’

I have met some lovely people.   Knocking on a stranger’s door can be scary.  And, at first the people on the other side of the door are apprehensive too.  A few have only opened the door a crack and all I can do is introduce myself and slip a Mayor Pete info card to them.   I get it.  In this world we never know who might be on the other side of the door.     BUT – I also had some wonderful conversations.  I met a retired social studies teacher.  She and I clicked and I feel like I have a new friend.  I met a man who moved recently from Maine and we talked about his state (the home of my son in law) and his new state, South Carolina.  I met a grandpa about to go pick up his Grandkids, concerned about their future.

I was with another Pete campaign guy.  It’s easier to go out in twos.   I say that because we went into some of  the poorer spots in Georgetown.  As a woman I didn’t want to go alone.

Observation:  the low income individuals, mostly African Americans, who opened their doors were kind, and they knew who Mayor Pete is.  They were informed and wanted to chat.

After knocking on doors for a couple of hours I went by myself on down to Front Street, the main drag in town with restaurants and stores.  It’s a thriving area right along the harbor.     Actually, I have gone there both Saturdays.  I found a spot to say hello to people and ask them about their presidential choice and settled in.

Observation:   On Front Street I tried to chat with people, who happened to be white. It was a different experience.  I asked ‘have you made a presidential choice?’  if Trump was the answer I said ‘okay, have a nice day.’   Some I asked “have you heard of Mayor Pete Buttigieg?”   I heard back everything from no, to I’d never vote for him, the gay guy?  I heard reactions that were mean to me.  It’s hard not to stereotype.  And, yes, I’m still new at this.  But, I easily noticed a difference in behavior and just kindness.

What does this mean?   I don’t know.  Maybe some people should think a little more about how they respond to others.  How words can be hurtful.  Even the inflection of the voice.   How what comes out of your mouth is a quick way that shows your true colors.

I discovered, observed, that there is an easy connection to the type of people I met, and their words and attitudes, to their support of our president.   It wasn’t pretty.

Next Saturday I’m off to the Myrtle Beach Women’s March.  I look forward to it,  and to see who is there, and how they behave.   Feel free to come with me!  I’d love it.   Get involved and learn more.