The Larry David bit about the MAGA hat is so funny -and ‘telling.’ Trump tweeted it out yesterday and thought it was a positive thing while most everyone else knew it was meant as poking fun, while telling the truth. The truth? Those who wear the hat are visually saying who they are… and it’s not good.
I have recently been thinking about how our politics has become a ‘game’ – like a mean, football game between rivals. Those from each side don their colors (hats on, flags flying) and they cheer on their favorite players. There is lots of smack talk, and too much strategizing… looking for the weak spots, and trying to get the upper hand. The idea is to beat by intimidation, and to bad mouth each other, and to play the game anyway possible, hoping not to get caught if using unethical tactics. When you support your team you don’t care about statistics or best talent. You cheer them on without intellectual reasons.
I have decided to try and act civilly and to go ‘high’ during these ‘game’ times. Don’t laugh… but when I was 10 years old I got the “Good Sportmanship” award at my elementary school. It was the last award given at the “end of the year” award assembly and I remember the principal saying it was for the person who took winning and losing well, and was for the person who kept positive all the time. I was very proud of the award. The trophy is only about 6 inches tall but I have kept it all these years, through many moves. It is in my keepsake box.
We need to start honoring ‘good sportsmanship’ again. In politics it’s really hard to run a campaign and to stay positive through everything – through all the ups and downs on the trail – through all the demeaning language – through being physically tired. It’s like the big football game and the away team is on the road and hearing fans from the other team yelling mean things at them, and the coach is telling you to ‘be better’ and to hold your head high. Be tough but be kind.
So, as the days close in on the South Carolina primary here, I have decided to do just that. I’m going to put in the time, and I’m going to support the Mayor Pete campaign. I have done a some hours of canvassing already, but I accepted a temporary volunteer position as a “Canvas Captain” here in Pawleys Island and Georgetown. It will take up most of my weekend hours until Saturday, February 29th, the SC primary day. I will be meeting with small groups of canvassers before they head out – to run down what to say when they go knocking on doors. I will give them support materials. I will help coordinate the areas to canvas. It’s a ‘get out to vote’ campaign, that emphasizes WHY Pete Buttigieg. Canvassers will be going out in time blocks – and so I will be ‘coaching’ them before they go out. If you are local, you may get a knock on the door. Unfortunately many around here live in gated communities and we can not go in there. You may see us in public spots around town too.
The Mayor Pete campaign has been a perfect example of grassrooting, and endurance, and people learning slowly about the man and his beliefs for our country. Some candidates came in strong in the beginning, and the media gave them lots of airtime. Pete pushed ahead each week… speaking his message, being real, and now he has a place ‘in the game.’ It’s exciting to see. The other side, the other team, has started to bad mouth him more now, but it’s what happens when a ‘star quarterback’ surprises everyone.
I expect Pete Buttigieg to continue to be a good sportsman. It’s who he is. He has the even keeled temperament and the integrity to keep on going without going low. In this political climate he is refreshing and I will cheer him on.
“Go Pete Go” !!
Marla’s Musings 