Money Mag -- "Wyoming: Drill Baby, U.S.A."

Dang, everybody's getting into the act. Money Magazine has a huge article on "Drill Baby, U.S.A." which (naturally) is about Wyoming. Read all about it at http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/wyoming/2008/index.html?cnn=yes.

One strange thing about all this. Coasters probably think that we all have oil wells or coalbed methane wells in our backyards. Sure, my neighbor does, but I don't.

Here's my neighbor's backyard:

Here's my backyard:

Never goin' back to my old school

It's odd to see your old high school going under the wrecking ball, even it's on video from 2,000 miles away. Father Lopez High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, gets torn down to make way for another Super Wal-Mart (can't have too many). FLHS was getting old and decrepit. It wasn't all that substantial when I was going there from 1965-69. No A.C. either. The last time I visited (1994) the old gym was still the same old gym where I played basketball for three years.

Fear not, the Father Lopez Green Wave have a new facility west of town near the Ladies professional Golf Association (LPGA) development. Football stadium, too, named after a guy I played b-ball with in the olden days. He died about a decade ago. No more nuns at the school to whack you upside the head if you get fresh. Probably all very civilized and air-conditioned and preppie.

God, I really loved this place. I'm one of the few writers I know who actually liked high school. The rules were rigid, but Sister Mariam Catherine helped me discover that I had some smarts and I could write. Coach John Chura kicked my butt -- and encouraged me -- on the b-ball court. We were all conservatives then, yet it was in this environment that I learned about Catholic social justice.

So, a little salute to the old school...

Video from Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Trauner & Lummis still tied (with Trauner showing a tiny lead)

Kos of Daily Kos reported polling data today that shows Wyoming Democrat Gary Trauner with a tiny lead over Republican Cynthia Lummis in the U.S. House race. This is a Daily Kos poll, so you Repubs can take it with several grains of salt. But the numbers by Research 2000 in a poll Oct. 14-16 of likely voters (margin of error 4.5%) shows Trauner with 44 percent and Lummis with 43 percent. Polling results on 9/22-24 showed a 42-42 tie. So, more voters are moving out of the undecided column and into the ranks of the decided.

Here are comments by Kos:

All of this is noise within the margin of error. Like the last time we polled Wyoming, the fate of this election seems to rest on the hands of Republicans, who sport a surprisingly high 21 percent undecided. And it's just this race that generates this kind of uncertainty. In the two Senate races and the presidential, all GOP blowouts, Republicans are quite decided on their vote (results for those races are in the crosstabs below the fold). Yet there's something about the House races that has them on the fence, seriously considering splitting their ticket.

Wyoming voters aren't adverse to ticket splitting, as the state's Democratic governor would attest. With no other high-profile Democrat on the ticket (like the governor's race in 2006), hopefully Trauner can be the recipient of that trend this year. The congressional term is only two years. They can always revisit their decision in two years.

So, if you'd like to make those numbers climb in the Trauner column, donate on the web at Trauner for Congress or ActBlue

Wyo. Tribune-Eagle endorses some Dems

Cheyenne's daily newspaper, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, has endorsed Gary Trauner for the state's lone U.S. House seat and Lori Millin for Wyoming House District 8. The paper endorsed a few other Democrats -- Mary Throne and Jim Byrd for the legislature -- but chose Republicans Mike Enzi and John Barrasso for the U.S. Senate. Democrat Chris Rothfuss of Laramie is a good man, but is a long shot to beat Enzi, who's liked by diehard Dems like me. But Barrasso? The physician who votes against children's health care? Nick Carter is the better man for the job.

Millin was not effusive in acknowledging the WTE endorsement. But who can blame her? Earlier this year, the paper couldn't quite understand that Lori is a Democrat, labeling her the Republican incumbent running for the Wyoming District 8 seat. How tough is that to find out? How many legislative guides are lying around the WTE offices?

Here's Lori's response to the endorsement from an e-mail sent to supporters:

I found out yesterday that I received the endorsement of the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle. I am not quite sure how to take this, but it is always nice to hear that someone thinks you should win your race. Two years ago, my opponent got the endorsement and I won so it certainly doesn't guarantee victory. I did serve on the newspaper's editorial board for four months. I have some serious concerns and reservations about their endorsement process, but I do know they are trying to do the right thing for the community. I can't wait to read what they have to say about my race when they discuss it in detail.

Surprise: USA Today explores Wyoming's oil patch, finds strong McCain support

USA Today wrote about Wyoming in its series "50 States 50 Days," an attempt to get to all of the states and interview people about their views on the presidential race. In Wyoming, they focused on oil patch workers in Midwest and environs. All said they will vote for McCain. The reporter had to go south to Casper to find some Obama supporters. The story is pretty accurate, as far as it goes. My guess is that Obama finds most of his support in Cheyenne, Laramie, Rock Springs, Jackson, Lander, Casper and Sheridan. Not surprisingly, those are where the Democratic Party organization is strongest. Dem candidates for U.S. House and Senate are finding that to be true, too. Nick Carter of Gillette is running for Dr. John Barrasso's Senate seat. Wonder what kind of support he's finding in his home town? Gillette is the epicenter of the coal and coal-bed methane industry.

The USA Today reporter interviewed historian Dr. Phil Roberts:

"McCain will win, but it will be a lot closer than people think," says Phil Roberts, history professor at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. "My suspicion is a lot of Wyoming Republicans will sit it out. There's not a lot of enthusiasm for voting for McCain."

Roberts says he sees Wyoming Republicans as mostly business-oriented rather than driven by ideology, social issues or other reasons. He calls them Romney-style Republicans, referring to former presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Read the entire story here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-15-50states-wyoming_N.htm

The oil patch workers were more interested in the McCain/Palin philosophy of "drill, baby, drill" that anything else. Again, no surprise, but you'd think they'd be at least mildly interested in the economic meltdown that will affect their pocketbooks as much as the changing of the guard in D.C. Also, health care, foreign policy, education. Not a mention of any of those from the McCain supporters. Then again, McCain has few ideas other than "drill, baby, drill." If you had any doubts about McCain's bankrupt philosophy, go to this link and see what kind of sleazy robocalls are being made to your house by the McCain/Palin campaign: http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/latest_mccain_robocall_alleges.php

Land o' Goshen! You don't vote?

I'm not the most efficient phone canvasser in the world. I'm easily distracted -- you can tell by my blog title -- and I'm always in search of a good story so I don't mind a long conversation.

Yesterday I was at Gary Trauner's sprawling offices in downtown Cheyenne. It's a big place with distinctive wallpaper: "Trauner for Congress" signs. The place has been buzzing the past few months as Gary strives to be Wyoming's first Democratic member of the U.S. House since the legendary Tino Roncalio from Rock Springs. Gary has drawn scores of volunteers and staffers to his cause, some from as far away as Oregon and Wisconsin. Most of us are Wyomingites, though, just volunteering our time to walk neighborhoods or to call potential voters on the phone.

Yesterday we were calling Goshen County. It's northeast of Cheyenne, a long rectangle like most of our 23 counties. Torrington, site of Eastern Wyoming College and the new prison, is the biggest town in Goshen. I believe that the town also has an ethanol distillery (have to check that out). Nearby is one of my favorite places, Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Other towns in Goshen include Yoder, Jay Em, Hawk Springs, Veteran, Lingle and LaGrange.

I called all over the county. Talked to a woman in Torrington who was undecided, said she still was making up her mind. She liked the idea that Gary was not a tax-and-spend Liberal. She said she'd vote for Gary if he was a veteran, as she believes that all people running for public office should be military veterans. Not a new idea. In Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers," you had to join the military and fight interstellar "Bugs" to be a citizen. (Historical note: The move, "Starship Troopers," was filmed in Wyoming. Coincidence? I think not.) I talked to this woman for awhile and finally asked if she was at least leaning toward voting for Gary and she said no, that she still was deciding. Very coy, this one.

Later, I talked to a gregarious woman in her sixties who admitted that she had never voted. At first, I thought she was pulling my leg. "Never voted?" She laughed and said it was true. I was flabbergasted and flummoxed. I don't think I've ever actually met any who's never voted. Her husband votes. I suggested she go along with him next time, as you can register at the polls in Wyoming. No, she wasn't going to start now. She like her life and not voting, she said, hadn't affected it much. "Just think how much better it would be if you voted," I said. She laughed again. You never know, I said, you could vote on Nov. 4 and win the lottery the next day. She laughed again, said she didn't play the lottery. I tried about everything in the book to get her out to the polls. "We don't care who you vote for -- you just have to get out and vote." That's only partially true. I wouldn't be calling if we didn't care who she voted for.

In the end, she admitted that she was too busy with her family and work and crocheting that she didn't have time for anything else. She sells her crochet work in Chugwater (Platte County -- another rectangle) and at her home gallery east of Chug in Goshen County. "So you're an artist?" She said that she might be, that she really likes crocheting. I should have asked her if she would crochet a "Trauner for Congress" wall hanging or doily (I know an artist who crochets earrings) but I didn't think of that until later. She did sound very proud of her work. I said I'd drop by her studio next time I was on the road between Chug and Hawk Springs. "You do that," she said. "Please go vote," I said. She thought not.

McCain oozes negativity in tonight's debate

Tonight's debate in a nutshell, as described by Obama campaign spokesperson David Plouffe:

“We came into the debate with two thirds of the American people thinking that John McCain is running a negative campaign, and Senator McCain spent 90 minutes trying to convince the other third. Once again, Barack Obama won a clear victory because he made the case for change for the middle class, while John McCain just had angry and negative attacks."

When you hold a forum for voters, you actually expect the candidates to show up

I read about this in Saturday's Casper Star-Tribune. I just read it again and realized how strange it was that no Republican candidates showed up at the big Homecoming weekend Voters Forum in Laramie. Here's the story:

It was Democrats three, Republicans zero at the League of Women Voters Forum in Laramie.

All three Democratic candidates running for Congress attended Thursday night's forum at the Albany Public Library. But all three Republican candidates sent other people to speak in their place.

Democratic House candidate Gary Trauner drove from Teton County to attend [approx. 380 miles one way]. Republican Cynthia Lummis sent her daughter to talk for her [approx. 45 miles].

Democratic Senate candidate Chris Rothfuss lives in Laramie, so he didn't have far to travel. His opponent, Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, sent a campaign representative in his place.

Republican Sen. John Barrasso also sent a campaign staffer, while Democratic challenger Nick Carter showed up in person.

Gosh, the Democrats must care more -- or maybe they treat this election more seriously than their opponents. McJoan goes into detail on the event in a Daily Kos post at http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/13/105245/56/368/629149. This photo of Republican candidate surrogates accompanied her story --

They look nice enough. And they came with notes and everything. But voters came to see the actual candidates, not campus Young Republicans.

Here's Gary Trauner, the actual Democratic candidate for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat, speaking on the issues at the forum --

More than 12,300 voters have cast absentee ballots so far in Wyoming

AP reports:

The Wyoming Secretary of State's Office says more than 12,300 people have cast absentee ballots so far in the general election.

That's about 5.3% of the state's roughly 233,000 registered voters. Absentee voting began Sept. 25 and continues through Nov. 3, the day before Election Day. Officials in the state's most populous counties say absentee voting has been typical of a presidential election year, and possibly a little heavier than 2004.

Laramie County Clerk Debbye Lathrop says about 2,650 people have cast absentee ballots in her county so far. She says absentee voting has been busy at the county's absentee polling place. Chris Lindsey, the deputy county clerk for elections in Natrona County, says nearly 1,140 people have already voted absentee in Natrona County.

Are you a Laramie County resident at least 18 years old who hasn't yet registered? No problem. Go down to the City & County Building, register and cast your vote. You can do that in Wyoming. Really, you can. My advice: be a real maverick in this red state and vote for Barack Obama.

Get more details here: http://www.laramiecountyclerk.com/

Great idea CQ, but what about a poetry slam?

This comes from Jonathan Schwartz at Congressional Quarterly:

CQ Politics columnist John Bicknell argues to drop the presidential debates in favor of one-on-one interviews with advocacy journalists from the other side:

"We learn virtually nothing from the debates as they are currently structured. We need to find out what these guys think, how they think, who they are, how they respond to a real challenge. That’s a very difficult proposition when all you’re hearing are canned responses to pre-packaged questions.

Wouldn’t you love to hear William Kristol or Jonah Goldberg or Charles Krauthammer go toe-to-toe with Obama? How about Katrina Vanden Heuvel or Peter Beinart or David Corn grilling McCain?"

Read more: http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002974215.

Great idea! Absolutely no chance this will happen. Candidates make the rules and the MSM meekly follows. This is a strategy designed to benefit speakers/debaters/thinkers. You know, Obama and Biden. But even their handlers would demand too many restrictions to make this work.

You know what might be more fair? Presidential campaign poetry slams. You might think that candidates with polished speechifying skills could win any slam. I'm not sure about that. First of all, Sarah Palin already speaks in slam. The wags at Slate.com put some of her speeches into poetry form and they're not bad. Problem is, she'd need a teleprompter, which is a slam no-no. Memorization may be a problem. Same with McCain. His herky-jerky speaking style could translate well into the slam format. I'll have to come up with some appropriate poems for him.

On the other hand, Obama and Biden are just not very hip. Did you see Sen. Obama dancing on TV with Ellen D? I think Bill Clinton has it all over Obama in that arena. He's also a sax player, so he has some sense of rhythm. I could see a young Biden slamming in some beat bistro. Now he's worn dark suits for too long and it's affected his mojo, if he ever had any.

I say poetry slam, straight up, instead of the debate. All four up on stage, versifying. Pick some slam judges at random from the crowd and turn them loose on the performances. Let's really mix things up and include Ralph Nader and Bob Barr. I have this vision of Nader as the Talking Heads' David Byrne in "Stop Making Sense," wearing that over-sized suit and doing his spasmodic dance. Bob Barr? He's a mysterious fellow. His Southern roots might yield some surprising poetry.

I'll have some McCain poems up soon.

The story behind the Obama "Hope" poster

You probably recognize this poster from the Obama T-shirt you just bought online or from the art show held at a gallery in Denver's LoDo during the Democratic National Convention in August. The poster was created by street artist Shepard Fairey, who also was on hand in Denver to talk about his work. It's become one of those iconic images that go way beyond poster art. Ben Arnon tells the story behind the image in a post on today's Huffington Post. Read it at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-arnon/how-the-obama-hope-poster_b_133874.html

Dem Lit Drop in Laramie County

I have nothing brilliant to say about our weekend literature drop in Cheyenne for Democratic Party candidates for U.S. Senate Chris Rothfuss and Nick Carter. We didn't have the snow that was forecast -- the storm kept to the north and west. Montana got socked, as did Lander in the west-central part of the state. Cheyenne will have its turn soo, probably on halloween.

The plan was to hit all the addresses in Cheyenne, Pine Bluffs, and Burns with flyers outlining the merits of the two candidates. Both are newbies to the political arena, which should never disqualify anyone from seeking public office. Both sitting senators, Mike Enzi and Doctor John Barrasso were newbies at one time. Now they are oldies and need to go home.

A literature drop is just what it sounds. You bundle your material and slip it into a neighbor's screen door or find some other appropriate spot. No mailboxes allowed, as those are strictly for bills, direct-mailing offers and paid political announcements. Every so often a letter finds its way into the letter box. As a literature dropper, I never violate the sanctity of the mailbox. The U.S. Postal Service is an important quasi-governmental entity, one that is charged with delivering the mail, even though it might be to a house featuring signs of a political candidate you might not like. That's the main thing right there. During the 1960s, when delivery services in the South refused to deliver to Civil Rights groups, the USPS got through. The government can do a great job of supplying essential services, as long as that government is in capable hands.

As always, I digress. But it's my blog and I'll digress if I want to.

In a literature drop, dedicated volunteers are doing the job of the mail carrier without the overhead. Sure, all candidates should spend money locally to reach local voters. But what if you don't have the funds? Democratic candidates, even those running for U.S. Congress, are notoriously short of money in this state. Some are doing better than others -- U.S. House candidate Gary Trauner, for instance -- but he began his campaign in 2006 and has had time to build a war chest with the help of the DNC's 50-state strategy.

Know how expensive it is to print 30,000 copies of a full-color flyer? If you don't send it to Hong Kong, which takes some time, it's about $1,300 from Next Day Flyers in Santa Dominguez, Calif. That takes $10 from 130 donors. That's tough when you're new at the game in a state where two-thirds of the electorate are Repubs or Libertarians.

On Saturday and Sunday, I distributed Carter & Rothfuss materials to about half of my assigned 359 addresses. Most of the time, all I had to do was slip the flyers into a screen door. If the screen door was locked, I slipped them between the latch and the door frame. Sometimes I had to roll up the flyers and slip them into small gaps in a porch's wrought-iron banisters. Often, as with some apartment complexes, there were no screen doors, no nooks or crannies, no metal banisters. I was totally stymied by one group of a dozen apartments. No screen doors, big wooden banisters -- nothing. So, I just had to wish those folks well and move on. I could have gone door-to-door, but no time. We lit droppers have to keep moving, especially on cold days.

I only had conversations with a few people. Most were friendly. I surprised a young mother coming out of her door with babe in arms and toddler in tow. I aged her a few years, so gave her a break on the lit drop. I hit friendly territory at one house with Gary Trauner (U.S. House) and Lori Millin (State House) signs in the yard. She was watching a toddler, too, but the two of them took time out to talk Dem.

So, now, I have several hundred more flyers to distribute before the weekend in Precinct 2-7. Have to get to those early voters before they head to the polls.

Irritate a Know Nothing -- wear your Obama T-shirt to Wal-Mart today

Steelmaggie13 in Alabama is one of those Steel Magnolias who give the South a good name. Here’s part of her diary on Daily Kos:

Soooo... Tonight I needed to go to Wal-Mart. I try to avoid it as much as I can because I prefer to give my money to the local businesses in town, but I had to go tonight. I try to wear one of my Obama Tshirts whenever possible because I am just really proud of my candidate. Tonight it was my HOPE MONGER tee ;o) It's funny the looks you get from people when you're in the minority.. Sometimes people look at my shirt and then at my face like I'm crazy.. Some smile, some say "Love that shirt!" And tonight... a woman actually confronted me about it.

I was behind her in line thru the self check out... and she looked at me and in a tone dripping with disdain, said, "Can I just ask you 'Why'"? (I knew immediately what she meant), but I asked her, "Why what?" She made a motion with her hand over her own chest, indicating my shirt... She said "Why? Why all that?" My first reaction was really incredulousness, and I said back, smiling, "Why NOT?!" I asked her what our other choices were. And she said.. "Well, not SOCIALISM!"

I said to her, "Oh, you must watch Fox News because they're the ones who are pushing that storyline.". I could feel my heart start pounding harder... She said something about his record, and I know the look on my face was complete disgust (I've GOT to work on that, I never have had a very good poker face), and I said back to her... "Records?? Consider if you will that the Republicans have been in charge of the gov't for the past 12 years.. and LOOK where we are!"

I'm very passionate about this stuff and I think maybe I scared her a little when I answered her back so sharply and quickly, so she said.. "I don't want to argue with you, I just wanted to know why.". So I, still smiling said... "Well, the reason for 'all this' (imitating the same movement she made indicating my shirt) is because THIS is a positive movement. I feel excited and joyful and hopeful about this election. I believe in this guy. I'm very happy with my candidate and I support Obama completely. It's not the dismal, hateful, scary stuff the other side is offering. That's why." I was smiling, but I think she and a few others around us, knew I was spring loaded and ready LOL... I've GOT to work on that. I only want to come across as joyful and confident.. Not snippy and bitchy. I mighta been a little snippy and bitchy in my delivery, but I felt proud of my answers.

Read all of it at http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/10/12/02934/468/450/628050

Gary Trauner appearances this week

Here's a partial list of the coming week's personal appearances by Gary Trauner, Democratic candidate for Wyoming's lone U.S. House seat:

Laramie Congressional Forum, Sunday, 10/12/2008, 6-8:30 p.m. Contact 307.660.0614 for location and additional information.

A Candidates' Forum will be held on Tuesday, 10/14/2008, 7-9 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Platte Co. Fairgrounds in Wheatland. Participants are asked to bring questions with them, or ideas of questions. Written and pre-screened questions only will be submitted and asked by the moderator, Joe Fabian. Each candidate will have a short introduction. National, state, county, local and special district candidates have been invited, Democrats Gary Trauner and Chris Rothfuss among them. No mention of Trauner's Republican opponent Cynthia Lummis or Rothfuss's opponent Mike Enzi. (Thanks to Wheaterville for the listing).

"Door to Door in Casper" on Wednesday, 10/15/2008, 3:30 p.m. Take some personal time from work, pick up the kids from school, and meet and greet voters in Casper with Gary. Call 307-265-4022 for more information. We're also going door-to-door for Gary in Cheyenne on Wednesday at 4 p.m. If you're interested in volunteering, leave a comment below or send an e-mail (see my profile at right).

Sheridan Chamber of Commerce Forum, 3059 Coffeen Avenue, Thursday, 10/16/2008, 7-9 p.m. Come and support Gary as he debates the other congressional candidates. Contact 307.673.4762 for more information.

Look for appearances by Gary Trauner in a neighborhood near you!

mccainpedia "Count the lies" link hijacked (with update)

I'm removing all links to mccainpedia on my blogroll and to the McCain "Count the Lies" posts. The link apparently has been hijacked by webofdeception.com which seems to be a right-wing site as he speaks fondly of Matt Drudge. Beware! I'll do more research and get back to you...

UPDATE, A FEW MINUTES LATER: Maybe it was my problem, or the link's been fixed. ProgBlog citizens! Go about your normal lives! Nothing to see here...

Try going here and see what you get: http://www.mccainpedia.org/.

The questions remains: who and what is webofdeception.com?

Poll numbers up for Barack Obama

The latest national polling numbers reported on Daily Kos show Sen. Barack Obama with an increasing lead over scare-monger Sen. John McCain. Go here for details: http://www.dailykos.com/trendlines

Hatching rescue plans for Florida's elderly voters

Chris and I left Florida 30 years ago for the Rocky Mountains. During those three decades, the changes in our old home state have been enormous. I'm not going to look up the statistics because it's Sunday morning and I still haven't had enough coffee. But it's no secret that millions of people have moved to Florida looking for warm weather, pristine beaches, verdant open spaces, and peace and quiet. By moving there in droves, they've destroyed all but the first one. That's the way it goes. We've had similar problems in the West's beautiful places. We're short on beaches, but we boast mountains that will knock your socks off. People buy property to be near those mountains. Others follow and pretty soon you can't see the mountains for the mansions and woodsmoke, and open spaces are pushed further back into the wilderness until the Bush Administration gets its hands on the place for oil and gas drilling.

I digress. Chris and I attended high school and college in Florida, met and decided to go West. We get back to Florida as often as possible to see family and friends. My eight brothers and sisters live in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Orlando, Palm Bay and Tallahassee. Chris's lone sister and her husband live in Green Cove Springs near the St. John's River. Our parents have passed on, but we still have aunts and uncles and cousins scattered around the state. Chris's relatives from New Jersey and New York all migrated south in retirement, and now all of her cousins live on the Florida West Coast.

The state's big enough to accommodate all of our relatives and millions of others. Sort of. Retirees used to flock to the state and settle among their own kind. Rust Belt retirees (back when there were jobs) settled in St. Pete and environs on the West Coast, Southerners tended to land in the Panhandle along the Redneck Riviera, and New Yorkers, especially those of the Jewish persuasion, flocked to Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and other towns and cities of Dade and Broward counties. In the 2000 election, we saw some of these former New Yorkers trying to make sense of the hanging chads. They looked really old and confused. Some say they cost us the election and gave the world Dubya. We all know it's more complicated than that.

Sarah Silverman of TV fame has decided to help these voters in the next election. Not with the hanging chads -- those don't exist anymore (at least I don't think they do). Silverman is urging those in her Jewish age cohort to travel to Florida before the election and help convince their parents and grandparents to vote for Barack Obama. She and others involved in "The Great Schlep" feel that misinformation has confused their family members and they might end up voting for McCain instead (or by accident). The McCain camp, of course, has been encouraging these misconceptions by his own misleading ads. So Silverman & Company came up with this plan, which I think is brilliant. I am wondering, though, how hard-headed New Yorkers, no matter their age, will response to youngsters flying into Miami to tell them what to do. But it's worth a shot. Just a few votes may affect the entire election.

I'm wondering how our elderly relatives would respond to a similar plan. There's a major problem right off the bat. While Jewish retirees from New York almost always vote Democratic, that's not the case for Catholics from New Jersey. Most of our family members are diehard Republicans. Abortion is the main issue, of course. Birth control, too, as well as the Catholic Church's insistence on centralized authority. That issue rubs most believers in democracy the wrong way. You'd think that "States' Rights Republicans" would bridle at being told what to do by an oligarch in Rome who wears white robes and designer red shoes. Rome's in Europe, that dreadful place. And you can be pro-life when it comes to fetuses but support a foreign policy that vaporizes entire Iraqi families with not-so-smart bombs. But I guess it's O.K. to be a "Cafeteria Catholic" if you're a Republican.

So, "The Great Schlep" won't work for our oldsters, even if it had a different name, such as "Bringing Democracy to Old Benighted Republicans." Perhaps, as nest eggs continue to dwindle in tough economic times, we could frame it as some sort of Bush rescue plan. "We're from the Bush Administration and we're here to help." Considering the past eight years, that could cause a panic, even among Florida Republicans.

Community organizers of a theatrical type

Chris and I are community theatre organizers. It's not quite as impressive as being community organizers. Those people are doing God's work as they assist the homeless, feed the hungry and enfranchise disenfranchised voters. Community theatre organizers may never feel the sting of a Sarah Palin putdown (even though she is quite theatrical). Community organizers. Harumph. Harumph.

But those folks at the soup kitchen and us have one thing in common -- we volunteer our time and talent to a good cause. It's possible that Palin does the same thing in Alaska. Does anyone know? It would be ironic if Palin had been a community organizer of a conservative sort and was making fun of them at the same time.

Community theatre organizers are also volunteers. We donate our time as ushers, waitrons, ticket takers, board members, fund-raisers, tech staff and even actors for the Cheyenne Little Theatre Players. Last night, Chris and I were ushers for "Oliver!" It was a sold-out house, and we were pretty busy for an hour or so. The play seemingly has a cast of thousands, mainly the kids who play the characters in the workhouse ("Food! Glorious Food!") and on the street. When you have kids in the cast, you get an audience of parents and grandparents and siblings and aunts and uncles and friends. You get volunteers, too. Our two kids have been involved in CLTP productions. One of our fellow ushers has a daughter in the play. Two of the other volunteers are local community college students who've been in scores of CLTP productions, including the very entertaining Cheyenne Old-Fashioned Summer Melodrama, where I volunteer as an emcee and Chris as a waitron. Almost all of us summer people are volunteers, which enables the CLTP to use the melodrama as its largest annual fund-raiser.

What do we get out of it? A grand old feeling that we're supporting one of the oldest community theatre groups (79th season) west of the Mississippi. It's fun, too. We get to see old pals and make new ones. Baby Boomers rapidly approaching geezerhood get to work with young people, who are surprisingly tolerant of our doddering ways. We don't tell them this (maybe we should), but they teach us more than we teach them.

So, don't let Sarah Palin get your goat. Go out and volunteer in your community today. Remember that community is made up of all kinds of people. Last night, as I was handing our programs to hundreds of Laramie County citizens, I wondered how many were voting for McCain-Palin. How many will I see today as I'm handing out fliers for the Democratic Party's U.S. Senate candidates? Will they be as affable today to this community political organizer as they were last night to this community theatre organizer?

Lies, and the lying liars who utter them

Calling all stalwart Democrats

Dear All:

Feel like trudging through the snow this weekend for Wyoming Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Nick Carter and Chris Rothfuss? C'mon, it won't be that bad. Come down to Dem HQ in downtown Cheyenne on Saturday morning between 10 and noon and pick up a packet of Carfuss/Rothter material (we might even though in a few Gary Trauner flyers). We're going to cover Cheyenne like a blanket, a nice warm blanket that you can get into when you get home. And don't forget the hot chocolate.

If you don't feel like walking neighborhoods on University of Wyoming's Homecoming (Pokes 49, Utes 0!), pick up your flyers tomorrow at the Laramie County Democrats office on 17th Street between Capitol and Central in Cheyenne, and go out on Sunday, even Monday, Columbus Day. The goal is to get material to every household in Cheyenne and Burns and Pine Bluffs. They deserve to know that there are Democrats out there who want to change the status quo in Wyoming and the nation.

See you this weekend.

Mike

UPDATE: The actual score of the game Saturday was Utah 40, Wyoming 7. See, you neighborhood walkers didn't miss anything.