Many of us would rather begin this election season differently than Hunter S. Thompson’s chaotic vision to “skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” (The Proud Highway: Saga of a Desperate Southern Gentleman, 1955-1967). Yet, here we are in Douglas County, Colorado, looking for the point man and dealing with drifting swing riders, while our flank riders struggle to keep the back together.
Let me offer my time-honored solution for this ebb and flow of politics: Keep your head above water, smiling at the sun. Tread under water when you must, and swim along the shoreline to escape the rip tide. Avoid a wipe-out by diving into the breakers, and tip your back into the swells as they come.
Whether your sunset is on the range or the beach, let’s put our best efforts to work for the Republican candidates on the ballot — to get us all to that warm place in the sun.
Walk and knock doors, call and talk to friends, click or write a donation, wave or hang a sign. There are many options for our team of Douglas County Republic Women. You might pick a favorite candidate, or work for all with Get Out The Vote efforts. Use your purse to bolster a candidate’s account or join together by donating to DCRW Small Donor Committee.
Let your friends, family and neighbors know the candidates’ names. When someone talks about a concern, tell them by name which candidate will fix that problem. Repeat the names often so when the ballots arrive, the recognition is easy. Offer to deliver your neighbor’s ballots.
No matter what you do, your work will make the difference, as we have seen in the races that have been won. We don’t have to wait for the kerfuffle of others to subside; we can work now and work hard for our common goal. The Trunk Line newsletter provides some resources on page 7, and the candidates who visit us will share how you can help them.
We can stay out of the dust and rumble, focus on the candidates, and keep our eyes looking forward. Let’s together ride the RED WAVE back to the place of warmth, sunshine, and life as it should be.