Finding Entertainment on the Road

I have a bad habit of reading bumper stickers every chance I get. It’s only a bad habit when I’m driving, reading stickers in a parking lot doesn’t usually seem to be a problem. When I veer off the road attempting to read the small print on a bumper sticker not only is it dangerous, but Brittany usually gets mad at me. I’m not sure why I have this obsession, I guess I just like to know what people are thinking.

While paying attention to bumper stickers and signs over the last couple of months I have made some interesting observations. One thing I have noticed is that as we get closer to election-day, more and more signs are appearing. The newest sign that I get a good laugh at is the one proclaiming, “I’m Voting for the Chick!” Could you ever imagine seeing a sign that says, “I’m Voting for the Dude?” The online dictionary, www.dictionary.com defines the word “chick” as: “ slang: Often offensive. A girl or young woman.” I’m not sure what to make of this sign and the people that think it is so wonderful, I don’t think it speaks to highly of our culture.

Another observation I have made is that while you see plenty of McCain/Palin signs, Goodlatte signs, and other evidence of Republican support in the Shenandoah Valley and the rest of Virginia, there are very few Gilmore signs present. Most Democrats know that Sam Rasoul running for the 6th Congressional District doesn’t stand much of a chance, but they support him strongly because he is their candidate. Either the majority of the Republican party knows that Gilmore doesn’t stand a chance, and doesn’t want to waste money, or most Republican’s don’t like to associate themselves with Gilmore. I’d still love to know what exactly Republicans were thinking when they selected Gilmore to run for Senator as the their candidate. Did anybody really think the guy had a shot?

I also find it interesting that on a number of vehicles the messages of different stickers don’t correlate. The one that got me scratching my head was an old Volvo that had a sticker that read, “Thank You Jerry – 8/11/1933 – 5/15/2007, You will never be forgotten!” Obviously this is a sign supporting Jerry Falwell, and the work that he did as a prominent evangelical preacher and public figure in America. Most Americans are familiar with the politics of Falwell, and his passionate support of conservative policies. He was a divisive individual, and if alive today would surely be an outspoken opponent to Obama while proclaiming the responsibility of Christians to vote for McCain. Right beside this bumper sticker was another that stated, “Dr. Ralph Stanly for President.” Not as many people are familiar with Ralph Stanly, affectionately called “Dr.” by his fans for the honorary degree that he received. Stanly is a well known country and blue grass artist, who is politically active. He was a strong supporter of Edwards, and has recently come out in strong support of Barack Obama. A sign supporting Jerry Falwell, beside one that supports Stanly, an ardent Obama supporter, go figure.

Below is my personal favorite, it is not as blunt as some of the others, but I think the message is still clear.

Next time you’re out driving around pay attention to bumper stickers and signs that people display, you might just get a good laugh. (And if anyone finds a Gilmore bumper sticker being displayed let me know, I’m still looking!)

Seth Lovell