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I drive 25 miles to work each day. One way. I live in Euclid, an inner ring, predominantly black, suburb of Cleveland. I work in an outer ring exurb, if not the out and out country. In between is a county of outer ring suburbs. The exurban county is solid Republican. The outer ring suburban county is one of those “swing” counties. My home, my county, is Cuyahoga County, and my home city of Euclid is definitely inner ring suburb.
I want to tell you about the yard signs I see every day on my commute home. Maybe you can tell me about the yard signs you see going back and forth to and from wherever. Let me lay down some definitions.
OBAMA and ROMNEY are running for President. BROWN(incumbent Democrat) and MANDEL(boy wonder Republican) are running for US Senate. All others will be referred to as Local D or Local R–you know, State Senators and Representatives, judges, county commissioners, and the like. If one yard has a plethora of signs for one party or the other, I will refer to it as a Local D or R cluster. I’ll throw in a few other yard signs just for fun.
So. Coming home from my heavily Republican exurban place of employment, I see, in order:
Local R cluster, Local R cluster, Local R, Local R, Local D, Local R, BROWN, Local R, FOR SALE, A-1 Septic(we might have a winner, there), Local R, Local D cluster, Local R, Local R, FOR SALE, Local R, FOR RENT, Local D cluster, Local R, BROWN, Local R cluster, Local R cluster, Local D cluster, FOR SALE. FOR RENT, MANDEL, Local R cluster, Local R cluster, Local D, Local R, Local R, Local R, FOR RENT, Local R, SOLD!(Hey, we have a winner!), AUCTION(uh-oh), Local R cluster, MANDEL, America vs. Nobama(what the hell does that mean?), MANDEL, BROWN, Local R, Local R cluster, Local R.
Now I cross a county line into an outer ring suburban county. Local R, Local R, Local D, Local R, PIZZA and ICE CREAM(how can you argue with that?), Local R, Local D, HOT DOGS, Local R, Local D, Local D cluster, Local D, Local R, Local D, Local D, Local D, Local D cluster, BROWN, Local R, Local D, Local D, Local D, FOR RENT, FOR SALE. Local D, FREE CRAFT SALE, Local R, VOTE YES FOR THE PARKS!, Local D, Local R, Local D cluster, Local R, Local D cluster, Local R cluster, BROWN, Local D, Local D, BROWN, Local R, FOR RENT.
And now, I cross into the inner ring suburbs of Cuyahoga County. BUY 2 TIRES, GET 2 FREE!, FOR RENT, FOR SALE, FOR RENT, FOR RENT, FOR SALE, Local D, BROWN, BROWN, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, BROWN, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, FOR SALE, OBAMA, OBAMA, OBAMA, BROWN, OBAMA, GO BUCKEYES!
Hey. It’s Ohio.
Anyone notice what was missing? I’ve driven the same route for over 4 years. 4 years ago, I would have listed at least 10 McCain signs.
I LOOKED for a Romney sign in one of the heaviest Republican counties in Ohio, and found…not a single frickin’ one.
Then Quinnipiac has Obama up by ten in Ohio, 53-43? Game over. The PTB have anointed Barack, Patron Saint of the Bankers. Mitt is just a sideshow about as attractive as the Bearded Lady, something to sucker the really, REALLY stupid people with.
Of course, the M$M will do their damndest to make the horse race look close, or at least like a race; they need to keep their ratings up, after all. But this is over.
Or, try to prove me wrong. Or right, or whatever. What do the political yard signs look like in YOUR neighborhood?
37 Comments
Well Barbarian I was out to Burton for the Fair on Sunday Sept. 2. Drove on 87 and saw nary a political sign even when I got to town. You would not even know there was an election by the look of it.
Even the gun nutz poster in the gun shop was gone. A few flags at the fair but that was all.
Romney ? Romney who ?
Sadly though my transpo is down for the count so until I can replace same, am foot/bus bound.
What does THAT say? That there are swathes of Ohio populated by people who know the election is meaningless? That they are screwed no matter who wins?
I don’t know. But the transmission in my 98 Saturn is starting to make disturbing noises. That could be bad.
Actually, OB–
Can easily count yard signs on less than both hands, in the university town we live in.
Far more “Ron Paul” car stickers.
I don’t think that there’s any question that this election has been “rigged.” I thought that, anyway, then heard that Jim DeMint is already making noises about “having to concede to raising taxes,” if Obama is elected. That settles it for me.
Apparently, the PTB dictated that a “weak Republican” (who also happens to be a corporatist clone of Obama) be nominated, just in case their best laid plans fall through.
Just notice how “quiet” the “right” is. And, when any of the right-wing columnists, talking heads, etc., speak out (George Will, Peggy Noonan, Bill Krystal–it’s invariably to SLAM Romney). That’s exactly what the right NEVER has done, in the past.
Yeah, the “One-Percent” knows which candidate can BEST EVISCERATE ENTITLEMENTS. And “it ain’t a Republican.”
So, for that reason, losing this election is a cakewalk for them (Republicans). Particularly, since they realize that the Democrats will lose for several election cycles to come (after they execute a “Grand Bargain.”)
So come 2016, Paul Ryan (Christie, whomever) will be primed, and ready to finish the job. Don’t want to even think about what the next four years will bring. (Regardless of who wins, actually.)
Blue
Oh, recommended.
B
I live in San Antonio, Texas, not exactly a hot bed of either conservatism or liberalism but you can still see the occasional “Bush 04″ window decal. Those things used to be ubiquitous. While “McCain/Palin” and “Saracuda” stickers were a bit less abundant than those in 2008, they were still very common. Probably more common than “Obama/Biden” ones. So far this year, I’ve seen exactly two, (2) Romney bumper stickers. Granted this town is heavily Hispanic but there is also a very strong military presence, both active and retired. Hell, I saw a bright yellow PT Cruiser, (I know, right?), with at least a dozen teabag party related decals, including a couple of extremely offensive, openly racist anti Obama ones on it but no Rmoney stickers. Zero. Zip. Nada. I just think the rabid tea party base is much more disappointed with Rmoney than we are with Obama.
There’s one small problem with your post: There won’t be several elections to come. At least not presidential ones. The Presidency will cease to exist within 20 years.
Military coups and/or revolutions, which are often very closely related, tend to have that effect.
It will happen here. Maybe I’ll be lucky and be dead by then. Sorry, kids.
OB–
Touche.
Blue
My bad I did see a couple of political signs. One was for a county commissioner and the other was some other county thing. Walking down to the fair grounds.
A coup maybe but not a revolution. Or another financial crisis and the constitution (what’s left of it) suspended.
San Antonio? I grew up there. I left over 35 years ago, vowing never to return except for family funerals and reunions.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s a unique place with a lot to offer. I just couldn’t stand the climate. The physical climate more than the political one. It’s too damned HOT for someone descended from the Vikings. I’m also so allergic to everything that grows there I have to take so many antihistamines in order to keep my eyes open that I pop positive for amphetamines.
While my post was about yard signs, not bumper stickers, I have seen exactly ONE Romney bumper sticker in Ohio. The SUV also had a personalized license plate: SHPNGRL, if that says anything. Nah, no if. It does.
I swear, I never have an RPG when I need one:)
I know all about the military presence in San Antonio. I grew up with it. I also know that it is not a solidly Republican bloc. They are the 47% Romney referred to, after all. And some of them know it. Some of them, like everybody else, are idiots.
We’ll see how Bexar County goes. Bet it goes for the O-Fascist over the R-Fascist. Bet you a dinner at Mi Tierra or El Bosque or Casa Rio. Excluding my air fare, of course.
My city will definitely go for the O-Fascist. But I’m STILL voting FOR Stewart Alexander.
Thanks for your observation. Especially if you live on the north side.
The major problem – one of the major problems, for there are
several – one of the many major problems with governing people is
that of whom you get to do it; or rather of who manages to get
people to let them do it to them.
To summarize: it is a well known fact, that those people who most
want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it.
To summarize the summary: anyone who is capable of getting
themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do
the job. To summarize the summary of the summary: people are a
problem.
And so this is the situation we find: a succession of Galactic
Presidents who so much enjoy the fun and palaver of being in
power that they very rarely notice that they’re not.
And somewhere in the shadows behind them – who?
Who can possibly rule if no one who wants to do it can be allowed
to? – Restaurant At The End of The Universe
I won’t say you’re wrong; I don’t know. All I do know is that our current system cannot and will not survive.
“Difficult to see is the future. Always shifting. Always in motion.”
–Yoda. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
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Here, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, no signs are visible. CH is a very Democratic community, but this election, lawns and cars are not sporting anything. In 2008 there was a lot of sign stealing/throwing away activity, so who knows? Mandel signs seen in Shaker Heights, a not a very Democratic neighborhood.
LOL. I’ve seen that. It’s still funny, though.
Yeah, there aren’t as many national race signs, are there? That says something. Obama and Brown and Fudge betrayed us, so why advertise for them? The Republicans are even more despicable than they usually are.
Well. Coventry’s still OK. The Revolution Book Store is still open, and the Metroparks are still free. That’s better than nothing, right?
Why I tend to be more of an anarchist than any thing else.
Emma Goldman – very wise lady.
That’s my neighborhood! Still funky after all these years. And Big Fun still makes me giggle.
“If I can’t dance, then to hell with your revolution!”
–Emma Goldman
Now, THAT is wisdom.
You know I don’t remember seeing any political signs on McCracken here in Garfield Heights. Or any other street and this is kind of a mixed area.
But Here something to think about. You remember when you learned there was no Santa Claus ? Pretty let down and not really Christmasy.
That’s the feeling I get from people these days.
Damn straight ! LOL
Living here in Flint Michigan ,I’m seeing zip.This is the first time in over 60 years I haven’t seen shit for signs. I think you’re right about a lot of people thinking the election doesn’t mean shit anymore. I’m oe of em. Good post as always Barbarian. Been through Euclid many times with 53 feet of trailer following my semi.
I live and work on the north side but don’t get me wrong, Austin is my home and I’m trying to get back there.
Been waiting for ya, Austin can always use more good liberals, as we seem to be gaining ever more than our share of hard core right-wingers. They move here and then bitch about taxes, bonds, and everything else which suggests a hint of liberalism.
I’m in southern Ohio, in a generally democratic small town surrounded by bright red suburbs. In my neighborhood (approx 200-300 homes), There’s now one Rmoney sign and one Obama sign. Last election, the yards were full of Obama with a few McBush thrown in.
What i find interesting is the number of signs promoting Mandel WITHOUT a sign for Rmoney. Mandel is a GOP tool and only a true GOPer would vote for him. So these folks cared enough to get one of his signs and didn’t even bother to pick up a Rmoney sign.
Boxturtle (Thinks both candidates should be grateful that None Of The Above isn’t on the ballot)
Interesting post, and highly recommended, but this is the money quote;
We have the opportunity to change things starting with turning our backs on the fascists.
IOW, it would be a sign of something really big going if all the horse-race analysis was overwhelmed by posts showing a determination to vote third-party.
War is over, if you want it.
Interesting post, OB!
I was going to say, hardly any signs or bumperstickers – but while that may well actually be the case, I then realized the way I travel now (bus/train) I don’t see signs anyway – on the bus you are up higher, so more looking into and admiring people’s yards on the inside than at street level, and the train is even more so.
Very few of those big shiny mailers that I love to hate in my box, though that might still happen. Send ‘em, guys, and I’ll be sure not to vote for you.
For me it has been very peaceful not listening and not seeing. I’m voting for Jill. Good on her.
Interesting. I’d been noticing something similar here (Raleigh, NC). A lot of signs for local races, especially the judicial ones, some for state races, but very few signs for the presidential candidates. There are a scattering of bumper stickers, but not like 08. (I got rid of my Obama sticker in 09).
As for me, I’m voting for Jill Stein if I can (she’s not on the ballot here yet, but they are apparently litigating the matter).
I went to UT many moons ago, and loved Austin. Austin’s changed a lot since the 70′s. I trust 6th Street is still there, anyway.
Almost no signs up here yet — a bunch of local D and local R plus a couple of Gary Johnson and challenger (“nonpartisan”) court candidates. And early voting starts October 18. I think the national candidates have not put as much money into yard signs this year–just because both strategies rely on turning out who they now consider their base.
But by writing off 47% of the voters, Romney is hurting himself and the PTB money is shifting to trying to buy a good Congress. Tim Pawlenty bailing is a big tell about the state of the Romney campaign. And Romney has killed his prospects with folks who currently owe their jobs to the auto industry bailout–and that’s a lot of folks in the Midwest–even if they don’t work directly for GM or Chrysler or even work for Honda, Ford, or a parts supplier.
Nice post Ohio B . . . very kewl.
No signs really, in this part of the planet. But I don’t get out and around as much as I used to. But when i do latetly, not much signage at all.
I fully concur, the corporate fascists chose their horse long ago, and he’s delivering solid returns for the 1%.
For we the people, or the civilians being creamed by our out of country adventures and epics of war, our present and soon to be re erected President ain’t doin too much.
In his second term, I forsee inroads, GREAT inroads to privatization of SS, Medicare, Public Ed. I also forsee MUCH more war, and likely an attack on Iran which will be insane if it goes down.
But slowly, and surely, this empire or ours is falling, and with Presidents like the one we have, it’s falling at a MUCH greater rate than it would have with a GOP operative tool of the corporate fascists.
LeSigh.
Anyone wanna pick and sang a few on the porch?
I got some cold iced down Bushmills in the freezer, and the bbq is lit and the mesquite’s blazing, aching for some big red meat and fresh salmon to sear.
In The People’s Key Of G:
“She walks thru the corn leading down to the river,
Her hair shone like gold in the hot morning sun.”
Update. A few more appeared, two actual Romney signs and another Obama one right next door to one of the former in the heavily Republican area. The other Romney sign, however, was in a vacant lot.
In a way, this is even worse news for Romney, for it means that his door to door people have been through that area and managed to persuade exactly one household to allow a yard sign.
Meanwhile, in Cuyahoga County, the Obama and Brown signs are proliferating, though there are still not nearly as many as there were 4 years ago. As for bumper stickers, I’ve seen just a few new Obama ones, and exactly one Romney one.
Maybe people are too ashamed to be seen in a vehicle with such a display?
I agree with you about the probable near future. As a friend of mine said recently, a big Obama win will be interpreted as a mandate for his style of fascism, and he will enthusiastically move forward with the destruction of the remaining safety nets.
And there’s nothing wrong with cold Bushmills and grilled meat.
Maybe they want to make sure it retains it’s resale or trade in value.
Yep, this one, like all the others in recent memory, is bought and paid for.
And we will all be SHOCKED, SHOCKED I say, to learn that Obama will attack SS, Medicare, Public Ed, and more, to privatize them.
Not to mention, I fully expect USA to create a far bigger war than we have in Afghan/Iraq.
The corporate fascists got their man, and he’s producing for them. Of COURSE he’s gonna be erected once more. ;-)
In the CA State Capital, Sacramento, I still see very few signs or bumper stickers. A few signs for local or state-level races are emerging, and the newspapers are focusing more on CA ballot initiatives.
My neighborhood in 2008 had tons of yard signs. It’s a “mixed” suburban area, so there was a reasonably even break-down of Obama & McCain signage, plus quite a few Prop H8te signs (sigh).
This year: I have yet to see ONE sign anywhere in my neighborhood. Not one. The very few signs I’ve seen are mostly on the off-ramps of freeways.
I’ve been apt hunting over the past month, driving around some other neighborhoods & so far: NADA. Only signs I see are “For Sale” or “For Rent,” but very few of those, frankly (the banks are holding onto foreclosed properties in Sacramento to drive up prices at the bottom end – literally. The top end of the market is very slow, but the bottom end results in feeding frenzies with speculators mainly from Silicon valley trying to snap up “deals”).
Frankly there’s a HUGE disconnect this year, and I think citizens – even if they cannot or will not articulate it to themselves – are pretty much figuring it doesn’t matter. Plus I think even the dittoheads are fatigued by the blathering bullshit. The lies and hype any more so frickin’ obvious that you pretty much have to be brain dead to begin to “believe” almost anything any politician or “pundit” says.
Many here know that I “called” the race for Obama at least 18 months ago. From the perspective of the 1%, what’s not to LOVE LOVE LOVE??? Obama’s “in” like Flynn & that’s it.
P.S. RMoney was always a “joke.” If he’s the pick of the litter, spare me. The so-called “Republican Primary” really was like a sick sick sick joke, only not funny at all. I’d prefer a loyal opposition. I don’t even know what to call those lying assholes. Buncha jerks with no class and not much to say. If RMoney’s the “best” that the BigCorp’s can produce, then the dog help us all.
Even my typically fanatically “Republican” family are finding it hard to croon out their looooove for RMoney. Of course, they campaigned for Rick Santorum & are good friend with him & his loony wife, so you do the math on that one. And now you also know why I live about as far away from them as I can… ick. They are not thrilled with Mormon Bishop Willard, even though they’ll hold their noses & vote for him.
I suspect many other conservatives will simply stay home or potentially vote third party. RMoney’s a big jerk, and R-Ayn ain’t any better.
I loath Obama, but he mostly knows how to speechify in a way that makes some of his constituents “feel good.” Very weak sauce, imo. I won’t vote for Obama, and that’s for sure. Not that it matters…
Lol. You’re probably right.