So, anyway...

I've just returned to Atlanta from a week of long days doing volunteer work on behalf of John2 (sorry - no superscript to indicate both Kerry and Edwards - guess I need a Selectric). I told them that I'd take out the trash, clean the (dog-chewed) headquarters offices at 271 E. State Street, wash their cars... whatever they needed as long as it wasn't illegal or immoral. Cowtown has changed a lot since I last spent much time there.

I did so many hours of data entry, "sifting" the lists of registered voters in good ol' Franklin County to toss out the strong-Kerry/strong-Bush* responses for a second/third/fourth pass that I think I may have a mild case of eye strain. Spent a big chunk of one day on the phone lining up volunteer housing for dozens of folks from all over the country who are descending for the duration. Also helped with a set-up and tear-down for an appearance by Cisneros at an art gallery in the Short North... thought of Sammy as I looked at the Mexican art. (600 block of N. High -- sorry don't remember the name.) I also knocked on a couple of hundred doors -- most no answer, but at least as many Kerry voters as Bush* voters. The undecideds were happy to take the literature and many of the strong-Kerry folks signed up as volunteers. Clumps definitely has the Atlanta "ITP"/"OTP" dynamic. Hilliard was not pretty. But "UA for Kerry" signs are all over Uppity Arlington... almost parity with the dark side... less-so South of Lane, but are we surprised? Many positive experiences in my canvassing, but only one negative one will stay with me -- the kool-aid christianist who screamed Bible verses at me... it was in a Sec.8 complex for disabled people, and I think she needed her anti-schizophrenic meds tweaked. One mixed response was from a guy who said, "Good news: you got my vote. Bad news: I'm tired of talking about it and I'd like you to leave now."

Driving back, one thing that struck me as I got out of Central Ohio is the LACK of bumperstickers on cars for either candidate... seems like every 4th or 5th car up there has some sort of identification -- almost as many yard signs... those people know that they actually are living in the center of the Universe this election season.

Made a good friend - canvassing buddy named (no kidding) Bob Evans. He's a Vietnam vet from California... Purple Heart recipient who sustained massive injuries in the jungle at age 20... no plastic patriot, that one. He worked for a non-profit for a couple of years at the Wall in DC. We plan to stay in touch.

Listening to Todd Rundgren ("Just One Victory") as I type.

-TB