62%

[madamesilverspurs]

It happened again. I came out of the grocery store to find someone staring at my car. In and of itself, that’s not unusual, the many stickers making it obvious that I support Democrats and liberal/progressive ideas. But one of those stickers addresses neither a candidate nor an idea (not directly, anyway), and that’s the one he was trying to puzzle out.

So, as I was putting my groceries in the trunk, I answered his question about it. A couple of years ago, I explained, the newspaper did a story on voter registration in our county. They reported that Republicans account for 38% of registered voters, the balance being split between Democrats and those who choose no affiliation. Based on those numbers their headline trumpeted that “Republicans Dominate”. Dominate? With only 38%? So I made the sticker, purple for the mix of red and blue, and 62% for all those who are NOT Republicans.

“I like that, “ he said, “I’ll have to remember that. Thanks!” Then he smiled, gave a little wave, and was on his way. Score one for the nonRepublican Democrat!

[HuckleB]

1. Nice story! I love it.

I'm not a bumper sticker person, myself, but I do suspect you have had some good conversations with them as starters, and, perhaps, some not so good conversations, too.

I always remind myself and others that we live among people with whom we disagree. Many of them. Even in the most progressive or conservative place, about 1/3 of people are likely to be quite opposite of the prevailing voter status.

Still, WTH was that paper thinking? Journalism is definitely in trouble.

[dchill]

2. If people would just VOTE...

Republicans would never win. It really is that stupid simple.

[liberal N proud]

3. 62% is the reason for all the voter restriction laws

The Republicans know that if the 62% ever voted, they wouldn't stand a chance.

In spite of the voter laws, we need to get everyone registered to vote regardless of how they register. We do whatever it takes to he each voter meet whatever restrictions are placed upon them and then get those same voters to the polls.

That is what we should all focus on, everything else can then be resolved. EVERYTHING!

[oldandhappy]

4. Cool! Good Idea.

[Surya Gayatri]

6. Enormous K & R. Thanks for posting.

[Land of Enchantment]

7. Your post concerns me because I have had people harrass me for my

homemade bumper stickers in New Mexico. I made one that read 'Impeach Scalia, Thomas, Kennedy, O'Connor and Rehnquist'. Just be careful. It has been my experience that angry people in big, gas hog pick up trucks think they can bump me an/or try to run me off the road, and that was in 2001. I have had people leave nasty notes on my windshield for my Obama stickers. All I have on my vehicles today are the 'Elizabeth Warren for President' and Bernie. I'm sure the people out here have no clue who Elizabeth Warren is--all I see are Ted Cruz bumper stickers. Get a stun gun or a mace sprayer as I plan to do.

[Turin_C3PO]

9. Are you in Eastern NM by chance?

I heard from a friend that the eastern part of our state is fairly rightwing. I live here in our SW corner and people here are pretty moderate with a significant liberal presence and some conservative howlers of course.

[Land of Enchantment]

12. Hello there. No I'm not in 'little Texas'

rather the East Mountains. All this happened in Albuquerque when I lived there. The SW corner is beautiful--been there a few times. I had always thought the east mtns would be liberal but it is full of republicans and warehouse style churches.

[madamesilverspurs]

13. Hoping to be in ABQ later this year

for my omg 50th high school reunion. Love New Mexico!

As for the potential for car vandalism: I'd had my car less than a month when someone took exception to my Obama stickers and expressed their disdain by keying both sides along the full length of the vehicle. I decided that removing the stickers wouldn't make the scratches go away, so I added to them. Since then there have been no more keying incidents, but I've had notes stuck on the car and I've been flipped off by more than a few people. I guess I'm just too old and too cussed stubborn to let those yahoos dictate what messages I carry.

Onward!

[Land of Enchantment]

15. I have loved your handle sine the first time I saw it

and am delighted you are returning for such an auspicious occasion! My spouse grew up here-I transplanted to Cerrillos hippie village in 73. Sorry to hear about your vehicle. I don't know why people think they can damage other's property but we are dealing with millions who think Trump is ok.....

[SoapBox]

8. Great post.

[Rebkeh]

10. I like that too nt

[Major Hogwash]

11. I cannot afford to have my windshield replaced again.

Or I would have a few Bernie bumper stickers on it.

Surprisingly enough, there aren't any cars running around here with Trump bumper stickers, or Cruz bumper stickers.
I haven't even seen their old standby bumper sticker -- the old-fashioned GOP, red-white-and-blue, elephant stickers, which were very prominent here back in the late 90s and the first decade of the 2000s.

[ohnoyoudidnt]

14. I'm in a pretty red area of Florida and I've also noticed very few GOP stickers.

There were definitely more in previous elections, Bush, McCain, Romney. I have no doubt there are just as many Republicans around, but for some reason they aren't advertising it this time. I see more Hillary and Bernie stickers.