Lakewood Arts Festival – Candidates, What's In Bad Taste?

[sharon kinsella]

Wow - you got me there Danielle - how astute - okay bookmarks.

[Danielle Masters]

Sorry Sharon, I just didn't want to be accused of being dishonest. I know you like your facts.

[Bryan Schwegler]

I get turned off by über-partisans on both sides...

[Phil Florian]

I think the major point needs repeating. Political groups were asked to cool their jets (asked, not told, because it is public space, of course) and these political entities chose not to listen to this request. Done and done. Take this as you will. In the end, the question for the political campaigns would be is a few more signatures worth the ire of a few more citizens? If it is, I would think this will be the norm for future events, as well. Just like the "Swift Boat" movement of national campaigns. Ugly or not, it worked so we will see more of it just like I am sure next year's Festival will have a ton of Republican/Democrat presidential material and people floating around, becoming the flies in our artful soup. Personally, I hope my party of choice takes the high road and respectfully stays away but that is a lot to ask from both parties at this point.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Just a couple of little reminders people.

The dems table last year - had tons of campaign literature on it, not a one for Ed Fitzgerald.

Jim - If you remember, we also had copies of the Lakewood Observer that you asked to put there and it was not a problem.

The republican booth had a big Demro sign - so it wasn't just face painting.

If we must bash people, let us all bash correctly.

Now play nice all.

Sharon

I was not bashing. I am a registered Democrat.

My statement on why was told to me by one of the Board Members. Because of the "only" political nature of the Democratic table, the decision was made to not allow politics this year.

The person that told me was a very strong Democrat as well.

It pains me, but I went back through my photos from last year and could find no "Demro" outside, but the word Republican was on their sign. Possible it was there, I thought I remembered it. From what I see in the photos, some in my blog. The Democrats had no sign, but had a table skirt, ballons and leaflets near Einstein Bagels correct?

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[sharon kinsella]

Yes Jim we did.

I went through the thing about the Demro sign on another thread.
It wasn't outside of the booth, it was inside on the left as you looked at the booth from the street. From where I was at the Dems table, any time I turned my head to the left, the sign was there.

The only reason I ever brought it up was that there was a claim that the Republication booth had nothing political. I didn't think the sign was a big deal, just like when representatives of different candidates came by and asked if they could leave their literature we figured no big deal. When we started out the day, we were signing up people for the club and selling water. The table grew on it's own. Should we have allowed it, probably not, but that's what happened.

The club did not organize for the Arts Festival because we were asked not to. What individual candidates did was their campaign strategy and not part of the club conversation. I wasn't even there, I can't attend events if I'm not at a table, I'm not able to walk around much.

Again, my only point in bringing any of this up was because of the accusation. That's all. I have no personal agenda in any of this.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Sharon

I just returned from a wonderful walk through of two schools.

I did not mean for this to go where it went. The point Steve made and I could sit in the office and watch him get hassled.

I am sure it was extra frustrating for him as Neil Javobs is a very close friend and he came up to see him play. To be sitting and relaxing for the one thing you want to see and be blocked from seeing it, was rude.

I only mentioned last year as to put into the discussion that people were told, please not this year. I know the Rs and the Ds were told.

I have zero agenda on this as well.

Maybe it is time to let the thread die.

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