My greatest concern when I placed the political signs on my lawn was whether they would offend someone in my neighborhood. I live in a working class section of Pennsylvania, some 15 miles outside of Philadelphia. It was dependent on steel and manufacturing for many years but eventually saw a decline as jobs left the little borough of Conshohocken for elsewhere.
I didn’t want to hurt anyone with my politics. I remember when I first saw signs pop up for my candidate’s opponent and how I reacted to their sightings. I wanted to curse out the homeowners. I wanted to shoot at the signs and tell everyone how stupid and bigoted they were inside the houses. (See “Signs -, signs – everywhere a sign!”)
And so I felt a slight cringe when I got my two signs last night and asked my son to assist in placing them outside. I earned the signs. For the first time in my life, I made phone calls on behalf of my political party. Unfortunately, I was unable to reach anyone to volunteer their time to canvass voters. But I did work two nights and signed up at least one young man who had not been registered to vote. You had to give two nights on behalf of the candidate to get a year sign. I got two.
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Vote against Fear For America this Year!
Getting outdoors this morning was fun. The signs were still there. No one stole them or shot at them as far as I could tell. They appeared as cheerful as I felt in leaving them unprotected the first night at my home . . .
Making my way in the bright sunlight of the early morning, I heard birds chirp and felt a slight breeze flow in my direction. It was both soothing and non-threatening in a sort of a magical way, if you know what I mean.
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What greeted me when I walked down the steps, however, told me I had made the correct decision.
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Across the street a neighbor stood outside his parked car with his arms extended above his head cheering me on. He had seen the signs and had given me a sign of his pleasure with my effort. I cheered him back with arms raised and felt the Universe was smiling on me, telling me that I was a “good boy.” That I had done the right thing.
Now all I need do is get out the vote and make sure that America moves forward with courage without fear of retaliation or threats to be put in jail.
Contoveros 
Janet Mather
You go! I’ve come to think (though not always act on, for sure) that offending truth and love is worse than offending neighbors. Time to take a stand. When we can.
Michael J Contos
“Offending truth and love . . .”
What a concept. I never looked at it that way, but you are so right. Thanks for your correction. I need help from angels like you my dear!
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Jason Zaczyk
Ms. Janet nailed this topic perfectly… We have way to much wisdom to wait for the approval of others. This ties in with your last blog… Find your fearless calm & speak your mind for goodness, truths or injustice. Never take a back seat to embracing your freedom. Martin Luther king once said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Never risk that chance of dying unsung. Blessings of peace, Tina
Michael J Contos
Beautiful Tina, just beautiful.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — Martin Luther King
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Betty Ann Mangold
Good for you Michael……our country IS GREAT with all its flaws (we’re human), but we still need to strive for perfection in caring for each other, respecting each other and doing the best we can every day. Be humble in all our service.
Michael J Contos
I love you cousin.
You are very wise and understanding!
Betty Ann Mangold
We come from a wise heritage
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Terri Kiral
You have successfully demonstrated the presence of Buddha nature in a political arena. Balance between personal opinion and awareness of harming others is a virtue, Michael J. May you continue to walk humbly in that awareness. (P.S. My phone banking earned me one sign. I will put mine up tomorrow. Wish me good fortune.)
Michael J Contos
Good luck with announcing your attention to the world. May it influence others to feel good about themselves.
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Share your voice with those signs, Michael J. That’s what a writer does. Embrace the sign language acknowledgement from others, and rest comfortably in knowing your opinions matter.
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It’s nice to rest after taking a risk. Writing about it helps too!
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Good job Michael….It’s at the small, local level that builds upward the values we want in our government. I know what you feel about the sensations we get in our heart about signs, and the judgements. At this point I think the universe is delivering DT the blow he needs. He was a puffed up angry old lion, stalking his prey on that stage, for all the world to witness. I recorded all, and the final scenes of him departing the premises were telling. In the tent outside, going down steps, I saw that old man resisting a grab on the railing. HIs ego was not on display, he looked tired, and I pray he stays that way. 🙏R
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I think Hillary may have “baited” him by walking right into his space and keeping her back to him the whole time she looked at the questioner without paying a lick of heed to the Frankenstein monster behind her.
Boy, was he pissed. And he showed it, just as the future president knew he would taking it hook, line and sinker.
Even DT admired her courage and told everyone how she just doesn’t quit!
What a gal. What a true warrior.
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