Do No Harm

 

There are many, many jobs involved in running a local political campaign. For every person you can see handing out literature or working at the polls, there are numerous others working behind the scenes at tasks you probably haven’t even thought of. Candidates must martial their volunteers strategically. 

That’s why they probably don’t have a specific election category called “Watching election signs at the polls after dark.” Nobody has that many volunteers. And besides, why should this even be necessary?

Why, indeed. 

Alas, Early Voting in Howard County has been marred by political vandals who are stealing and/or destroying campaign signs at voting sites. Perhaps I should simply be grateful that no one has of yet been threatened with a machete, but - - come on! - -  asking people to respect the other side’s candidate signs seems like a pretty low bar to me. 

People used to make fun of Howard Counth for our Choose Civility campaign. We’ve moved on from that, and with good reason. Still…Could we at least focus our efforts on making and encouraging good choices? This kind of behavior smacks of disrespect and not just from one candidate’s team to to another. It’s also part of a growing “the end justifies the means” sort of violence that seeks to make polling places and the very act of voting feel less credible and less safe.

If you really have faith in your chosen candidate, how does destroying someone else’s property show that? It doesn’t. It shows insecurity, fear, and possibly a sense of entitlement. “I get to have my say. You don’t.” If your campaign is doing this, or you are “ignoring” evidence that your volunteers are doing it, I sincerely hope that everyone in the county finds out what kind of a person you are. You should wear the truth about your behavior like campaign gear. 

That would be enlightening for the rest of us. Depressing, yes. But educational.

Today is the last day of Early Voting, Then it’s on to November 5th. Do me a flavor, will you? Do no harm. 

*****

Local HoCo shopping recommendations: what about local craft fair and seasonal second-hand markets? Here are some suggestions for this weekend.

Abiding Savior Lutheran Church Holiday Bazaar Sale, November 2, 8 am to 12 noon. 10689 Owen Brown Rd, Columbia, MD Proceeds will support Columbia Community Care, the Liberian Community, and Abiding Savior ministries. Please contact the Abiding Savior office, asic@abiding-savior.org, if you have any questions.

Jewels for Hope - - a sale of gently worn jewelry and scarves. November 2, 8:30 am to 12 noon.  Glen Mar Church, 4701 New Cut Road, Ellicott City, MD. This event directly benefits (100% of proceeds) HopeWorks - Howard County Maryland's Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center. Admission is FREE with a suggested donation of $5.00. Thousands of items are for sale with prices starting at five dollars

Howard County Crafts Spectacular, Howard County Fairgrounds, November 1-3, beginning at nine am each day. A craft show featuring over 375 artists and crafters. Free Gift wrapping, package check, Free parking, Free courtesy shuttles back to your vehicle, Free door prizes every 15 minutes throughout the weekend. Magic Shows on Sat. & Sun at 11am and 12:30pm. Admission $5 or $7 for a multi-day pass. Children under 10 Free.

Oakland Mills High School Craft Fair this Saturday, November 2, from 10:00 to 3:00. There are always a lot of local artisans selling nice gift items, event benefits the OMHS PTSA. Come visit, see, and buy various works of art from our community members that are unique and one of a kind.