Solon Economou

Vote NO on Question YES!

It is said that great (or twisted) minds think along the same lines.  I've published three pieces this week, all exhorting you to vote NO!   One on Question 1 on the ballot, one on Question 2, and the third on the candidates.

Alex Papaioannou, a friend and fellow Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumnus, published a piece today titled Vote Early, Vote Often in the Foxboro Reporter, Foxboro's weekly newspaper.  In it he exhorts, among other things, the voters to 'Vote NO on Question YES!'

Alex writes, "Are you as sick of the whole electoral campaign as I am?  Excepting some earthshaking or confidence shaking disclosure, my mind was made up weeks ago.  What we need is to have a little fun during the campaign.  I'd like to see someone print up a few thousand signs [or bumper stickers] that say: 'Vote NO on Question YES!' or, alternatively, 'Vote YES on Question NO!'"

For those who don't want to take the blame if their winning candidate screws up or who plead absolute neutrality, he suggests universal bumper stickers that read 'I Didn't Vote for Them!'

He recalls the days when his grandfather was paid 50 cents and told to vote for a certain candidate using some one else's name.  Some people voted more than once.  He suggests another bumper sticker, 'Vote Early, Vote Often.'  That's reminiscent of  'Vote often and early, for James Michael Curley.'  I know of people who did.

Alex says, "Any of these ideas would be a great moneymaker for the Boy Scouts.  Print up the signs and stickers and sell them on Saturday behind the Town Hall.  At a buck apiece they could make beaucoup dollars."  Spyro, there's a thought for you.

I agree with Alex.  The repetitive rhetoric and length of the campaign are driving us crazy enough.  Most people have already made up their minds on whom they will vote for (pardon my dangling participle).  If we're going to deal with crazy, let's have some fun doing it.  Remember it's better to laugh and be crazy than to be depressed and be crazy.  At least that's what my psychiatrist says as he cackles uncontrollably, especially when I ask him if I can be cured.

I think I'll stand in front of the polling station with a big sign reading, 'Vote NO on Question YES!'  That should drive some people crazy.  At least I hope so.  I need the company.