'Miss Congeniality' -- Watauga Republicans Take the Cake

Since the Mountain Times does not post letters to its web site, I've reproduced the following verbatim and in its entirety, to prove once and for all that Watauga County Republicans really DO practice their values, since we already know theyVoteValues: (MEMO: Maybe it's best not to act like jerks when there's a video camera pointed in your general direction)

Dear Editor:

The level of politicial division in this country is becoming more and more apparent as election day draws near. I'm a student at ASU, a few weeks ago one of my professors assigned a project in which we had to create a silent film that taught the rest of the class a lesson. My group decided to create a film which taught how local people become active in the election process. We ventured to the Democratic Headquarters, and the lady welcomed us inside and allowed us to film her making phone calls, and writing letters.

Although there were diverse political opinions in the group, the lady remained very helpful and polite throughout the entire process. We then decided to go to the GOP Headquarters to make similar footage. I had this wonderful idea that my group members could film me walking into the building with a Kerry/Edwards shirt, talking to the Republican Party volunteers, and walking out with a Bush/Cheney shirt. This would be a great way to show how local people sway public opinion. Boy was I wrong ... I didn't even get into the door until the people working there began snapping at me as to why I was wearing that shirt in there "without your flip-flops." The more I tried to explain to them that I was only there to do a school project, the more upset they became. I couldn't believe they were this upset with me.

The mall security cop informed me that he would be glad to tell me why I should support Bush, but that I'd need half a brain. After this, they began the typical election year name calling when they started saying I was a "liberal" and a "hippie." After trying to reason with them for twenty minutes, it was quite obvious they were not interested in helping me with my project.

While I understand that political opinions run very deep with people during election years, I did not appreciate having my intelligence insulted by people who did not know me. The funny thing is that I have all of this on camera, and I'm sending a copy to the Democratic Headquarters for anyone who would like to see how the Watauga County GOP acted towards me. I have always believed that political oppoinents don't have to be personal enemies. I just wish the Republican Party in Watauga County felt the same way.

Sincerely,
Tyler Patrick