Foreshadowing?

Volunteering to help the Manassas Republicans at the polls on Tuesday, I arrived at the polls shortly after 4:30am to find one hearty soul already forming the line, and several in their cars. By the time I had placed signs and set the table and chairs provided, around thirty folks had arrived, and i passed out the sample ballots to an estimated 30 people. Everyone was in good spirits, and i talked with several folks about various items. The man in charge of the polls came out and verified I had placed my materials legally (40 feet from the door of the polling place). around 5:15 the first democrat worker showed up and revealed himself with a snarly "I am a democrat and i already voted" when offered a sample ballot. After making small talk, he warmed up. I was eventually joined by two other Republican volunteers and two other Democrat volunteers. I chatted briefly with each of them to confirm they were citizens of Manassas, and we cordially worked alongside each other.

Sometime after 5, I noticed a gentleman standing the in parking lot, just looking on. I approached him and asked if he would like a sample ballot. he asked "where are the democrats" were, i said they were "everywhere." "How many are there" he asked, and i responded "hundreds, millions" and then said "all sarcasm aside, how can I help you?" He indicated he had worked every election here for the past 20 years, and they had not called him, he had to call them. They indicated they had lots of help and would need his assistance this election. I pointed out both of the democrat workers present, and he went to talk with them. That is when i saw "Machinists" on the back of his jacket.

When the polls opened at 6am, there were over 200 people in line, and the pace kept up for another hour or so before the rush ended.

Then...a woman showed up who immediately and loudly said "That is illegal, they cannot do that" as she looked at my table set up. I assured her i had verified my position with the polling place guy in charge. She grabbed the arm of one of the democrats working the poll and moved to the side (i guess she thought her conversation was privileged or something). Showing her true colors, and unfamiliarity with our fine city, she remarked "this does not appear to be a very diverse area." One of the democrat workers immediately responded with "your wrong, we have (and then cited a list of nationalities represented in our little town). I looked at her and said, yes, we are a diverse area. She then chastised the other democrat for speaking so loudly. He responded with a humorous, "you may not like what I say, but I will say what I want." I have referred to her as the 'wicked witch of the west.' She specifically collared the "Voter Protection" unit that came out of the polling place, who obviously were in charge of ensuring every vote was counted (dead or alive). She wanted them to know she was there and how to contact them should something happen that she would need their services.

There were lots of paid poll workers in town this year. They were visiting our fine city, casting aspersion on our character and treating us like second class citizens. This is what the Obama campaign brought us, Chicago machine politics. These people may not be evil, but they can certainly see it from where they live and are comfortable with that fact. I hope this does not foreshadow our future.