Happy Birthday to me

From LP people - o...

I'm 40 today. Birthdays for the past few years have been spent at the State Fair in Raleigh, talking to people at the Libertarian Party booth, and this year will be the same. Our focus this year - as it was last year - is more on ballot access than issues.

Most people are very positive towards ballot
access and the LP, but there are some rather frustrating attitudes. One
exchange (from memory, so not verbatim, but close):

Guy [walking toward LP booth]: I hate the Democrats and the
Republicans.

Me [perky]: Well, then you'll want sign this petition to get another
choice on the ballot!

Guy: Well, I think people should work within the system.

Me [supressing a lovely flashing vision of patriots-in-arms and the
state capitol in flames; returning to 'perky', holding out pen
hopefully]: Well, good; this petition *is* part of the system.

Guy [walking away]: I don't sign petitions.

Me: *sigh*

This was all made good when a college-aged fellow rushed up and enthused about the prospect of have a reading group where he could discuss Rothbard with other people. And another college guy came up and demanded to volunteer right away (which might have had -something- to do with cute Amy working there, but not everything:) This fellow immediately engaged me about minarchism vs anarchism. Good to know I can at least hold my own against agile young debate-team minds.

Forty is a great age. Maybe I'll stay here for a few years.  ¶ 5:01 AM