Oh, man!! You guys do surveys of your peaceniks? Wow! You really ARE determined to win this contest with us, aren't you?
Well, I guess that leaves us no choice! I'll have to draw up a survey (typical question: "Do you think that Jews poison wells in Palestinian communities?") and head across the street with it.
I just don't know what kind of cooperation I'm going to get though, when I go up to them and say, "Pardon me, but I'm from the other side of the street. We're trying real hard to win a contest against some other American cities to win the title of City with the Stupidest Peaceniks and so I need to take a survey and collect quotes from people on your side. Do you think you can hslp us win the contest by answering a few questions?"
There are literally dozens of various "peace" organizations to join in this small town, as well as a whole store of stuff they sell, including propaganda and yard signs. Our university has a "peace" studies program and turns out more peaceniks each semester. When the peaceniks get to talking, you will hear exactly the same turn of phrases, the same manner of instigating arguments, the same points, twisted facts and stats, the same nonsense coming out of their mouths. Talk about conformists! They even dress remarkably alike.
Since the graduates sometimes take 10-20 years to get their degrees (professional students) they like to hang around here and settle. We are half-way between St. L. and K.C., and 30 miles from the state capital, so they can protest to their hearts content. Many local events like Memorial Day Parades or air shows, the peaceniks will "paper" the area. The most celebrated activists among them are the ones who spent time at federal prisons for their mischief. I'm talking hard-core people, here!
After reading their "stories" in the newspapers, seeing their mugs on the local news, seeing their pamphlets almost everywhere, etc., one would think they were 100% Conspiracy Freaks. I merely cut the number from what would appear the going rate and came up with fully 75%. I suspect that may be a bit low. However, we do have occassion to talk each week; it is hard to avoid. They do most of the talking, as they don't want to hear our point of view, but want to convert us from our wicked thinking.
Have to run...will be moving my MIL today. Hopefully, one of us has a few photos and words to post for a new FReep this week. Good luck to you all!