Party-Pooping Politics

The first of two presidential conventions convening this month is underway. The Democrats are meeting, if you rightly can call it that, in Milwaukee, Wisc. Most of the speeches are being given individually, rather than before crowds, from remote locations, because everyone is scared into a tizzy about spreading—or worse—catching SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2); better known as COVID-19. I suppose that it would be bad form for 77-year-old Joe Biden, running mate Kamala Harris, or anyone among the party’s esteemed elite to catch Coronavirus and die. Surely members of the opposing party can hope.

Speaking of the Republicans, their greet-and-not-meet event starts on Aug. 24, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C.. Flag-waving, MAGA-hat-wearing supporters can likewise stump for their candidates, Donald Trump and Mike Pence, before televised, remotely-given speeches. Every vote counts, unless your constituents catch COVID-19 and die before Election Day; so it’s better they don’t gather together. Eh?

That introduction brings us to the Featured Image taken yesterday using Leica Q2, here in the San Diego community of University Heights. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/5.6, ISO 100, 1/250 sec, 28mm; 10:01 a.m. PDT. I walk miles and miles about the neighborhood, mainly for exercise and to maintain some semblance of sanity during the partial pandemic shutdown. I frequently see Black Lives Matter posters or flags and various signs for politically liberal local candidates. The Trump-Pence placard is the first and only one. Perhaps there are others, but not seen by my ever-observant eyes.

Such novelty deserves attention—and protection, so I uncharacteristically won’t identify the location. Last thing this neighbor needs is a horde of anti-Trump protestors coming about and doing God knows what to the property. Given the many signs thumping for BLM, and the number of people dressed in all black clothing, there are plenty of folks who would take offense at anything, or anyone, supporting the President.

I am surprised no one has defaced or torn down the placard. In Southern California, freedom of speech ends with the mob’s voice, which is decidedly Democrat, Socialist, or Anarchist. From that perspective, the homeowner is rather courageous for so visibly expressing an unpopular political preference.