The adventure of Paul Phaneuf and the County Clerk’s office Richard S. Drake/December 4, 2014 arktimes/blogs/streetjazz/ Making an excursion to the Washington County Courthouse to cast our votes on 119, Tracy and I saw that quite a crowd had tuned out to vote. Among those evidently turning out to vote was a fellow who was seated just inside the clerks office as we came in, discussing his philosophy of government with another man. Looking over, I saw that it was none other than Paul “The Liberty Man” Phaneuf, who had so recently taken on Adella Gray in a run-off, only to be cast down come Election Day. But today was another Election Day, and it seemed, perhaps, that Comrade Phaneuf’s work was not yet done. I thought, surely he isn’t talking politics right here, in front of God and everybody? In the County Clerk’s office? Perhaps I wasn’t the only one whose suspicions were raised by The Liberty Man’s presence. As I waited for a paper to be printed off which would entitle me to a ballot, I heard someone from the clerk’s office cautioning him that he couldn’t actually talk to anybody about politics while he was there. And so he spoke no more. But he did continue to stand there, in full view of everyone coming in the County Clerk’s office, as though the strength of his beliefs and the power of his commanding presence alone might be enough to bring succor to those who believe as he does, in the sanctity of individual liberty, free enterprise and property rights. The only thing missing was a cape, fluttering slightly in the breeze. Well, that and a cool costume. And just perhaps the sight of The Liberty Man, standing his lonely vigil in the lobby of the washington County Clerk’s office, might persuade some of those who might, through their political innocence, be tempted to vote in a way that was counter to the demands of liberty. Just to see The Liberty Man, his firm yet compassionate gaze falling upon them all, might convince them to change their votes. Who knows? Perhaps he felt it was worth a try. As I left the clerk’s office, I urned back to see Paul Phaneuf, standing tall and proud, but not to proud, perhaps, to share his strength with others. It made me proud to be an American. ****** Quote of the Day Things ain’t what they used to be and probably never was. - Will Rogers [email protected]
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 23:10:48 +0000