Ithaca, New York, home to Cornell University, is often referred to as "
the most enlightened city in America."
The reason for that moniker is that it is considered the most liberal city in America. More liberal than Madison, more liberal than Seattle, more liberal than even Berkeley.
This week, the
Ithaca Times had an editorial that seems to acknowledge that, at least in the most liberal city in America, it isn't pro-Kerry,
it's anti-Bush, and woe to the property (and maybe physical health) of anyone who "dares" support the President:
Usually, come election time, one may find the names of at least two presidential candidates on the lawn signs of voters. This year is unique in that, generally, only one name can be found - Bush - albeit in vastly different contexts.
There are, of course, the traditional Bush Cheney 2004 signs, reserved for only the bravest members of Ithaca's Republican minority. But, by far, the most popular signs feature the "BUSH MUST GO!" slogan, generated by a creative group of local activists.
However, two other political names are strangely absent. Support for the Kerry/Edwards ticket can be spotted on bumper stickers but curiously few lawn signs.
Ithacans take their lawn signs very seriously. First the "BUSH MUST GO!" folks complained their freedom of speech was being stifled. One unlucky person on East State Street had a sign stolen at least three times.
Then the Bush/Cheney supporters... signs were stolen or smashed. (Some might argue that, in Ithaca, they were lucky that only their signs were attacked.)
Unfortunately, this demonstrates that, in Ithaca, voter enthusiasm often degenerates into political immaturity.
Ithaca makes national news for it unique monetary system, its commitment to environmental sustainability and its beautiful gorges, but thank goodness the rest of the country will not learn about its silly political antics.
Granted this editorial isn't really scientific evidence of anything. However, when even the newspapers in a liberal city think that (a) it's anti-Bush, not pro-Kerry; and (b) conservatives in liberal communities are being silenced; (if not in danger of physical attack) then you have to wonder if there isn't something to the allegations.
