Feb. 11
by Janine Stephenson
Over the past few days, we've heard about the pledge cards that the President sent out. A few days ago, someone came into the storefront with a card. At first, we thought it was just regular campaign literature. But then, when we looked closer we saw that the card was similar to a ballot. It had a name and address line and it said that they pledge to vote for President Johnson on March 12.
I guess that's alright, if people need to remind themselves who they're supporting. But the worst part is this: People are asked to send the card off to the Democratic National Committee and the White House. And that's not even the worst of the worst. Each card is numbered and tracked. So if card number 249 goes to Mrs. Smith and she doesn't send it right back, then they know that Mrs. Smith isn't voting for the President.
All of this is creepy. Becca says that people can still pledge to vote for the President and then not vote for him. But people here in New Hampshire are honorable. Craig thinks that if they sign and send it, they'll feel locked in to voting for him. He thinks that people will forget that they have the right to change their minds.
Mrs. Stoutmiller turned lavendar color when we showed her the card. Her lips clenched and tightened. She got very quiet. I thought she was having a heart attack, but evidently that's what happens when she gets angry. I guess it's true what they say about New Englanders. They don't show their emotions.
