AARP showdown

The AARP, the biggest political lobby group in the nation, is holding a candidate forum on Friday, May 6, 2005 at the Sheraton Station Square. Mayoral candidates are on from 9 to 10 am. The heavyweight candidates in the 42nd State Senate special election have been invited for 10:30 am.

I am not yet invited.

I am not able to participate. The stupid, national AARP guidelines require that an independant candidate must register at least five percent in voter support in official polls conducted by news media or other independent polling organizations OR if the candidate belongs to a political party, the party must have received at least five percent of the last general election vote, if the party ran a candidate.

KDKA TV didn't do a poll. Or, they didn't release the numbers.

In states where third parties are not strong, this last two points can be large hurdles.

The other two candidates in the race support my participation in back-channel conversations and in theory. We'll see what happens.

I can attend and have campaign literature available. But, I'm going to say something. If any of you can come to support the efforts of inclusion, of thinking with your entire brian, of not putting the cart before the horse, of democracy, of fighting for the right to make an educated vote -- that will be greatly appreciated.

I'll be the one with the American flag in my hands.