Getting out the vote, one bar stool at a time

So the other night the Brawler and his comrade in anonymity the illusory tenant (he gets pissed if you don't lower case his name while speaking to him) went out for drinks. It was like the Algonquin Round Table in the 1930s, Deux Magots in the 1940s, and a White Hen parking lot in the 1970s all rolled up in one.

A sample snippet of conversation:

Brawler: I don't know, man. I don't think Lou Reed's made a good album since the early 1970s.

it: Whaddya mean? You don't like New Sensations? What, you're such a Milwaukee guy you don't like the album because Lou 'took his GPZ out for a ride' and not his Softail?"

Brawler: No, man, it was a drag.

it: He had a great band.

Brawler: That's true.

it: So the Blue Mask isn't good enough for ya?

Brawler: Boring. Tried to like it. I just don't dig Lou Reed trying to be a poet.

it: He's a humble guy ain't he?

(Laughter)

Brawler: What's that one album with the Bruce Springsteen cameo, Street Legal?

it: Street Hassle.

Brawler: Yeah, that one's OK.

it: Remember that part in Take No Prisoners where someone in the audience calls out for Bruce Springsteen?

Brawler: Yeah. Wait -- Street Legal was that terrible Dylan album.

it: Street Legal's a great album.

You get the point.

Perhaps not surprisingly, a young woman sitting near us piped in. Who could blame her for wanting to participate in this highminded repartee? Anyway, we spoke of the wonderfulness of Milwaukee, the silliness of people who disdain it and the artful presentation of beers at the Roman Coin.

Then the Brawler asked her who she was voting for.

"When?"

She, like thousands of people in the city, was largely unaware that a quite significant election will be taking place in a few weeks. And who can blame her? Sandwiched between an historic presidential primary and a huge event in November, it's getting barely any attention. She works a bunch of jobs, isn't a big enough loser to read local political blogs and while she cares about, and is interested in, the city and country around her, she's not 100% politically engaged.

So, long story short, she readily agreed that Scott Walker was a weasel. She debated iT on Butler's legal philosophy, but conceded Gableman was a joke. And before long, she was fired up about going out to vote.

So, kids, when you head out this weekend, talk to your waiters, your bartenders, the people you meet, your friends, your family, people at church -- anyone you can -- about the upcoming election. No, we don't have the WMC's warchest. But we got the numbers.

And, as always, don't forget to tip your bartenders.

Photographic evidence of this historic meeting!

Comments

[iT]

She was cute, too.

[JR]

IT? That schmuck? He still thinks Terry Gibbs coulda been a contender....

[Sam]

Dare I say I'd love to have drinks with the both of you. Careful, though, as I have a fondness for scotch and nothing but scorn for those who do not share my overly developed tastes in booze.

Just saying...

[capper]

Yeah, that was a blast! A good time was had by all! Oh wait, I wasn't there. Thanks for nothing. Pththththth! :P