Tossing Salt Present:
A Day of Dougie:
Local Elections, Fruit Baskets, Under the Bridge, and Ultimate X
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Good morning, and welcome to a very busy Day of Dougie. I just finished, a few minutes ago, writing a Dougietorial about free gas in Laurinburg, and then, I went and changed my voter registration from Democrat to Republican.

Yes, my friends. My secret shame. Since I turned 18, I’ve been registered as a Democrat. I can count on one hand the number of times that I actually voted Democrat, but when I turned 18, way back in 1984, all the local elections around here were basically just Democratic primaries. There were very few local politicians who ran as Republicans, and if a person wanted a say in local elections, they had to register as a Democrat or be left out. So, I did exactly that, voted in every election, usually for Republican candidates, and never bothered to change the registration. I felt like a secret agent man. I got all the inside info constantly mailed to me, but used common sense and leaned to the right anyhow. But now, the Democrats are too damn insane, even for me to keep up the ruse. So, put that “R” by my name, and I’ll continue as I always have, by the best candidate and not the party affiliation.

And that was long-winded, right? Get used to it because I think this will be one of those days. On the agenda, I’ve already drawn from the Infamous Magic Bag and selected a few topics of discussion. Aside from the usual Ultimate X questions, I’ll be speaking about Local Elections, Fruit Baskets, and Under the Bridge. Considering how I feel right now, this may turn out to be interesting. It also may piss a few people off. Oh well, shit happens. Are you ready? Let’s roll.

Local Elections

Two major elections are happening around here this year. The first is a race for Sheriff of Scotland County, and the other is for County Commissioner. Four people are running for Sheriff. Three I know, and the other, I’ve never heard of. Of the three I know, Ronnie Ivey, Jason Butler, and Chris Strickland, two are great guys. And the other, not so much. He shouldn’t even be a cop, much less running for Sheriff. And I’ll be straight up here. If Jason or Chris wins, I’m good with either. They’re both good men, straight up, and would be good for Scotland County. I know Chris better than Jason, so I’m leaning more in his direction, but either man would make a good Sheriff for this county. As for Country Commissioner, I’m still thinking about that. I’ll get back to you. I’m thinking Jimmy Watts.

But the reason this is all on my mind is that I changed my registration so I could vote for one of these men in the primary. And while I was doing that, I started looking at the local political offices available, and more specifically, the local Boards that one can be appointed to. Yeah, I’m thinking about throwing my name in the pot and maybe running for a political office. Scary, isn’t it? It’s not like I don’t have the time to give back to my community, right? I’m a smart guy, do my homework, and people seem to like me. Yeah, I might be a little too open at times for some people’s comfort, but hell, I’m bored. So I’m thinking about applying to be part of the ABC Board if nothing else. Hell, that is something I know about, overseeing the ABC store, right? It’s an idea. What do you think?

Do you like hugs?

I never did growing up, but as of now, I’d rather have a strong, firm uber-hug than sex. Eric spoiled me. And I live for the physical contact. So, that would be a yes. Bring it in, baby!

Do you prefer travelling with others or going on a solo adventure?

It depends on the situation, but generally, I prefer the company of others, most likely my infamous Bro-Son. I don’t trust my driving, my health, or my patience with other drivers to do trips on my own anymore.

Fruit Baskets

It’s a basket of fruit, mostly apples, oranges, grapes, and strawberries. Add a banana or a peach, and there you go. Or it’s a bunch of gay guys in an enclosed area, unable to escape, waiting for me to come rescue them. Either/or, but I wouldn’t be complaining, so long as they’re cute.

If you could have your Grandma cook anything for you right now, what would it be?

This is tough because my Grandma wasn’t much of a cook. My Grandpa did most of the cooking until he passed away, and then Grandma took over that role. She tried and got an A for effort. We never went hungry. So, whatever she would be fixing would be okay. I’d just enjoy the time talking to her and helping out more than any food. I miss that lady.

Is honky still offensive to white people? Does it offend you?

Some might be offended, but I never have been, and I’m not now. It’s just a label and a word. Nothing more.

Under the Bridge

An amazing song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers written about heroin addiction and the singer’s struggles in dealing with his demons. I didn’t know all that when the song was released. I just thought it was a cool song. And it’s still a cool song. Here’s the video.

Do you slow down the moment you see a police car, just in case?

It’s like breathing or the heart beating, an involuntary reflex. I don’t even realize I’m doing it until after the moment has passed. So, that would be a yes.

What made you cut off a friendship?

Being lied to, being taken for granted, loaning money and not being paid back, or realizing that the person doesn’t want to help themselves and is dragging me down into their pit of sorrow and anguish. I can’t care for someone who doesn’t care about themselves. I mean, I can, but it’s a losing battle, and eventually, enough is enough.

Are you the villain in anybody’s story?

Read the above statement. When I quit allowing myself to be taken advantage of or used, I’m the bad guy, the villain. So, more times than not, I’m the bad one. People who know, they know better, but the ones who believe it, it doesn’t matter. Get the hell over it and screw them.

And there you go. A day late because I outlined this yesterday, but went and watched a movie instead of finishing it. By the way, I rewatched Dirty Harry for about the 1000th time. Great movie. Go ahead. Make myDay. But today, Wednesday, I’ve finished. And now, I’m going to go listen to some music, clean the kitchen, and look more into those Board Appointments and the actual requirements. Have a great one, and be good, my friends. You have just experienced a Day of Dougie. Who loves ya, baby. I’m down, and I’m gone.

Ubuntu!