Stick 'em up, or on

By ANGELINA GERVASIO
Seventh-grader, Redwood Middle School

What a great country we have created in more than 220 years. Here in the U.S. we all exercise our First Amendment rights (citizens, legal residents and even the occasional tourist), one way or another. This time however, I want to address the sticky part of our expressions: The bumper stickers!

While riding in the car, my bike and even walking I am confronted by statements chosen by people who wish to let me know what they think or feel about different issues in life.

Just a few weeks ago, on our way to school in the morning we came behind this car which had a license plate that read something like "PEACE ‘N LOVE " and a "COEXIST" sticker next to it, when it made a sudden stop to make a left turn we had to abruptly come to a halt and the car behind us loudly honked. Well, what do you know, the love and peace driver who claims to coexist flipped us off, we stayed quiet for a few seconds before we burst out laughing. So much for love 'n peace!

There is another one I have read and don't quite get its meaning "Visualize Whirled Peas,” unless they are bright green spring English peas with truffle oil, the mental picture is not very appetizing but rather kind of gross. If I say the sentence fast enough it resembles "Visualize World Peace.” I am lost here about the intention of the sticker however. I also wonder about the "Keep Tahoe Blue,” is someone trying to turn Tahoe green?

During our most recent presidential election we saw all sorts of left and right assaults, countdown clocks, donkeys, elephants and even pit-bulls with lipstick. Obama supporters still proudly parade theirs in their cars, even though I am sick of it I say good for them, but the ones who still have Kerry/Edwards or Bush' 04 make me wonder if they have not heard the latest news: We are on 2009 and neither one of those candidates run for president on ’08.

Time to time we would drive by a car with an "Evolution" sign (you know the one with apes evolving into humans?) What if I caught the driver's attention and then ask them "Want a banana?" Would I be making fun of people this way? I think not, it's like having an open discussion on a topic where opinions get created and voiced ... both ways.

And then you have the anti-war, anti-terrorists, pro-guns, freedom and peace ... and sometimes you'll see more than one bumper sticker in the same car that make you go "Huh?" 

I have seen more than once a car sporting "Arms are for Hugging" and a "Free Tibet" next to it and I wonder if these people really understand their demands. Who are they suggesting should go to China, hug each one of their government and army members and then the Chinese will set Tibet free? ... "War is not the Answer," “Peace, Love, Freedom," "Live Free or Die"... When was the last time a country became free through diplomatic conversations, or hugs? When was the last time freedom was obtained without brave men and women willing to die fighting for it, or without waterboarding?

Some of my favorites are "The Emperor Has No Clothes," "Silly Boys, Trucks are for Girls," "Stop Global Whining," "I'll keep my money, my freedom & my guns ... you can keep the change,” and the latest one I saw on a truck outside Safeway with license plates from Idaho read "So, you went to college and still voted for Obama?” or one that I saw yesterday... “Obamanos”, since “vamonos” in Spanish is “Let’s Go.”

How about the one that says "My Labrador is smarter than your Honor student"?

Our chocolate Lab “Bruno” travels with us in our car a lot of times, and since we sport a “Proud RMS Parent Honor Roll” one, I suddenly feel compelled to let you know that I love my very smart dog!

So what does your car want me to talk about?

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