Careful -- don't trip on the crosses as you remove those signs

Never mind the median memorials, it's political signs in the right-of-ways that have to go.

I'm pleased to see the signs go -- very pleased indeed. I'd be happy as a clam if there were nothing but road signs along the streets and highways. Imagine that!

But the latest media blitz about the danger and illegality of political signs being posted besides roads and at intersections has me scratching my head, because if they're concerned about safety, why not relocate the memorials from the median of Route 50 between Parkersburg & Clarksburg?

Median memorials are even against the DOH's own rules -- read toward the bottom of this page under "Memorials may not be placed." Yes, there is a policy. There's also a form to fill out if you want to place a permanent memorial. And lots of pointers. Quite a bit of time has been put into this subject.

At my last count, there are four median memorials on Route 50 between Parkersburg & Clarksburg, two of which seem especially dangerous and one of those two has been there for at least 2 years.

Once again, I do sympathize with the families and honestly do admire their continued remembrances for their loved ones. Some of these crosses are decorated and redecorated, painted and re-painted. It's obvious that a great deal of time and care is going into them. I just don't think they should be in the median.

(a bit of history on my thoughts on this subject)

Parading

Tonight I attended a parade for the first time in eons. I observed the following:

• It seems to be a requirement that political candidates be accompanied by a small purebred, t-shirt-wearing dog. I have decided I will vote for the first candidate who convinces a border collie to march in a parade with them. Or a cat. If your cat will wear a t-shirt with your campaign logo and walk in a parade, then you definitely have my vote.
  
• Kids don’t seem too thrilled to get Tootsie Rolls, even if they’re free. Now Mardi Gras-style beads – those are a huge hit. If you’re running for office, invest in some cheap beads, and you’ll be the hit of the parade.
  
• The middle school marching bands here are as large or larger than the high school band I was in. Yikes.
  
• There is no shortage of local businesses (i.e., dance schools) eager to teach young girls how to dance like little seductresses.
  
• Cheers for elementary school cheerleaders have not evolved at all in the last 20 years.