The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

The Yearly Delabar Fries

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

20 September 2000

After attending two annual political fries the last two Sundays, one for the Democrats and this week's for the Republicans, I thought how unique our close-knit county is compared to the larger metropolitan areas, such as Chicago.

Don't get me wrong, I love visiting the cities, but in Henderson County, there is no finer place to teach our children about values, about patriotism, about the founding values of our country and keeping them, and building them.

I know the political candidates love to come to the annual fish fries, if at all possible, because they are really welcomed by a good informative crowd and are concerned about the job they do or want to do for our country.

I hate to think what would happen to all of us if we lived in a country where everyone stayed at home, went golfing or boating, and just didn't care enough to find out what our candidates running for office were all about. We'd be an easy target for our enemies, or the communists.

The annual fry is not just about political speeches but it is also about friendly socializing, personally meeting the candidates and office holders, and talking about the issues that are dear to your heart.

I think it is at the annual fish fries where politicians can really get a feel for what their constituents yearn for in this great country, and it is also where the voters can really learn about those running for office.

You can find out if they really are there to listen to the people or if they have their own agenda.

Candidates can obtain a vast knowledge about the hopes and the frustrations of the voters, as well as their desires for a safer and moral place to live and to bring up their children.

A close race should be the Congressional race this year. Congressman Lane Evans has done much to help his constituents, but Mark Barker expressed a much broader agenda which addresses agriculture, moral issues, a strong defense, education, taxes. He seems to carry a strong passion and a desire to claim the Congressional seat for the sole purpose of cleaning up the obvious problems that exist, for the sake of the nation and our children.