The drive from Harrisburg to Canton is always rather refreshing. It's a chance to drive down SD 11 and see the agricultural bounty of Lincoln County, enjoy some of the rolling hills, and then drive east on US 18 into the quaint Canton downtown. Once in Canton, it's nice to visit the county courthouse, a stately old building.  It's even more impressive in the inside than the outside with its wonderful woodwork.

So today I made the fifteen minute or so trek to Canton from Harrisburg.  Enjoyed the drive as usual.  Stopped at the county auditor's office.  Changed my voter registration from Democrat to Independent. 

Today is my "Independents" Day, August 10, 2005.  My Republican friends will be confounded.  My Democrat friends will no longer be embarrassed about what I say as a Democrat.  Most of the rest of you won't care.  I'm just a liberal now, not a liberal Democrat.

Plus, I'm applying for some jobs where being a Democrat will be a hindrance to my chances.  Thus, there's also some enlightened self-interest involved.  Further, I don't think a number of the Democrats i've seen and heard these past months since the 2004 election get it.  Anyway, I'm mad at them.  Yup, sour grapes.  I admit it.

But I also learned a little late in life that you shouldn't love things that can't or won't love you back.  I'm definitely not feeling the love Democrat-wise.  My wife loves me, my kids love me, my parents love me, most of my other family loves me, a number of my friends love me, and even my two stupid dogs love me.  So, I have some idea about actual love, not pretend, air-kiss, the-check's-in-the-mail, we're-behind-you-WAY-BEHIND love.

We now return you to my regularly scheduled hiatus.

Oh, and by the way: Happy "Independents" Day!

Todd Epp