And yet even more tough love

Last week I received another phone call from a supporter encouraging me to stay involved. Mark is a long-time midtown activist, and he wanted to find out what my plans are for the next few years. I've discovered my base seems to be the no-nonsense, pull-no-punches type of person. The kind of person to whom "diplomacy" is a word best reserved for people with names like Kissinger or Albright. After the initial pleasantries were exchanged, he got right to the point. "I just wanted to find out if you're going to be a chickenshit like the rest of them." If you know the crowd I run with you'll know I didn't even bat an eyelash at such a remark. I replied that first of all I am not, and second of all even if I was, that would be Mr. Chickenshit to him. It's all about respect and decorum with me. He replied that I don't even merit a "Mr" if I'm going to fade away like most failed politicians he's known. He went on to explain that if I'm going to give up after one failure than I'm a chickenshit and he's totally misjudged me. We agreed to meet for coffee so he could advise me on where I screwed up in this campaign, and how to avoid those mistakes the next time. Will there be a next time? I really don't know yet. I hope so. I guess there has to be someday. I don't want to have to get new business cards with "Mr. Chickenshit" on them.