Politicking at Greentree Parade Draws Concerns
A gallery of political photos from the 2012 Greentree Festival parade gets readers talking.
Americans for Prosperity's "Obama's Failing Agenda Tour" bus parked along the 2012 Greentree Festival parade route. The activist group also had a box truck in the parade.
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From a dog wearing a bandana in support of Dave Spence to a bus denouncing President Barack Obama's four years in office, this year's Greentree Festival parade drew a mix of political messages.
About the only thing most had in common was that they didn't celebrate Kirkwood.
I posted a gallery of political photos from the Greentree parade to Kirkwood Patch Facebook Thursday evening. The gallery quickly garnered three comments. Here's what people had to say:
- That is my least favorite part of the parade - I hate the way they ask all the kids if they want a sticker.
- I would sign a petition to keep the politics out of the parade. I don't think it adds anything and turns into divisive conversations for all.
- Agreed- the parade should represent what's unique and celebratory about Kirkwood.
I too was disappointed to see so much politicking at the parade, with the exception of the floats for state representative candidates Rick Stream and Deb Lavender. Both are active members of the Kirkwood community.
I'll add that even though I didn't care for what seemed to be a large political presence at the parade, I thought it was fantastic to see young people getting involved in politics.
Check out the photo gallery and share your thoughts.
Should politics stay out of the Greentree parade?
Tell us in the comments.
becky
9:54 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Although I am not a fan of politics in a parade, I think it is great that all political floats in the Greentree Parade are placed at the end. It is an election year, and a parade is just another forum. For those not interested...just leave the parade at the first sight of a political entry.
To the organizers of the parade, you all did a great job in this volunteer activity!!
Tony Wicker
2:28 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I'm not for the political entries either but I was happy that they were at the end. As soon as we saw them, we left and headed to the Greentree Festval. Up until that point , our one year old son loved the parade.
Tony
jimmiebigballs
5:02 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I thought the parade was great, politics and all. Saw some folks I only see a few times of the year. It is the reason parades were started in the first place. Bless those, even the politicians, who put in so much time and effort.
Jean Loemker
5:36 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Why is the "Missouri Women For Mitt" sign carried by all men?
Owen Skoler
8:00 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Thanks for the comments all! Jean, I'm not sure. It definitely caught me by surprise.
Beth von Behren
3:12 pm on Monday, September 24, 2012
We appreciate the feedback from all the Patch.com readers. The City understands that some people do not like political speech in a community parade, which is why we place the political walkers and floats at the end of the parade. However, our political representatives and leaders are also a part of the community they serve and support, and we think their participation in the annual Greentree parade is appropriate. Thank you - Murray Pounds, Parks & Recreation Director