'School cancellations? Lack of teaching staff? Overcrowded classrooms? Thank the Kansas Republican Party. (785) 234-3456.'

Being a Democrat, I thought the sticker was quite amusing. However, it got me thinking about all the different kinds of statements people say about themselves by applying one of these stickers on their automobiles. My parents for example just put Dennis Moore for Congress stickers on their vehicles. Others have those Darwin vs Alpha-Jesus things (and vice versa). Others believe in certain issues, so they'll put up those kinds of messages on their cars. After thinking about all of this, I don't think I'll ever put up these kinds of stickers on my car for the following reasons:

1) Risk of vandalism. Who needs to worry about replacing broken windshields and punctured tires just to make a statement? Personally, I don't.

2) What is the point? I don't see how a little bumper sticker can change someone's entire view about a subject...especially if they disagree with it. Whenever I see a bumper sticker with something I disagree with, I immediately judge the person. I think, 'well, that person just isn't my kind of guy' for example. I know, it's bad, but I say blame the sticker!

3) Yeah, I bet bumper stickers are good fund raising tools. My mom made bumper stickers for our swim team back when I swam and the team made a lot of money that way. However, we had people that still wouldn't purchase them because they didn't like to 'ruin' the paint on their cars. I personally think there is a better way to get the messages out. Shirts or other types of clothing are better alternatives in my opinion.

4) Simply, bumper stickers are distractions to drivers. Accidents can occur very easily from un-alert drivers who care more about that 'Bush hadn't smoked crack in 7 years' ad instead of the car ahead of them. And I'm speaking from personal experience here.

5) Finally, if I really cared about something such as a certain political party or movement, I would act in it without advertising myself. I think being silent about what you're doing says a lot more than saying to the whole world that you're a part of it. I don't know...maybe that sounds stupid. Maybe all of this is, but it's what I think.

So thats why you're not going to see these kinds of bumper stickers on my car. I think I'll leave that apple computer one on there though. After all, do computer geeks really get a kick out of keying your car?