Name calling in politics is alive and well. I walked in a parade with Dave Hildenbrand who I supported for Senate; it was raining heavily that day. After the parade I went up to Dave's opponent David LeGrand, stuck my hand out and said I'm supporting David Hildenbrand but just wanted to say hi. LaGrand said, "You must be tea party." I told him "I sell tea at my restaurant, I drink hot tea but I am Tommy Brann." We shook hands. LaGrand really doesn't know me, that's not his fault, so here it is, this is me. I like Social Security and Medicare so does that make me far left since it was FDR's idea? Or does that make me a moderate because FDR got support from Republicans on this? I like life and am pro life so does that make me far right? I like lower taxes and less government so does that make me far right again or tea party? I don't think all government is bad; government employees are American citizens and good people, so does that make me far left or a moderate? I don't really care what people call me; I think that makes me an independent republican with my own views. Like I said, it was a rainy day at the parade and I know one thing: the person that I was supporting, Dave Hildenbrand, did not use an umbrella while he was meeting citizens, but his opponent did. Dave Hildenbrand and I might be all wet at times, but I would not have it any other way.
