In an effort to gather signatures for a single-payer health care system ballot question, I spent three hours at the Noho Pride Day on Saturday.
It was a joyful occasion bringing not just local families, but people from many miles away. There were children, adults of every age and of course pets — dogs and one snake. I found that approaching people and asking them to sign a ballot question was a little tricky, but I eventually found my stride and then I had fun, too.
When a 7-year-old boy teased his mother by refusing to get out of her lap so she could sign the petition, I remembered a finger game from childhood and I made a deal with him: I will show you the game if you leave your mom’s lap. It worked.
A shop owner invited me into the store away from the parade noise to sign the petition in peace. I learned from her how hard it is to be a widow and run a business alone.
Two young men watching the parade shared their disappointment when Hillary Clinton lost the election. One of them said, “I wept right there in the restaurant where the news was announced on the TV.” They signed the petition.
Farther on, two blond, mature women looked at me and asked if I was born Scandinavian as were they. Yes, we have that in common. They happily stated they have been married for over 20 years. Of course they signed the petition.
I interrupted people with: “I can’t tell if you are old enough to vote yet and you probably can’t tell if I am 60 years old or 75 years old. I have a petition to improve our health care system. Are you old enough to sign?” We would laugh and the petition got signed.
One of my favorite moments was when a young man shared his excitement at this petition. “May I have a couple of petition sheets so I can gather signatures at work and from my neighbors?” I said, “Yes.” A gentleman from our local radio station invited me to appear on the radio to discuss this ballot initiative. I said, “Yes.”
In these three hours, I learned that there was a shared understanding — the current health insurance system in the United States is not working as well as the systems in Europe. The attendees welcomed an opportunity to make a difference by signing the petition.
With this realization, I will continue to spend some retirement time gathering signatures.
Osa Flory
Williamsburg