This occurred right before I closed the store where I work. An elderly woman (maybe in her 60’s) was checking out. As she approached the counter to pay for her book she noticed that there are two books on display. One by Barack Obama and the other by Hillary Clinton; so the brief conversation unveils.
Customer: I hear rumors that these two will join forces.
Me: What do you mean?
Customer: Well, Barack will run for Vice-President and Clinton for president.
Me: But… (interrupted)
Customer: That should be an interesting match.
Me: (At this point I am hesitant to say anything…you know, you don’t want to scare customers away… but I couldn’t resist)
Customer: What do you think?
Me: ( Thank God she asked) Well, I pray they not be elected.
Customer: I feel the same way. Do you have a candidate?
At this point I am thinking: She’s just testing me.
Me: Yes. I am voting for Congressman Ron Paul for president.
Customer: Ron Paul? (She seems confused)
Me: He’s the only one that embodies Constitutional principles.
Customer: I see. I thought about that Romney guy, but…(she seems hesitant) that faith thing.
Me: You mean the Mormon issue?
Customer: Yes, I didn’t want to say it. I just don’t think I can vote for him.
Me: Well, I certainly agree. You see, I enjoy sleeping well at night. That means that I must vote my conscience and my conscience is a Christian conscience. So, I will only vote for a Christian candidate.
Transaction unfolding.
Customer: I respect you for that. Have a good night.
Me: Good night and come back again.
Note: Nothing too profound of an exchange, but a simple opportunity to tie in politics and faith. They do overlap…you do know that, don’t you?
3 Replies to “Conversation at Bookstore, part 2”