By By ROBBIE BYRD, NEWS EDITOR
I've never been much of a fan of politics. In fact, I've never been much of a fan of pork products either. And, come to think of it, everytime I went to the park as a small child, I was always picked on.
So I am a little anxious about this upcoming "Pork and Politics in the Park" debate tomorrow afternoon.
In fact, I was almost terrified. But this weekend; I stared my fears head on.
I started off my adventure with a stop to Gold's Barbecue. The thought of BBQ pork had never even crossed my mind until this weekend.
OK, I admit; even though I have a disdain for pork, I do love barbecue ribs. I think that's the only pork product I partake of.
But I digress. It seemed like a good idea, and seeing as how I would probably be stuffing my face full of the stuff tomorrow, I thought I'd give it a try.
I actually ordered a plate of shredded pork.
And let me tell you, it is the best food that God ever put on this great green earth.
I'm not so sure what I was afraid of. There's nothing, I've discovered, any tastier than some shredded pork.
Now I'm not a BBQ pork connoisseur, but it was some really good stuff. Do yourself a favor and order a plate for lunch or stop by and get it by the pound for the whole family.
So, one down, two to go.
I decided to take my meal to the park. I'm not sure why; maybe I wanted to relive the good old days when the bigger kids liked to kick sand from the sandbox in my face, I don't know.
But if you haven't made a stop by Houston-Avery lately, just ride down that way. It's a beautiful little spot sort of hidden right in the middle of a largely residential neighborhood.
And, the whole time I was there, no one tried to kick sand in my face.
I was elated.
Little did I know my personal story of overcoming the odds was only beginning.
I had a gentleman waiting on me when I came into my office.
And, telling from the red tie, little flag pin and the handful of brochures covered in an image of the American flag, it was going to be a long afternoon.
Sheldon Day, a candidate for the State Senate seat representing District 22 (our district, by the way) was a genuinely nice guy.
We talked about the great things happening in Thomasville, of where he is Mayor and where I spent many hours in my school days, and, for lack of a better term, chewed the "pork" fat for a little over an hour.
It was, actually, a lot of fun. I had never particularly felt involved in any of the political happenings of my era, but in the spirit of a true politician, Day made me believe that I could be a part of a "Brand New Day…"
And yes, the pun was intended.
So, I can't wait for tomorrow.
I'll get a chance to have a little of all three of my new favorites.
And hey, who knows, maybe they'll do a debate with shrimp… then I can give those a try, too.
Robbie Byrd is News Editor for the Atmore Advance. He can be reached via phone at 368-2123 or by email at robbie.byrd@atmoreadvance.com.