Stinky Feet, Bad Behavior and Political Shenanigans

A hopscotch grid on the sidewalk prompted this super short commentary regarding bad behavior in general and Ohio's Issue 1 in particular. A neighbor child's blunt — and completely charming — declaration served as a necessary balm during the tense time before and on the day of the special election. 

The accompanying photo is an actual shot of the child's message. I enhanced it in red for readability.

This is Kate Jones. Thank you for listening to The Gale Hill Radio Hour!

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Transcript

Hello, and welcome to a short episode of The Gale Hill Radio Hour.

I’m Kate Jones, here with some kid wisdom.

A few mornings ago, on our walk through the neighborhood, we came across a hopscotch grid drawn in chalk on a stretch of sidewalk. 

What delighted us most was the message printed across the top in all caps:

“NO STINKY FOOTS ALLOWED”

A simple and straightforward declaration from a child who obviously speaks her mind. Or his mind, we don’t know. 

But it got us thinking how useful that admonishment could be in other circumstances beyond disallowing stinky feet. 

We like it as a stand-in phrase for bad behavior such as harassment, manipulation, entitlement or, our favorite, political shenanigans.

I really embraced that last one, and when we went to the polls on August 8 to vote against Issue 1, I smiled as I filled in the “NO” oval. “No stinky foots allowed” ran through my mind.

Had it passed under the guise of “protecting” our state constitution, Issue 1 would have made it virtually impossible for Ohioans to have a voice in their state’s politics, even when they’re in the majority on an issue. 

Luckily, it didn’t pass. The issue was outrageous and cynical. In fact, it was “stinky foots,” and we the people of Ohio didn’t allow it.

That child in the neighborhood is on to something.

This is Kate Jones with The Gale Hill Radio Hour. Thank you for listening.