Earlier this week, TCM had a marathon showing of Hal Roach Studios' "Our Gang" short films. I viewed some and DVR'ed others, finding these shorts a welcome break from news coverage and whatever Netflix has sent me.
I had to laugh when the reel called "Free Eats" aired. It's the one where two midgets (or "fidgets", as Stymie calls them) dress as babies and, with the aid of two other con artists dressed as a husband and wife (the "wife" is a man in drag), rob a series of wealthy ladies of their jewelry. The kids have all been invited to a big party at a wealthy woman's estate for a day of cake and ice cream, balloons, a monkey and games. She's the wife of a Democratic mayoral candidate, and she wants to increase her husband's chances of attaining office by hosting a feed for the poor children of the area.
It reminded me of one of several incidents occurring this past fall where Democratic candidates had their support groups "buy" votes through feeds and promises of other goods. At the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Harry Reid gave free pizza to university students. http://www.lvrj.com/news/reid-makes-pitch-for-young-voters-and-hits-hard-at-gop-challenger-105322203.html Early voting was taking place at the Lied Library, next door to where the free eats were being given out. More on Nevada Democrat shenanigans can be found here. Booze, crack and pork rinds get you votes elsewhere. Mmmm, free food!
