It's a long story and I can't remember if I've told it, so let's just jump right to the short version and say I've gotten on a Republican mailing list.  I received a mailing yesterday from the Governor asking for a donation.  In the letter, he outlined his plan for using the money, dropped a few warnings about liberal democrats, and asked that I write a check.  I threw it in the garbage, then took it back out so that I could find his email address.  I dropped him a quick note to let him know that he could remove me from the mailing list if he wanted to, although I did sort of enjoy reading about warnings against liberals, but would enjoy it even more if he were to spell my name correctly. Anyway, that's when I noticed the part in the letter than mentioned the "free gift" included in the envelope.  Not one to turn away anything that's free, I dug around in the envelope and found this.



At first I thought it was kind of a lame marketing tactic and honestly a really cheap gift.  I mean, I've been an "ambassador" for Makers Mark for years and they've sent me engraved drinking glasses, swizzle sticks, wrapping paper, and plaques for bottles that come out of the barrel with my name on it - and I didn't have to send them any money to get it either.  But back to the card.  Right away I noted the tagline - "Streamline in '09" and realized that it was simply code for "Our gifty is thrifty."

I tore out the card, thinking I'd give it to the kids for their wallets to use as a pretend credit card.  And thank goodness I did or I may not have noticed the line on the back - "This card is non-transferable."  Obviously I had misunderestimated* the value of this card.  The letter doesn't state exactly where the card can be used, maybe that's something I just don't know because I'm not actually a Republican.  But since it's from the Governor, I'm pretty sure that it can be used ANYWHERE for ANYTHING - like a magical backstage pass/library card/government issued ID all rolled into one.  Sure hope the misspelling of my name doesn't prevent me from using it.

* Get it?