Retiree Uses Full-Page Ads To Make Point

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.tampatrib.com/FloridaMetro/MGAW76T9IND.html

TAMPA - Most people spout their political opinions to friends and relatives, or maybe to wary strangers in their local tavern.
Not Bob Wirengard.

Three times this month, the 58-year-old retiree spent $4,000 on full-page advertisements in The Tampa Tribune to rail against a Medicare bill, poverty, Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd and President Bush's $87 billion plan to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan.

In all, it was well worth the $12,000 expense, Wirengard said this week, even though the Medicare measure he opposed passed the Senate and is expected to be signed by Bush.

``I'm trying to educate 280 million people, and that's hard to do,'' he said. ``Now, my mortgage is up to the hilt, so I can't buy any more ads.''

Wirengard, who published his telephone number and e- mail address in his ads, received about 50 calls and a dozen e-mails in response Tuesday, he said. He got fewer after his first two ads ran Nov. 3 and Nov. 24.
<snip>

Bob, if you are here, this one's for you!
:toast:

You da' man!

[jpgray]

1. Way to go Bob! (nt)

[0007]

2. I love this type of a hero, bet this guy could tell ya all about it!

:toast: have one on me, guy. Where ever you are!

[bleedingheart]

3. wow that is pretty admirable

and it shows a great deal of conviction...

[Ernesto]

4. Thank's Bob

The GOP probably has already called you A "fringe nutcase" but in my book, you a folk hero!