There is a lot of electioneering going on these days.  One distinct feature of the political types is to show their friendship with constituents by shaking every hand they can get their hands on.  I notice that in articles about the frenzy of making close contact with every individual in every crowd that the candidates are willing to shake every hand, buzz every female cheek and exchange breaths with each and every baby thrust into their faces.

I would rather touch elbows and I’ll tell you why.  When we were aboard a cruse ship to somewhere there was a small scare about a communicable disease and the ship Captain decreed that the passengers could not select their own foods from the buffets but had to be waited on by crew people who wore the kind of gloves that hospital workers use to prevent contamination from skin to skin.  The directors of the cruise also decreed that there be bottles of germicide provided so that a quick wash preceded a dining room meal.  It seemed to be a sensible precaution. 

Someone thought up the idea of touching elbows which cannot be used to pick in your ears or to touch most other parts of one’s anatomy and I began to use it instead of shaking hands.  It takes a while to be used to it.  It takes a while for the person asked to touch your elbow with his to not think you have become impaired but usually, it takes just a while for the realization to sink in that you have their health in mind as well as yours by cooperating to prevent the exchange of germs.

Carol and I were told by our doctor’s office that our batch of flue shots was recalled and our appointment was cancelled.  This was a fine kettle of fish.  The shots could not prevent the exchange of germs in the shaking of hands but it could certainly help along with the touching of elbows to reduce the chance of passing on some pathogen or other.

The political types who want to get the utmost exposure in these days dwindling down to the final day of voting, should take note of this warning.   We voted the second day of early voting. They should adopt this idea and tell their backers to back off and remind everyone of their duty not to contaminate others by handshakes (who knows if they washed after using the bathroom or sneezing into a palm).  They should be careful of the babies they kiss and fondle and most certainly they should exercise being the grand exemplar of thoughtfulness by refusing to shake hands of every Tom, Dick and Harry out there just to influence their votes.

My advice is: Give them your elbow; it’s the right thing to do. Let people know you are thinking about them by …elbowing them.