Tired of the Current State of Politics? Here's a Novel Idea...

[rmgustaf]

I'm running for a state legislative office in 2006. What are you doing?

I don't care about people complaining about politics, or how the Dems are innefective, or the Republicans suck, or blah blah blah. DemUG is a great place to let loose and whine without feeling guilty about it. :)

(To clarify before there are more posts about this: This post is not about complaining - it's about something else. Hence, in this post, I don't care about complaining/talking/etc. I'm trying to encourage action.)

But in the end, what does the talking accomplish? When we speak with a united voice, we can make an impact - but wouldn't you rather let your actions speak louder than your words?

Ghandi said we should be the change we want to see in the world. When progressives speak their values and their ideas effectively and honestly, we win elections - it's been proven time and again by people like Feingold, Wellstone, and Sanders.

I'm running for public office in 2006. Why aren't you?

[Dr.Phool]

1. I ran for Congress last year.

I'm not trying again, but I'm co-managing a congressional campaign for a friend, against an incumbent Repuke.

[rman]

2. Talking helps to unite the voice

I don't think we need 300 million people in office, if only because not everyone has the talents it takes to be a good rep. - but more power to you, and good luck.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. who in Arkansas would vote for a Muslim?

That's one very good reason. My environmental record is another. But I'll be working hard for people who do have a chance to be elected.

[rmgustaf]

4. Who in North Dakota would vote for a Hindi?

But Aruna Seth was elected to the school board here. Don't give up hope. :)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. My husband's life was threatened,

one of our brothers had his house broken into and he was harrassed, and I have been followed closely by trucks trying to run me off the road. Maybe it may seem cowardly to some, but I have met hatred face to face and don't want to lose my life. And besides, my husband DID run for local office, and he was soundly defeated. Far better for me to help someone who has a chance of winning than to stick my neck out.

[Robert Cooper]

5. Has "LW" changed so much it no longer means...

...free-spirited compassion?

"I don't care about people complaining about ..."

Don't you think someone should? Won't it be the person who gives these people hope that they can make a difference who will be elected?

Isn't that what Jack, Bobby, and Martin did?

"But in the end, what does the talking accomplish? When we speak with a united voice, we can make an impact - but wouldn't you rather let your actions speak louder than your words?"

In politics, "words" -are- "actions". Whether written down or spoken, a politician does very little beyond communicate.

But discussions here at DU are not the drivel of whiners, but the search for consensus and common ground: essential for any grass-roots movement to make a difference.

Nor does it follow that those who spend time here do not also spend their time in their community making a difference.

And does it really make sense to invite all LWers in your area to run for the same office you plan on running for?

I hope you continue to give thought about your positions and your relationship with the electorate: especially the disenfranchised and those without hope and those too cynical to believe they can make a difference.

[Toots]

6. Why are you posting on these boards?

You say you are running for office and sort of lecture us for not being active and only talking, yet you interact with posters here...You must want some interaction if for no other reason than validation so the "talk" around here has some meaningful purpose. Cut back a little on the arrogance and listen to some of the ideas that flow through here. It is a very enlightening place especially for someone planning to run for office...

[rmgustaf]

8. I'm trying to encourage people to do more than just talk...

I enjoy DemUG - it's a good place to talk. But I'd love to see DUers running for office as well and really shaking up the grassroots.

I'm sorry you believe I'm acting arrogant, but really, I'm just trying to encourage people to do something about the state of the Democrats in addition to talking about it. I guess I am being arrogant - I believe very strongly that Democrats are the better party and that passionate Democrats will win elections, and, from what I've seen on the DU boards, many people here would be great candidates. Very arrogant, I know. ;)

[Toots]

10. I'm sorry if I offended you

There are many candidates that have spent much time on these boards and continue to do so. There are some very active people here with some very good ideas. I am sure after spending a bit more time here you may agree. This is all a part of the National Debate and your activism and views are welcome. I wish you success in your political ambitions. :thumbsup:

[converted_democrat]

7. I volunteered for two campaigns last year, and I'm currently trying to

find someone to put my support behind, and help in 2006. I live in an especially red area, so finding a candidate to support is really tough. I'll run someday, when I'm old enough. Right now I'm too young to be taken seriously.

[Robert Cooper]

11. "I'm too young to be taken seriously"

...never too young to be taken seriously CD.

Review the history of the '60s and early '70s. Young people need to learn why they need to make a difference and how they can make a difference. You might be well-placed to help that effort, and -they- will take you seriously if you are serious and want to make a difference.

Don't write yourself off because of age. :-)

(edit: add - Check out Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals")