When was the last time you got off your ASS to help Democrats win?

[benburch]

(Crossposted from a Lounge thread.)

:rant:

Sometimes here on DU I feel that I am in the company of "Summer Soldiers and sunshine patriots".

I see a lot of talk, and a lot of useless prattle about all manner of things, but I see VERY few people who claim to have done a darned thing in any practical sense to help Democrats win in '06, in '08, or EVER.

I quit my 110,000 a year job to run White Rose full time for about 30,000 a year because it was needed, and because I thought it would help the cause of Democratic victory.

I am a Precinct committeeman.

I walk precincts for candidates in a heavily Republican town where I get a lot of hostility.

I phone bank.

I collect signatures on nominating petitions.

I go to democratic organization meetings.

I go to flea markets and set up booths with informational fliers.

And do you know how I spent this 95 degree summer's day? PAINTING a campaign office for the Elgin Democrats.

Unless you are willing to put your ass on the line in a practical sense, you can forget about being "Underground". You can even forget about being "Democratic". We don't need your one vote. We need the hundred votes you could deliver if you got off your duff and tried to make a difference.

Nothing whatsoever you do here on a message board, be it "DUing a poll", signing a useless online petition, or even moderating this place will ever do as much good for the Democratic Cause as a single day spent going door-to-door for your local Democratic Organization.

[rockymountaindem]

1. I've recently stuffed envelopes and passed out literature n.t

[benburch]

4. Atta Boy! (or Gal)

:yourock:

[smacky44]

87. Nine months ago. But I won't do it again until I have studied the

candidates more.

[LincolnMcGrath]

2. Well Stated!

:yourock:

[benburch]

9. Thank you!

And I *know* you are out there working for this. :yourock:

[LincolnMcGrath]

17. Oh Yeah,

County Central Committee Member (Executive Board)

District Central Committee Member

County District State Delegate

Dues Paying County Democrat

Precinct Captain

Phones

V A N

GOTV

Picnics

Parades

Work Days at HQ

Ballot Courier

Sign deliverer / Picker Upper

Truthseeker

[Sam Odom]

3. I quit my 110,000 a year job

for a 30K one...

110K - 30K = 80K

Could have use the 80K to hire 8 college (grad) kids for 10K each to do the work you're doing and they would do a better job IMHO

[benburch]

6. You are not answering the question.

When was the last time you got off your ASS and got into the streets?

[Sam Odom]

14. I'm active

locally also I donate $ ~directly~ to candidates elsewhere in the state & nationally.

[benburch]

16. That's excellent.

:yourock:

Remember, money is good, but shoe leather is better!

[K8-EEE]

5. I'm Not As Active As You Are

But I have done some tabling, flyer-ing, door knocking etc. I'm really not interested in doing any more phone shit; I did lots of it for the Kerry campaign and felt it was counter-productive. Every other person hung up on me because they had been called too many times by all sides; the ones who were receptive were already voting for Kerry.

There's only two political things I've worked for that have actually been successful -- Villaraigosa's campaign and defeating Arnie's initiatives. That last one was very, very sweet, when they were ALL defeated!!!

However I disagree with you. DU is really very effective, it keeps us informed, I send so many links to people and it's a ripple effect.

I understand your aggravation with armchair warriors, but I thank God for DU and think that it is very important to be part of this community!

[benburch]

7. You are doing FINE.

:yourock:

[seriousstan]

8. Poll worker for damn near 20 years.

[benburch]

11. Excellent!

:yourock:

[kansasblue]

10. self righteous and unnecessarily hostile

Why so hostile? How about some encouragement in a positive way. And if it one vote, we'll take it. Better than not voting at all. Such a tone is inappropriate for a fighting group like DU.

[benburch]

12. Hostile? More like disgusted.

My spleen is about to burst from disgust over the do-nothing armchair warriors here.

I've TRIED to encourage people with pleadings and suggestions. Did nothing.

Maybe I need to have a good old RANT to wake somebody up?

At least I've tried then.

[LincolnMcGrath]

18. If you grow weary from 'putting foot to ass', you can borrow my leg.

:yourock: :kick:

[benburch]

19. Thanks!

But have you got some epsom salts for my feet? I am developing calluses in places I never knew I could.

[LincolnMcGrath]

23. You're not Gellin'?

[benburch]

26. I'm absolutely Swellin'

[Name removed]

74. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[hootinholler]

62. 57, Ben. 57 Signatures.

I can't even get people to take 30 seconds to sign a freakin petition that will give us a grand talking point coming into the mid-terms. No one will pay attention to it if I can't gather half a million or so.

I also do dropaganda.

I know the feeling.

-Hoot

[benburch]

70. That is horrible.

Where can I sign?

[hootinholler]

100. Link in the sig line, Ben...

Anything you can do to help spread the word is appreciated. I was hoping to be applying for DC demonstration permits, and I will when the totals hit 1000.

Links in my journal too.

-Hoot

[benburch]

105. Signed!

And I passed it on to a peace activist I know!

[hootinholler]

110. Thanks!

I've been trying to get people to cross post it.

-Hoot

[DesEtoiles]

13. I canvassed his weekend!

[benburch]

15. Super!

:yourock:

[DemsRBetterLovers]

20. I donated to DU...

but then some repugs got on my account and got it cancelled.

if i had money, i would donate again, but im a poor college grad.

[snowbear]

29. Seriously? That happened here??

I've never heard any sorts of complaints like that here..

Well as soon as Valentines gets here... I can't wait! I love the "hearts for DU'ers donations" that we did last year.

SKINNER: Can we please do that again this February 14? Please..

[ndcohn]

21. well i don't have a 110k job to quit quite yet...

but i am an intern for one of the top congressional races in the country (toss up according to nyt), working about 30 hrs a week phone banking, canvassing, researching, working at events, etc.

[benburch]

27. Great!

:yourock:

[snowbear]

22. I'm working the state fair for the DNC here...

And I'm also painting all new pretty signs for their booth! It's gonna look awesome!

[LincolnMcGrath]

24. lol oops!

:hi:

[benburch]

56. Awesome!

:yourock:

Fairs, flea markets, any place you can reach people!

[Erika]

25. We take every public advantage to raise awareness against W

Whether it's at the grocery store or the gas station. Ask them how they are doing compared to 6 years ago. The people at the grocery store are a mixed bag.

The people driving the hummers and the escolades say they are doing just fine. The glares against them are building.

We mention Iraq whenever possible. How our kids are dying and there is no resolve in sight.

Have bumper stickers in our vehicles which say "Had enough" vote democrat in 06"

This in red state Idaho.

[benburch]

31. That's a great start!

Now, call your local Democrats and ask if you can help canvass a neighborhood?

Even one afternoon would be an immense help!

If you can take election day off, please also volunteer for Get Out The Vote activities. These mean more than you ever could know in winning a close election.

[Erika]

35. Don't go there

Not in Idaho. Unless you can pay a few hundred bucks ts see Heinz in Sun Valley, etc, the dems in Idaho don't want to hear from you.

We've called the local dems, they just want $. We've offered help but it is ignored. Just send $.

In Idaho the dems, are the biggest obstacle for election.

I guess you can call them the Lieberman party.

[benburch]

37. Seriously?

That sucks.

Here in Illinois we are grass roots centered to the MAX.

[Erika]

40. Yes,

In 2004 we offered our every help. The granddaughter wanted to change the country. They chose not to involve us. Just solicitations for attending meetings for Heinz, Kerry, etc followed with high contributions asked. This year, we got solicitations for $ and said we would contribute if a role could be found at the grass roots level for our involvement. We asked for a list, it was followed up with only solicitation of funds.

This frustration has been openly made to Idaho democrats along with our refusal for funds.

[LincolnMcGrath]

41. Do you have a county HQ?

[Erika]

43. Yes, the Ada County Dems

Even though Ada County is highly democratic, they are elitist and not grass roots.

My last encounter was with Phyllis King, who is running for a GOP seat. I stated we believed in the democratic message but would not give $ until there was a grass roots movement requesting our activity. A two week letter follow up by her was a solicitation of funds with
no mention of activity. Just send $.

No thanks for this elitist approach.

[IndyOp]

64. I encourage you to find out when they meet and crash the meeting...

Make up a "parallel" Ada County Dem Party if needs be and do your own political partying --

Two specific ideas about how to get going - join MoveOn.org and get involved in their "Operation Democracy" program -- they think up events like "Rally for Oil Free Congress" and "Pie in the Face of the Republicans" and you make them happen on a local level. The events bring together people who want to be politically active.

You can also establish a "Democracy for Ada County" -- explore the Democracy for America website and you'll find other local groups from your state. You can start up a DFA group for your family & friends - and approach the candidates and campaigns directly to offer them support. When they see how getting people involved gets committed voters to the polls they will be delighted and will seek you out in future in addition to (or instead of the elitist Ada County Dems).

:kick:

[LincolnMcGrath]

113. I agree with IndyOP!

Get down there and :kick: some :dem:!

[Carla in Ca]

28. Read my sig line

I've been there for over a year now. I also volunteer at my local Dem headquarters. I'm doing what I can.

[benburch]

32. Excellent!

:yourock:

[flyarm]

30. thank you Ben!

I ran for election in 2004 to be a dem delegate and won..and went out speaking for 2 yrs prior to election

I have mentored a gal to run for Supervisor of elections and she is now running a non partisan group in my county about the voting machine fraud..and doing an incredible job

i have helped candidates with their public speaking..and worked with numerous of them getting their message down pat..

i am a voting member of the DEC and Dnc

i live in 2 states so i help in both states

i work on a daily Press Report for all the candidates in many counties where i live in the summer so they can be current on everything breaking each day..to save them time and so they can be current on each days national , state and international events.
i also have set up a network in one of my states that daily( articles and breaking news ) info goes onto the dem web site in a large portion of the state.

i also keep the other states DEC board up to the minute on breaking news..

i do public speaking about 9/11 as many times as i am asked to for the local party ( and did so for the Kerry campaign many times for over a year!)

i am on the national DNC communications list to get info out from Dean and dems in washington to the locals..in both my states

i run a large internet group nationwide daily..for 5 years this coming sept..

i am helping with a fund raiser for local candidates in aug in one of my states..

and i am always out stumping for local candidates..

i am also an at large poll watcher..meaning i can go where ever i am needed in the county.

we all have something we are good at..

some people are better at one thing ..or many things..there is nothing we can not do to help take our country back..

it just takes the willingness!

and thank you to all, who do what you can to help ..you are helping all of us to keep our democracy going..

fly

[benburch]

33. No, thank YOU!

:yourock:

[Mabus]

34. Well, I would have this past weekend

but I was laid up sick in bed. To make up for it I'm helping to put together a sign painting party this weekend for Nancy Boyda who is running (no pun intended) for US Congress against former Olympic miler Jim "nut case" Ryun. We made four or five of these huge trailer signs back in 2004 as part of our contribution to local candidates for their use during their campaigns. They worked out great especially in parades and at picnics. A friend of ours drove them around our local college campus during football tailgating parties. They also made great signs when we parked them in farm fields along major highways when they weren't needed for events. We made one for the county Dem HQ and it was vandalized. We've rolled them out and are getting them ready for the Nov. election. We've let a number of non-profits use them during non-campaign times and we're still in the process of collecting a few of them. But, and I'd have to check with my partners on this project, I think they're all spoken for again this cycle.

So far this year I've signed up a few voters since I carry voter registration forms (and campaign literature) with me every where I go. My husband is running for precinct committeeman this term and we've signed up as precinct captains to do canvassing and phone calls in our precinct. We've got campaign stuff at our house (bumperstickers, pamphlets, leaflets, etc.) for people to pick-up when they go out or if they want the information for themselves. We post on local forums to let people know when and where they can volunteer. Some of our local polling places changed and we're committed to making phone calls to ensure people know where they are supposed to vote this time. In addition, I've already co-hosted one fundraiser this year, done canvassing, called some friends to make sure they are voting in the upcoming primaries (and made sure who they were voting for) and helped sign some people up for provisional ballots for the upcoming primary. We're also working with the local Progressive Dems to try to make them more active. Some of them are coming to the sign painting party. Hopefully we're helping to build a coalition in the NE Kansas/NW Missouri (Topeka-Lawrence-Kansas City) area because networking is key.

I'm still kicking myself for not getting down to the post office on April 15th (like I did in 2004) to hand out voter registration forms to people standing in line waiting to pay their taxes. My husband handed them out to people who were in line at the drive-up for a while. It was an event that the local DFA and Young Dems got into. :banghead: Damn, I should have gone down this year. I had it scheduled before I realized that taxes were due on the 17th. I had a previous engagement on the 17th that I couldn't get out of. That worked so well last time.

I'd do more but my arthritis makes it hard to get around physically. I am having to do more phone calls and e-mails than I would like. I think the personal face-to-face, on the ground work does a lot to add that personal touch.

[benburch]

36. You are doing great!

:yourock:

[MarkDevin]

38. How does 2006 grab you?

I've been doing volunteer work for the Ned Lamont campaign. I take it that counts as getting off my ass to help a Democrat win? :hi:

[benburch]

39. It certainly does!

:yourock:

[MarkDevin]

45. By the way, I recently discovered your website.

It's nothing short of amazing! Talk about getting off your ass and doing something worthwhile...!

[benburch]

48. Why thank you!

I hope to be doing even more with it.

I am always looking for new shows to be archived, and I am upgrading the speed of the main server from 10Mbps to 100Mbps probably this week. Also, I am now streaming the Head On Radio Network, which is a major effort.

[RoyGBiv]

42. Various things ...

Some of it wouldn't register on most people's political radar, but in my view, it has an effect just the same. As an example of this, through a series of memos and personal complaints, I've convinced the powers-that-be in my company no longer to give Wal-Mart gift cards as "prizes" for the contests they run. They now give gift cards for "blue" companies.

Other than that, since I was of an age at which my help was accepted, I have volunteered for various progressive and Democratic organizations and candidates. I write fliers, distribute fliers, circulate petitions, do neighborhood door-to-doors (which I hate but do anyway), and take people to polls on election day.

Most recently I conveyed several elderly people to my local polling place for the OK primary. All were dems. None had transportation.

I'll do the same thing during the general election and try to expand the number of people I take.

[benburch]

44. You done great!

Get out the vote efforts, like you did in the Primary, are MOST important in winning elections.

And Door-to-doors, well, that is the heart and soul of politics.

What "registers" on the political radar is not important. Those things are too easily shot down by the enemy. What slips in under the radar, and changes people's votes, that is what hurts our enemies and wins us elections.

:yourock:

[RoyGBiv]

46. Thanks, and FWIW ...

I think a thread like this is very much needed. I've seen the flames directed at you. They sadden me.

I know far too many people who think constantly bitching about the state of things is the same as "doing something." It isn't, obviously.

[benburch]

47. Thanks!

Those people have to live with themselves, which is punishment enough, I think.

[gkdmaths]

49. Win what?

I spend my days doing important things.

:sarcasm: * 1/2

on edit: I'd like to remove the :sarcasm: to say that I think there are tasks that some people are better at than others. I kind of resent (but not really, since Im not really very sensitive at all) the implication that I should feel bad that Im not canvassing or painting signs or dropping leaflets from planes. I'll do my job and let you guys to the leg work for politics. I've got other things that I'm much better at, and frankly thats the way god wants it.

so there ;)

However, I'm very good at turning the minds of impressionalbe yourn republicans.

[Major Hogwash]

50. Busy spreading the news about the Democrats

And how we're going to take back Congress this year.

I've already been spreading campaign brochures for the Democrat of the District I'm in for the state rep.
He's a shoo-in.

But, the empty seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is going to be hard to fill with a Democrat if they don't start getting his message out!
I've torn my hair out yelling at his campaign staff to do something - anything - to start campaigning!
Not one ad on tv!
Not one ad on radio!
Not one brochure printed ready to distribute yet!

I'm going to be bald before this over.

You watch!

[benburch]

51. You do great!

I hope you get him off the dime!

:yourock:

[LaPera]

52. Last election in CA on a liberal Measure "T"

Donated money, worked phone banks, put up signs, handed out fliers (tea bags) on a street corner, sent out emails, wrote letters to newspapers and hustled and encouraged every vote I could...and we won!

[benburch]

54. That is the sort of example to set!

And that is WHY you won. That sort of commitment!

:yourock:

[ClassWarrior]

53. I haven't sat my ass down in weeks thanks to the Dems.

And it feels good to be making a difference.

NGU.

[benburch]

55. We are taking back our Party.

And soon we will be taking back our Country.

:yourock:

[ClassWarrior]

66. Amen Brother Ben...

:yourock: too.

NGU.

[usregimechange]

57. 06

[felman87]

58. It helps....I think.

I make fun of crazy republicans online. Does that count? (I can't vote)

[benburch]

71. Well, when you finally can vote, I know you will.

And since that is all you can do, yes, it does help!

As soon as you are able, though, your local Democrats can use your help. You do not need to be voting age to stuff envelopes and fold fliers!

:yourock:

[saracat]

59. Well, I'm a District Chair, State Committee Member,

Precinct committee person, interviewer for Democratic TV Show, Campaign Manager, helped train casndidates , and my husband is running for office. Is that enough? And I have done all that you state except painting the office! I love your post!

[benburch]

72. Excellent!

:yourock:

[prole100]

60. 2004 - Never Again - Watched Democratic Party Of TX

Do nothing about corrupt voting machines.

The party has done nothing about it since.

[benburch]

73. I'm sorry you are disappointed.

And I do understand. But we have to make sure that this election is NOT close enough to steal. So, if you can choke down your disgust and try one more time it would be greatly appreciated!

[femmedem]

61. I wrote a LTTE for Lamont.

LTTE's aren't as effective as canvassing, but they're something any of us can do on short notice, at odd hours.

I've also done my fair share of canvassing, but I have to admit it was for the local Green City Council and Board of Ed candidates. Here in New London, at the municipal level, the Dems just aren't progressive enough for me.

To anyone who's afraid of canvassing: it's wonderful! I don't know anyone who's tried it who wasn't surprised by how much they enjoyed meeting and conversing with people. Just be sure you have an up-to-date voter reg list, and don't waste time knocking on the wrong doors.

[benburch]

75. Local elections are EVERY bit as important.

We need to control the WHOLE country, not just the Federal part of it.

:yourock:

[JNelson6563]

63. Rock on brother!

I too work full time on the Dem cause, tho' I get no compensation.

This is my 4th year of full time work for no pay. I agree completely with your irritation at those who do nothing but talk.

Julie

[benburch]

76. You are a saint!

:yourock:

[Seedersandleechers]

65. Recently became an election judge

when I could have gone to work and made four times the money.

[benburch]

77. VERY important.

:yourock:

[wyldwolf]

67. this morning, actually. Before that, Saturday afternoon

[benburch]

78. Excellent!

:yourock:

[skipos]

68. I am not a great conversationalist, so I have been

distributing flyers and information for 06. I did some phone calling before and it seemed a bit ineffective.

And on a lesser note, I get info, bumperstickers and whatnot for the elections that are taking place where my family and friends live. I send it to them so they are reminded who they should be voting for and when they should vote for them. Many of them vote for Democrats but aren't very active or informed, so I try to do the work for them.

[benburch]

79. We need 10,000 more like you.

:yourock:

[citizen snips]

69. 2004

I canvased back in 2004

[benburch]

80. That's great!

Can I convince you to come on out this year? We NEED to take the 101st Congress.

:yourock:

[citizen snips]

116. Yes

even though there are no senate races in my state I can still volunteer for congressional races.

[GrantDem]

81. Last Wednesday to be exact --->>>

You are however correct. Donating $$$$ and voting is merely part of the solution. I know first hand that we need people to help door knock, phone bank, stuff & stamp mailings, etc. (you name it).

Please fellow DUer's if you can spare an hour or two please call your candidates and volunteer some of your time.

[benburch]

84. AMEN.

:yourock:

[El Fuego]

82. Are you saying that DU and internet networking are pointless?

I was a foot soldier in the Clark campaign and then the Kerry campaign, and I'll be doing it again. I felt guitly about 2000 and Gore, and I always thought maybe I could have helped turn the outcome, especially since I am in Florida. So now I'm committed.

I personnally think walking door to door and handing out flyers is pointless, even though I do it when asked. People usually have already made up their minds. It seems like the only thing that really influences public opinion in this day and age is the mainstream media.

The MSM is all important in the battle to win back America. Internet buzz, like what goes on at DU and other internet sources, is often picked up by the MSM. So what is posted here at DU and other blogs can conceivably make a difference by infiltrating the public conciousness via the MSM.

[benburch]

85. Only useful to the extent that they motivate people to physical action.

We only have around 10,000 active DUers here. (I know the registrations are 90,000, but that is from the beginning of DU time, many of those people moved on.) Even if you convince all of them of the rightness of an issue, that won't win you any races!

You might not believe it, but door-to-door canvassing is the MOST effective way to get to minority voters and non-voters, and motivate them to register and to vote.

Thanks for all that you do!

:yourock:

[CTyankee]

83. walked the precinct going registered dems houses

to get them to sign a petition for Ned Lamont in May. Identified my Dem friends to get a post card from "me" asking them to vote for Ned in the primary. Have been calling dems from Ned's HQ in downtown New Haven. Going to call again this afternoon. Will continue calling or whatever they want if he goes to the General.

[benburch]

86. Excellent!

We HAVE to win that seat!

:yourock:

[CTyankee]

127. Thanks, but help is still needed

I planned my vacation trip before I knew what would happen with Ned, so I am unhappy I will not be there at the primary day! I also will be in Rome on Election Day in November. It's just one of those things!

So I will do what I can in expectation of Election Day to get Ned elected (hopefully he will win the primary).

[progmom]

88. you may have been trying for inspirational here

but you ended up just kind of being preachy and condescending.

a lot of us here do more than we brag about.

but thanks for what you do.

[benburch]

90. You see to have missed totally my point.

But I thank you all the same.

Asking nicely doesn't seem to motivate some people. Sometimes you need to offend them. And we need to motivate everybody here to get off their duffs and get into the street. There are about 10,000 active DUers. Of that, I am quite certain that less than 5% are active in any way other than posting here.

That MUST change.

And I personally couldn't give a rat's ass if I sound preachy or braggy or condescending, or if it makes you hate me more than you already do, if it gets people angry enough to get off their asses.

However, I challenge YOU personally to take the opposite approach. Come up with a series of constructive motivational pleas for concrete in-the-streets Democratic election action, and I'll recommend each and every one of them.

:yourock:

[progmom]

93. why do you think i hate you?

:shrug:

that's a really weird thing to say.

i'll take you up on your challenge. we've been doing little things here and there (local war protests, lawn signs, candidate donations, etc) but plan to get involved with Granholm's reelection campaign once we return from vacation.

[benburch]

94. I don't seem to be the most loved person here by a long stretch...

...so I just assume that most people think I'm a jerk. And sometimes I am though I try very hard not to be.

[Totally Committed]

89. Every single Democratic state and national election since I was 9....

AND, I register people to vote, volunteer at the local Food Bank, and once a month cook at a Homeless Shelter.

I know painting a Democratic Headquarters is important, and I realize more people need to pitch in and help. But, I am sick and tired of people here assuming that those who post online do nothing else, until they are so pissed off they go a little around the bend and post one of these rants/sermons on responsibility to the Party. Next time... ask what people are doing besides posting here. You may be pleasantly surprised, and not feel you are alone in taking responsibility for the Party.

TC

[benburch]

91. Thanks for your efforts!

:yourock:

And do please understand that you are in the decided minority of DUers in your activism. We need to motivate those other people to action. Feel free to come up with your own plan for doing this, and I'll help you any way I can.

[Totally Committed]

102. Thanks, but the good news is, when I do any of these things,

I am never alone. There are always a lot of people there doing the same things with me. I don't know a lot of DU-ers personaly, but I don't feel like a minority at all. There are so many creative, active, committed people wherever I go these days. I feel hopeful.

Now, if we can just start electing people as creative, active , and committed as those who volunteer to hold actual offices, we'll be one-up for sure. All the DINO's must go... one by one. Starting this year, and not stopping until each and every one who does NOT represent the TRUE ideals of this Party are on the unemployment lines -- replaced by new blood.

TC

[GOTV]

122. You are lucky...

... I often feel alone when I do this kind of thing. I'm not alone when I want to bitch about politics. I've got lots of friends that will help me do that.

But when time comes to do something about it suddenly, where did everyone go?

Not that I'm totally alone. There are other people I know who are active - it's just that very few are active compared to the numbers of people who are unhappy about the state of the country.

[otohara]

92. 2004

I was a delegate, did phone banking and stood on the streets with a sign for DINO Ken Salazar

[benburch]

95. You done great!

Even a DINO is better than a Republican, though some days it does not seem so.

I hope you can find it in yourself to get active again this year.

:yourock:

[RevCheesehead]

96. off topic: I am fascinated by the responses...

between this thread and the thread in the Lounge.

It's a sad state of things when the Lounge has become so inflammatory that I have to find sanity in GD and GDP. :(

By the way, it's a good question, and one I shall ponder.
Since much of my "activity" is carefully scrutinized by others, I have to be somewhat cautious. But I do try to reach people through my sermons, preaching Christian values of love, forgiveness, and care for the poor and outcasts. Does that count?

[benburch]

97. Sermons and public speaking ABSOLUTELY do count.

Good on you, brother!

:yourock:

[RevCheesehead]

98. sister.

:P

[benburch]

99. Ooops!

We're all brothers, even our sisters! :)

[Catchawave]

103. Hey Rev !

I saw the Lounge thread too.....and especially surprised by the attitudes of posters I've met at protests and rallies! I also just noticed it was *locked* !?

But the Lounge is best to be avoided *after dark* when the floors get really sticky, especially for serious matters of politics! Ben would have been better off posting a poll about Paris Hilton v. Nicole Ritchie at that hour :)

KOEBie is a worthwhile activity too :loveya: I'd like to think we helped DU discover that national treasure called a real journalist: Keith Olbermann !

[Catchawave]

101. Hi ben......

I feel your frustration, but it's still July :hi:

But sometimes these lists about "what makes a good democratic activist" can be intimidating to those of us who "just write *donate now* checks to progressive candidates and causes", go to local rallies and national protests, and spread the word on local, state and national netroots websites".

I'll table and leaflet at public events, but I won't phone bank or knock on doors. I'm just shy that way, especially living between Pat Robertson's Jesusland and a Master Jet Base !

I love your spirit though :patriot:

[benburch]

104. If I intimidated, I missed the mark

Meant to inspire!

:yourock:

[Catchawave]

109. Thanks ben...

I had a thread fail miserably over the weekend, but it seemed popular with anti-Webbies...snork...but more like being pecked to death by ducks :shrug:

Here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2746520

You're always inspiring ben :hi:

:loveya:

[Pierre.Suave]

106. Friday.

For the last two summers I interned on a congressional campaign. This summer I am protesting every weekday, rain or shine.

[benburch]

108. Excellent!

:yourock:

[skeeters2525]

107. Last Week

Three days last week. Phone calling for the new Congressman of the IN 2nd District. Joe Donnelly.

Loved it.

People were friendly. People were major leaque PO'd at the direction the Country is going.

Funniest moment. Had a women saying she was a Republican. I asked, what issues are important to you this election.

She said, none.

I said, yup, you are a Republican.

Do not be afraid. People want to hear from us.

[benburch]

111. LOL!

:yourock:

[alfredo]

112. Saturday was the last time.

I have been working with DFA (CFK), KFTC, KVP, Amnesty, FCDP, and Vote Yes.

I table, leaflet, data entry, recruitment, phone bank, canvass, lit drop, write letters (see my latest journal entry)do a lot of face to face work, Organize rallies and events. I have also taken over as precinct captain because the ones who took the job aren't doing it.

My days working out in the sun might come to a screeching halt due to a spot on my scalp, but I can do a lot inside. I will be getting a biopsy in a few weeks and if it is benign I will hit the streets again. If it isn't my wife will veto any outside organizing.

Change For Kentucky - Kentucky's chapter of DFA. I'm on the planning committe.
Kentuckians For The Commonwealth
Kentucky Veterans for Progress This seems to have gone into suspended animation now that the state legislature is out of session.
Fayette County Democratic Party I will be their office worker this election cycle.
Vote Yes is concerned with buying our water supply back from the multinational RWE.
We are forming a chapter of Amnesty. The going it slow, but if we can get 5-6 committed people, it will be fine.

Oh yeah, I also make simple anti bush posters for sidewalk bloggers. (see anti*bush posters below)

[derby378]

114. Yesterday was the latest

I helped host a party in Dallas for our Democratic candidate for State Representative. Had a few other candidates drop by for good measure. I may be helping that candidate block-walk within a week or two.

Oh, yeah - I also delighted and unnerved the partygoers with a little parlor magic. That's always fun.

[mmonk]

115. Joined

the Clark campaign in 2004 until withdrawal. Supported Kerry campaign financially. Worked at the dem headquarters in past few elections stuffing mailers and constructing campaign signs and dispersal.

[leftofthedial]

117. 2004

At least that was the plan. But then Kerry quit, even though he had won.

[Pacifist Patriot]

118. I've got a post on my journal just for you!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

119. Recently.

[tomreedtoon]

120. Counter-challenge: when has a Democratic candidate wanted to win?

People support causes that they see as being worthy and viable. The last two Democratic candidates for President did not inspire that kind of confidence.

In the face of possible election fraud - which is getting more and more solid evidence every day - Gore and Kerry caved. CAVED. Do you need me to rent you "Fahrenheit 9/11" to show you what Gore did to the people trying to support his cause in Congress?

And when did either of these candidates show a passion, an interest, for addressing the real problems facing this nation - a shattered economy, an out-of-control war machine, corporate power corrupting government and whoring news media?

If the Democrats win any seats in 2006, it will be because of disgust at the Republicans, not because anyone likes what Democratic candidates are saying. Because they're not saying anything. The Pink Tutus are hoping to win by default, not by doing anything that will upset their buddy W.


"You can help us by washing our tutus for Daddy W!"

So thanks for the offer, but no thanks. If any of the supposed Democratic candidates is willing to change out of ballet slippers and into hobnail boots, let me know and THEN I'll volunteer.

[closeupready]

121. First off,

before I answer the question, are you gay, Ben? And second, why was this cross-posted from the lounge here to GLBT? Was this cross-posted in other forums, as well?

[closeupready]

123. Woops.

Sorry. I misidentified which forum this was in. Guess that means it's nappy time. :D

[deaniac21]

124. Isn't that special..

[cassiepriam]

125. With all due respect, when was the last time an elected Dem got off

his or her rump to do something good for the American people?
Or the world?

(But your point is well taken, this is a time for action, not
sitting around complaining.)

[NoPasaran]

126. Pretty recently

This year I became a precinct chair, and for the second time attended our state convention as a delegate.

After 2004, we retooled our grassroots Kerry group into an independent progressive group. We have monthly public forums; last month we had David Van Os and Hank Gilbert, candidates for Texas Attorney General and Agriculture Commissioner speak. Anyone who believes that "Democrats don't want to win" has obviously never heard either of these gentlemen!

Plans are to do voter registration Thursday evening. I have to admit I really haven't been doing blockwalking letely---I'm hoping it will cool down a little bit.

[readmoreoften]

128. I'd like to do more, but for the past year the strike consumed my life.

Lately I've been fighting for labor more than for the democratic party, per se. Almost 9 months into a brutal labor strike, I've lost my job and my health insurance, and I'm poor as hell. On Friday I find out if I will be put in NYC jail for up to 15 days upon my return for protesting Bush admin labor policies.


But I've gotten to know all my local democrats and I've lobbied in Albany. I know who is who and what's what and I've encouraged a lot of people in hard to reach groups (18-25 liberal, no college education) to register to vote dem and helped them find polling places. I will probably campaign for Tasini when I return although it's hard to do anything else when you're on strike.

I salute you and will join you soon!

[ScreamingMeemie]

129. Two days ago. Phone calls for a local Dem running for County Commissioner.

My ass is just fine. Thank you. :grr: