How Bush and a horrible Congress have made me a better citizen

[undeterred]

I never used to vote in spring elections or follow local elections. I can't really say why. Since I was old enough to vote I've lived in predominantly Democratic areas so it was going to be a Democrat anyway.

Now I not only vote in every single election and referendum, I get informed and get involved. Having such a horrible Congress for 6 years has made me want to exercise all the rights I do have and not take anything for granted.

Just spent two hours dropping lit in 17 degree weather because of the chimp.

Got a Democrat? Good, but maybe you can get a better one.

[murielm99]

1. This sounds like me.

I grew up in a union and activist home. I knew what I was supposed to do.
But raising three kids and working made me lazy.

Not any more.

I was outraged in 2000. I decided that I had had enough. I ran for office and got involved in my county Democratic party. I began writing letters and guest editorials. These days, if I see slanted news, I call or write the media outlet.

Not everyone has the time I do. But if we could each do even one thing, there would be a huge change in this country.

Kudos to you for all you do. I hope DUers take notice.

[undeterred]

2. Everyone has a different starting point

2000 was outrageous. Good for you for running for office. I see a lot of people stepping up to run for office for the first time.

I won't run, but I'll help! I worked on a congressional campaign last year- my first campaign- and I was amazed at how much there is to do and how much an average newbie can do for a campaign.

Plus, election night parties are fun when you get involved, especially when Dems win~!!

[EST]

3. Actually splatt and company have made a bunch of us

more "citizeny." I, too, am far more involved than ever before.
Another very good thing they have accomplished is to short circuit the neocon wave of power by provoking such outrage that the "pendulum" is probably swinging way ahead of schedule. The publiclown party is fractioning, though still evil in intent and direction, more than most people thought possible, or at least probable.

Another-they have made us aware of the interlocked, incestuous network of corporate/political greed and corruption and a cloudy but improving picture of the hooks on which to hang indictments.

They have united the "democrat" party-another fool's errand, in conventional wisdom-or, at a minimum, provided the motivation for us to pull together enough to fight the encroaching maelstrom.

They have force grown a new generation of upcoming leaders, the likes of which has not been seen since the 1960s. They are destroying themselves by destroying us. How wonderful of them.