Why I am considering quitting activism

[SargeUNN]

I have worked my tail off, put my life on the line, done progressive talk for over 3 years, but now I have to admit I am seriously considering giving up because I am not sure activism is worth it anymore.

What happened in my work as a progressive talk show host made me feel you can't trust progressives to cover your back, and of course the right will hang you in a heartbeat. I saw Nova M Radio Network fall apart because of the greed of the Drobnys and then watched as our progressive community divided among those who really supported a strong progressive station and those who thought siding with the Drobnys would make them more money even turning on people they once called friends. One even went so far as to say if you talked to or were still friends with the others, then they wouldn't consider you a friend. Meanwhile, we watched as candidates who had made great strides toward getting elected loss support and nuts got elected instead. After that in comes an egotistical person who refused to try and heal the division but instead made it a tool making it even worse.

I see those who lie and say Obama hasn't done anything in spite of his actual record, but tell them and they will call you a liar. Some say they won't vote even though it is common sense to know this is a way to support Republicans, but don't tell them that because they live in a world of their own. Now we see Colorado Springs cutting services including police and fire services and yet some there still cling to getting rid of taxes but want security.

I am now at the point I know not to step out and put it on the line because I can't count on the progressives to back me but even at the the point where they might actually help saw off the limb. The immigration issue and SB1070 are proving even those claiming to be progressives support this violation of human rights and decency, but try to inform and you might as well be talking to your hand.

Maybe it is time to give up and let these people get the disaster they think they want because it looks like that is going to happen anyway.

[MrScorpio]

1. Take some Sarge time, bro

Recharge your batteries

[Oregone]

2. Become a one man pot activist

Its sorta political and much more fun

[RandomThoughts]

3. Will it mean beer and smokes?

To be serious, there are so many problems in the system, and so many slow downs, that the problems are solved at a slower rate then the forgetting in peoples minds.

Basically if people forget enough over time, then what was a problem stops needing solved, and the little steps are one step forward two steps back.

That is why accelerated action is needed, because the slow apporach is a con about not doing anything. It might be true that people have been brainwashed by media, and also that many in some groups are to far gone to stand up.

When something does not have the desired effect, you don't quit you find another approach.


As far as disaster? Will there be smokes and beer?


AC/DC - Thunderstruck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvoeeq-BH4w

[SunsetDreams]

4. Sarge, I understand

your frustration. Please reconsider, though. Quitting is exactly what they want you to do, they don't want anyone muffling their screams.

[Tailormyst]

5. On second thought...nevermind

[KonaKane]

6. I totally understand. You are right about much of that.

Most notably, the open season on Obama. I have never seen anything like it, frankly. There is critcism and then there is a wanton, eyecrossed cannibalistic attack based on little but his speed on improving one's pet issue.

I certainly have my criticisms of him but so far he has done more good than harm and I think we have to look at any amount of success, as a success still.

No matter what you decide, know that you will always have my thanks and admiration for your years of (activist) service.

[happy_liberal]

7. our local public radio is controlled the same way

everything has been turned over to non-stop pre-programmed NPR shows to not make waves with corporate donors. It is ALL about the money, and they have no shame in saying it at all.

The divide and conquer tactics are all purposeful.

[grantcart]

8. I understand your frustration.

[Ichingcarpenter]

9. Your voice is still needed to change consciousness

I've done it through teaching, labor organizing, internet, music and social interaction.

It is part of your being, which you can not change when seeing hypocrisy and injustice, even if you want to you can't because you will still speak out only your medium will change..


Sometimes I feel like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon

'I'm getting to old for this shit.'

Its used in Europe and accredited to the movie but has many meanings.

I told them we were saying that line years before the movie came out
the writer just pick up on the culture.

[jody]

10. Perhaps you expect too much from yourself. Given the authority & power of the presidency, see what

Obama has accomplished and be proud of anything and I do mean any tiny improvement to which you made a contribution.

Illegitimi non carborundum, if you do then they have won. :hi:

[LoZoccolo]

11. I'm beginning to ignore those types of people because SOLIDARITY DEMOCRATS HAVE YOUR BACK OH YEAH!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

SOLIDARITY DEMOCRATS IN THE HOUSE!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[Scurrilous]

12. Keep fighting the good fight.

:thumbsup:

[janet118]

13. The answer is quiet, steady persistence.

All great movements require this quality in their activists. Pick one thing - even a small thing - and make it better. It's the overload that makes you tired. Too much bad stuff and not enough information or direction on how to change it.

I am overwhelmed by the grace and persistence of my people. (Maya Angelou)