Yet another reason I won't sit out the November elections

[derby378]

A few days ago, I talked about how electing Democrats on the local level in Dallas has brought changes in how the courts do business and how the current DA is trying to free those who have been imprisoned for crimes they did not commit.

Today, I learned something else. The city is moving 17 homeless people with disabilities into units at a public housing tower, despite protests from those who didn't want these people as neighbors. The plan is for these people to also receive treatment services and counseling from the city.

Ginny and I occasionally saw this one homeless guy whom I'll call Elliott during our morning commute. He'd just sit there on the street corner begging for change, and his legs were in terrible shape - he had trouble walking around. Elliot didn't seem to be in his right mind, either.

Eventually, Elliott had to get his legs amputated, and while he was receiving follow-up treatment one day, Ginny happened to meet him at the hospital. His mental status was improved quite a bit, and he was truly appreciative for what little aid and comfort Ginny was able to give him.

I don't know where Elliott is today. He may have passed away for all I know. I wish him all the best.

But how many Republicans in office have the inclination to do something to help people like Elliott? The Salvation Army can't do it all by themselves. And a lot of these people wound up homeless through no fault of their own. There is much that needs to be done to give these people some small measure of dignity. And the Democrats in my hometown have the best chance of getting something done to help the homeless build new lives for themselves.

So if you're still thinking of sitting out the November elections, please try to remember Elliott - because chances are good you've got an Elliott in your neck of the woods who needs help, too.

[Jennicut]

1. Your local elections can be some of the most important.

Sometimes the changes made on the local level effect you the most and the quickest.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

2. I try and stress this point whenever i hear someone declare that they will sit out...

So you're angry at the congressional Democrats. Perhaps you're furious with President Obama!

For godsakes, don't take it out on your local races. That's where change start. Find the more "Democratic" of the Democrats running in primaries and vote for them. Support local Democrats who walk the walk and talk the talk.

Change is going to have to start from the bottom.

Donna Edwards is a prime example. Donna represents the 4th district here in Maryland. In 2006, she took on veteran and entrenched corporatist Democrat, Al Wynn, and lost that election by an incredibly slim margin. If a few more people had turned out to vote--only a few thousand--Donna Edwards would have won. Well, guess what? Donna returned in 2008 amid the Obama-Democratic wave and destroyed Al Wynn in the primary. She worked hard and built a grassroots organization. And we worked our asses off for her as well. Her Republican challenger, Peter James, was incredibly weak. Of course, her district is over 90% Democratic, anyway.

Bottom line is that we cannot give up. Let fighters like Donna Edwards provide the anecdote to a broken Congress:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Edwards

[zipplewrath]

3. Strangely Mel Martinez

"But how many Republicans in office have the inclination to do something to help people like Elliott? "

Strangely, at least one. Mel Martinez, when he was head of HUD, saw his own "Elliot" while going to work in his limo. He thought to himself, "Someone should help that guy" and then realized he was the guy of course whose job it was to help him. Got a federal program set up to move the homeless straight into housing (instead of having to process through shelters for months first). 99% of the GOP makes the other 1% look bad.