Forget the polls. It's clear that this race is a dead heat. We all know that the only way to make a difference on Nov. 2 is to get involved.
There have been a number of threads that reference unique volunteer opps and individual GOTV efforts. In a show of solidarity, I would like to see a thread of what all Kossacks will do between now and election day to bring home sweet victory for Kerry/Edwards.
We are the grassroots. We are the ones that will make a difference. What do you promise to do so that when your head hits the pillow on Nov. 2 you can feel confident that you did your part to bring about regime change?
Let's hear it! (My effort below)
My wife and I have never been particularly active in politics. But in 2000 we started dragging our (very) young daughters to progressive political rallys around St. Paul.
Our committment and efforts intensified after the death of Paul and Shiela Wellstone in 2002. We were devasted. Everyone here knows the sort of impact Paul and Shiela had on politics - in Minnesota and across the country. And then Norm Coleman and other state/national GOP officials turned the Wellstone Memorial into a political smear campaign. Enough was enough.
We mourned the deaths of these two great people. We shed a few tears (as I do now just recalling those very sad days). And we made a vow to get involved. Paul and Shiela's deaths would not be in vain.
OK, so I wasn't really prepared to write all of that down here. And I wasn't prepared for the emotional response. I hope it's relevant to my post.
So what am I going to do to make a difference?
After talking to dozens of progressive friends this summer, I realized that there are so many people that want to be politically active, but they really don't know what their options are. That may sound odd, but it's really difficult to find the right opportunity at the right time and the right fit for your abilities/strengths/desires. Not everyone feels comfortable canvassing.
My wife and I set out to remedy that. We are cohosting a "volunteer fair" at a local Saloon. We've asked six organizations to come and pitch six specific volunteer oppportunities (time, date place) for a crowd of progressives.
The response has been amazing. We have more than 150 people coming to the event. Most of the attendees have not actively participated in an election ... ever! No one will leave the event without taking home AT LEAST one thing to do before the election.
Here are the organizations and their opportunities:
Wellstone Action - Drive grandma to the polls
ACT - Canvassing
Somali American Dem Association - Voter reg
League of Women Voters - Phone bank
Moveon.org - Neighborhood reps
SPACC - Voter reg during TC Marathon
We have a live band, a cash bar and rumor has it that Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page and his wife might make an appearance.
If you live in Minni (or Iowa, Wisc, Nodak, Sodak), you are welcome to join us.
Sept. 26
6:30-9 p.m.
Sweeney's Saloon - St. Paul
(rsvp to me - bcbrown@stthomas.edu)
OK, end of pitch. Now I want to know what you are doing.
Let's get the mojo out there!