The DNC has
asked for feedback.
For my part, I had a few words for them. I hope you all will take a bit of time to add yours.
1. How did you participate in this election?
Gave money to Democratic candidates in multiple races and to the DNC, DCCC, DSCC committees. I covered many states through the Kos Dozen and using Atrios' ActBlue list.
In particular, I gave approx $500 to the GELAC funds because I was concerned about the need to protect the integrity of the election process.
Sadly, it appears the DNC was only using that concern as a fundraising appeal since the fight for election integrity is mostly being championed by individual campaigns that are within possible recount range and outside groups like Bev Harris' group.
I'd like my money back, frankly.
2. Is this the first time you participated in election activism?
In almost 20 yrs. I stopped identifying myself as a member of the Democratic party about 6 yrs ago, because of the branding of the party as "Like the Republicans, except not" became the accepted norm.
Disgusting.
3. How would you like to continue to stay involved? (Volunteering, phonebanking, fundraising, local organizing, etc.)
Jury is still out. Depends on what course the DNC decides to chart. If it's still more of the same, I'm not playing. Or paying.
4. Did you feel the actions you took were effective?
In getting long shots greater recognition, yes. But that got pissed away in election results marred by questionable process integrity.
Evoting is a disaster. Ballot spoilage is still endemic in minority precincts and the shameful efforts at voter intimidation still seem to be paying off.
The Republicans have demonstrated they have no interest in a transparent electoral process. Why don't the Democrats use some of those 10k lawyers who were supposedly on tap to protect our election results?
5. Was it a good experience for you?
In some ways. The constant haranguing for extra money in my emails and via phone was not, but I did understand what was at stake.
However, if you all are taking this seriously rather than trying to consolidate and compromise as the minority party, you're successfully flying low enough under the radar that I don't believe it. I'm not alone, either.
6. How would you make it better?
What should Democratic Party values be?
- Justice (or Integrity-both of process and individuals)
- Truth (or you could call this Tranparency)
- Value (taxes as investments, tax breaks toward building infrastructure, etc. Return on taxpayer investment.
Then, every single talking point should go back to one of those three values.
7. Please share other thoughts and comments you have about the 2004 election and what Democrats and the Democratic Party should do going forward.
Take back the states. Run competitive races at the state and local levels-not just nationally.
That means don't see the state organizations as big fat wallets, but as partners.