Are You Mad Enough Yet?

One of the first things a veteran Dkos front-pager told me after my promotion was that I could write a post condemning Dick Cheney and get 200 adoring comments in less than an hour. But ask unregistered voters to register, ask readers to consider signing a petition, and the turn-out is shockingly low.

The opposition is banking, literally, on our apathy. Karl Rove is depending on you not to register to vote. Dick Cheney is praying you won't talk two into joining you. Jerry Falwell and James Dobson are anointing themselves with magic wingnut oil to keep you from checking with your local party HQ to see if there's a candidate who needs volunteers, or something as simple as signatures to get a local candidate on the ballot. There are plants and trolls here specifically to stir up division and to spread the idea that your vote won't be counted, no matter where, no matter what.

Meanwhile, the opposition will spend hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising; grassroots conservative orgs will conduct massive voter registration drives; the GOP and associated groups will run buses to the polls on election day from Churches, colleges, military bases, and retirement homes, delivering truckloads of misled citizens to vote against their own interests; our interests. Why? Because they know votes count!

[PZ Myers] This is how the monsters win, you know. They launch horror after horror, and as long as we have our electricity and orange juice and the quiet comforts of our homes, after a while we stop flinching, we just sit benumbed, we tell ourselves, "I'll rouse myself for the next really big one," and we remind ourselves that we couldn't stop the last war, so how can we be expected to stop the next one? We tell ourselves that the democratic way to stop this ongoing nightmare is to elect better leaders at the next election (always the next, it rarely seems to be this one) ...

We have a little over half a year until the midterm elections. After that, we'll have to live with the results until November 2008. I don't even want to think about how much additional hardship the WH and the Rubber-stamp Republicans could leave the working class saddled with between now and then.

I know for a fact that many here are busting their ass to stop the GOP machine. Their commitment is admirable, downright inspiring. But I'd guess there's a few readers who keep meaning to do something as simple as register to vote, or contact their local Dem HQ, but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe you moved recently, maybe you just reached voting age, maybe you've been sick, or bogged down working two jobs just to stay afloat. The Republican Culture of Corruption is betting you won't get around to it in time. Question is, are you mad enough to prove them wrong, yet?

Update: Recommended comments: whatwoc1, Oaktown Girl, eddieb, paradocs

•  So

  as the midterms loom and BushCo plunders our nation, the question is, are you mad enough yet? Register to vote; get your friends and family registered; talk two into joining you. Contact your local Dem HQ, know who your local candidates are, and volunteer if and when possible.

  by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:36:07 AM PDT

  •  Don't get mad, get even...

    ...after we kick ass in November, we'll be staring at 2007 and a full-scale presidential campaign. We're going to need to use our heads and get behind our best candidate.

    We can get mad and nominate Hillary or Gore or Feingold, but that's not using our heads.

    by MeanBoneII on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:04:51 AM PDT

    •  EXXON IS HOPING YOU KEEP BUYING GASOLINE

      boycott oil, end oil war, save earth.

      by Peter Pan on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:55:58 AM PDT

  •  I'm Mad and goin to get even!

    I signed up to work for Democrats running for Congress in my district!

    I signed up to volunteer for an exhibit  showing the devastation in human terms of this Iraqi fiasco !

    AND even with doing this--I'm still here postin! It's amazing how much one can do, as I say I can "walk, chew gum, pat my head and rub my stomach ALL at the same time AND keep up with the rest of my responsibilites!

    That's the least I can do to help save my country! Makes me feel better as well!

    by Wary on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:34:57 AM PDT

  •  I

    Say are we Mad goddamit? Let me hear a hell yeah!

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:52:36 AM PDT

    •  Remember Howard Beale, DarkSyde...

      ......"I want you to run to your windows and say, 'I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore'"!

      by Ed Tracey on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:26:30 AM PDT

  •  I'm mad enough

    I'm mad enough to Vote twice! For someone who is in a wheelchair I say to all of you who don't vote and participate. Shame on you. If I can do it you better get you ass in gear. Your kids and our future will thank you for it.

    by eddieb061345 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:12:53 AM PDT

  •  polls

    A suggestion for Democrats.  Insist on testing electronic voting machines the day before the midterm elections.  The test should be to put 100 Republican votes into the machine - test the output - reset to zero.  Then place 100 Democratic votes into the machine - test the output - reset to zero.  Then put 50 Republican and 50 Democrat votes into the machine - test the output - reset to zero.  Then make sure the electronic voting machines are well secured until voting time.  It is to easy to program electronic devices to give you the results you want.

    by Johann on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:16:36 AM PDT

    •  Canvassing Board

      At a Democratic training in Southwest Florida, we learned about our canvassing board.  The group consists of our Supervisor of Elections, Chair of our County Commission, and a county judge.  The board meets once a month and these meetings are open to the public.  We were urged to attend.  

      This is the group that actually tests the machines.  They also canvass the absentee ballots.  

      There are so many aspects of the election process that I was never even aware of until I got involved in my local party.    

      by Susan S on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:34:19 AM PDT

      •  Roadmap to victory

        I posted thisdiary entry back in August after Pat Robertson publicly called for the assasination of Hugo Chavez.  It basically traces how Pat's followers hijacked the Washington State GOP in the 1988 presidential election, nominating Pat as their presidential candidate.

        It's funny, but I was just thinking about this subject this morning--how a dedicated and disciplined group of individuals could greatly affect the results of an election.  

        I think some strong lessons can be gained from this--
        Especially with the struggle the netroots is having against the beltway within the Democratic party.

        When I wrote this diary, I think I was thinking of it more as a warning.  But it seems to me now that it could very well be seen as a guide, also.

        Getting involved is the best way to effect change--and to help bring forward candidates you want to vote for, rather than candidates that scare you less than what the GOP is running.

        Can the netroots take back the Democratic party?  I don't know, but we'll never know unless we actually try.

        by Sylvester McMonkey Mcbean on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:07:11 AM PDT

  •  I'm mad enough as well

    and even though there are no federal candidates up for a midterm in my district, there are several state races that I can affect.  So I'm volunteering, knocking on doors, giving what money I can.  It all starts in our back yards and the wingnuts know that too.  It stops now!

    by velouria on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:51:49 AM PDT

•  i said

  a long time ago in a comment that the GOPs are sharks, im mad enough to kick some damn shark's ass

  i've registered to vote, contacted ned lamont's campaign to volunteer, donated what meager cash i have

  i hadn't thought of checking in with local dem party HQ though. Do we have something like that in CT?

  Also...you say there's people trolling about that our votes won't be counted. With Diebold and ESS on the case and all the stuff I read about elections being rigged that is a very real fear we all have.

  by Tamifah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:39:00 AM PDT

  •  If

    the GOP had it locked up with Diebold or whatever,  they wouldn't be fucking around with Sunday school teachers and raising huge amounts of cash. I'll tell you one sure fire, 100 percent guaranteed way your vote won't be counted: Don't cast one.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:42:06 AM PDT

    •  voting

      I'll tell you one sure fire, 100 percent guaranteed way your vote won't be counted: Don't cast one.

      i keep talking about how the constitution is a covenant

      part of my responsibility to my fellow citizens is that even though i have a right to not vote, my obligation to cast my vote outweighs that right

      by Tamifah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:44:23 AM PDT

    •  Taking back the Party

      I know one of the biggest gripes I hear from people who complain but don't participate is that they feel the Dems are too removed from traditional core Dem values, so what's the point?

      There's an excellent way to counter this argument now, and that is to get involved with your local chapter of Democracy for America. They are all about showing people how to get involved in their local Dem chapters so we can begin to do the work needed to take back our party from the roots up, just the way the Wingnuts successfully took over their party - from the local Repub. Chapter Officers and local Schoolboard  Officers on up.

      It's a great way to be active and not hopeless.

      by Oaktown Girl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:45:10 AM PDT

      •  I belong to the Dean For America Talent Bank

        Can you creat graphics?  Build web sites?  Flash?  Write copy?  Edit?  There's this:

        http://groups.yahoo.com/...

        I did some work for a TX state rep, it was good for me.

        by paradox on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:20:53 AM PDT

        •  Wow

          That is the smartest thing I've seen in a long time.  I signed up today.  Thanks.  Makes me feel like I can contribute something specific and real to the progressive candidates this year.

          by Big Eddie Calzone on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:22:17 AM PDT

        •  Could you please describe how this works?

          It's not obvious from the link.

          by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:03:20 AM PDT

      •  link to DFA

        For the Google-impaired. :)

        http://www.democracyforamerica.com/

        by CaptUnderpants on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:35:39 AM PDT

        •  Thanks

          for putting up the DFA link. I'm writing this from work, and am not the most computer savvy (to say the least). I just wanted to get my DFA suggestion comment up while I had the chance!

          by Oaktown Girl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:50:58 AM PDT

      •  DFA Training

        I posted about my experience with DFA Training Academy yesterday in "Cheers and Jeers", but it's worth repeating here, because it's very relevant.

        Last weekend was exceptionally gorgeous weather in Northern California, a respite from the unrelenting rain, hail and cold cloudiness we'd been experiencing for weeks (yeah, I hear you all in the Northeast going "aww, poor babies"). So, given the warm breath of Spring in the air, I spent 18 hours indoors (with about 100 other like-minded oddballs) at the DFA Training Academy in Stockton.

        And just what was it we were being trained to be? Grassroots organizers? Yes... but more than that - we were being trained to be effective political campaign organizers.

        Topics covered:

        • Evaluating the political landscape in your district
        • Developing a Message
        • Working with the Media
        • Fundraising
        • Building our Activist Base
        • Planning and Goal Setting
        • Developing a Field Plan (vote goals, targeting, voter contact, benchmarks, etc.)
        • Neighbor-to-Neighbor Organizing (Precinct organizing)
        • Effective use of online techniques: email, blogs, websites
        • Coalition Building
        • Citizen Lobbying (Holding Elected Officials Accountable)
        • House Parties
        • Running Meetings

        The trainers were - without exception - sharp, knowledgeable, interesting, and responsive. DFA has assembled some world-class talent and is deploying it to radically improve the effectiveness and competence of our network of grassroots activists. They plan to train 25,000 activists in this way by 2008.

        If you're Crashing the Gate, and don't want to Spin Your Wheels, this is for you.

        2 days. 18 hours. 130 page Grassroots Campaign Training Manual.
        Cost: $60 to participate. Sixty. Dollars.

        I can't recommend this highly enough. I've been doing grassroots activism for 3 years now... and the amount that I learned this weekend will increase my effectiveness by orders of magnitude.  

        The press sometimes characterizes DFA as the "remnants of Howard Dean's failed presidential campaign"... but the truth is that they've got more people involved today (over 900,000) then ever... and they're changing politics on a shoestring.

        by Malacandra on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:31:19 AM PDT

        •  Link

          DFA Training Academy

          by Malacandra on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:33:18 AM PDT

          •  This and Camp Wellstone

            sound like really good programs.

            by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:04:33 AM PDT

        •  There's a training here in Denver

          on the same weekend as yearlyKos. I've registered for YK, but I'm conflicted. I'll probably opt for staying home and taking advantage of the DFA training.

          Last night I went to my precinct caucus, presented a resolution demanding an investigation into sleazy robo-calling against Democratic Colorado house members, that was adopted unanimously, and ended up looking forward to duties as precinct committeeperson, election judge and delegate to the county assembly in April!

          I even made it into the Rocky Mountain News yesterday. Go figure. All hail to johne and LeftFielder at Soapblox Colorado!

          p.s. Republicans suck eggs.

          by bumblebums on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:28:07 AM PDT

          •  Good for you!

            It's a good article: you're clearly doing the work that needs doing. From me that's the highest possible compliment.

            Deciding between YearlyKos and DFA Training Academy would be a hard choice, but I don't think there's any wrong answer.  

            I'm looking foward to the YK... and have high hopes for it, and I can tell you for certain the Training Academy was a densely layered banquet  of practical information that I'm going to be using a lot.

            by Malacandra on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:49:27 AM PDT

        •  My suggestion for DFA and others

          I believe it ended up being a tactical mistake when all the progressive organizations touted the 2004 election as the most important of a generation. Yeah, it was, but what does that say to the progressive-leaning masses after a loss?

          I suspect too many people decided that we lost the big one, the one that mattered, so what's the point.

          I hope the major progressive organizers will frame the '06 election in a different way, how it's a critical turning point to begin undoing the terrible damage that's happened so far; that it's the first time we're fighting with a solid majority of American public opinion behind us, and now is a great chance -- but not the only chance - to start undoing that damage.

          When you frame the discussion as betting all your chips on one election and then you lose, it doesn't help motivate the masses for the next one.

          by firenze on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:22:58 PM PDT

      •  Since Nov 2004 .. I have ....

        I attended my first DFA meeting following the Kerry Loss and I found a home with like minded activists. Since that meeting I have....

        1. Elected to the board of our DFA group

        2. Attended DemocracyFest 2005 in Austin Tx (Met Markos... !!)

        3. Become an appointed PC for my district

        4. Taught Framing training sessions at our DFA meetings

        5. Met Senators Reid, Dorgan, Durbin, and Ben-Veniste in the last year.

        6. Now the Vice Chair for our local DFA group.

        7. Attended DFA grassroots campaign training two weeks ago.

        8. Registered for Yearlykos

        9. Registered for DemocracyFest 2006. If anyone has the oportunity to attend July 14-16 in San Diego CA, please come. How I described how it felt to attend last years DemFest was like being in crack (have no idea how crack feels but it was the best description I could come up with). Can you imagine being with over 1000 other like minded Dem/Progressives for three days?  

        WHY?
        I have three young adult children who are starting out in life and two wonderful grandaughters who deserve at LEAST what I have enjoyed as an American and as all parents desire a better life.
        I do it because my parents put their lives on the line when they served during WWII and deserve to not loose their social security and veteran benefits.
        I do it because not doing something sure seems so wrong.

        by katymine on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 08:31:54 AM PDT

        •  Right the Fuck On!

          by Oaktown Girl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 01:15:11 PM PDT

    •  overwhelm them

      A massive turnout makes it harder to commit fraud.  Remember, we're not talking about Karl Rove with a laptop in some empty parking garage putting the nation-wide fix in.  The voting issues are varied.  The more attention we pay before the elections, the better turnout we have, and the better monitoring we do on election day means they also have to do more, get more sloppy, be more obvious.

      My personal challenge this election cycle is registering new voters, making sure they use absentee ballots, and encouraging people to act as poll workers on election day.

      by lizah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:57:42 AM PDT

      •  You said

        What I tried to do much more succinctly!

        In WI in '04 we had a two-tiered approach:  1) message = no problem, go vote  2) any problems, please report them asap -- our election protection lawyers were all over them.  Because, make no mistake, they were definitely trying to intimidate and suppress our turnout in our best precincts.  

        by Timothy J on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 09:42:31 AM PDT

    •  Its Amazing

      Every campaign I've worked or volunteered on, the first thing you'll find when you ask, "Have you voted," is that some haven't.  The first thing one of the best campaign managers I've ever worked for would do is make sure every one of her staffers had voted.  Another at the DNC started every speech with "524" -- the margin in FL in '00.  524 votes, for the entire state, started us on this ruinous course.

      That being said, I will admit to some skepticism regarding results in the last few elections.  That is not to say I believe

      "Diebold has it locked down;"

      however, I do think there is potential for some small-scale shenanigans.  All the more reason to turn out in big numbers, so they can't screw with it.  

      On that note: the single most effective way to talk to folks, short of the candidate showing up on their doorstep, is face-to-face.  It is also the hardest thing to convince volunteers into doing.  Phones are great, but I've never convinced anyone to go vote over the phone; I have done that when I'm on their doorstep, asking them to "please get in the van and come vote."

      by Timothy J on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 09:38:36 AM PDT

      •  face to face is so much better!

        When I canvassed for Kerry, people were much more responsive to talking when we knocked on their doors than when we called them.  People hated being called -- I assume it's because of the telemarketing scourge -- and I never felt like I actually reached a single person by phone-banking.  But when we showed up on their doorsteps, a lot of people would talk to us.  I didn't ask, but I think people appreciate the extra effort and commitment it takes to walk around and knock on doors all day rather than just dialing a number.

        Knocking on doors is kind of terrifying, especially if you're an introvert, but it's really rewarding.

        by obeah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 01:26:47 PM PDT

        •  Absolutely

          I don't mean to disparage phone-banking, it is absolutely necessary also, but far and away the biggest thing anybody can do to help a campaign -- esp. in the critical final stages -- is canvassing door-to-door.  

          You're right, its not easy, particularly for folks who might otherwise be shy, but it is absolutely crucial, and invariably the reason Dems win a lot of close elections.  Money's key too (obviously), but cutting a check is still a lot easier for most folks than trying to go knock on a stranger's door.

          Plus, I always look at it as, in the final stages of the campaign, I'm not eating well, working long hours, and almost certainly not getting enough exercise, so canvassing door-to-door gives me a great excuse to get out of the office plus get a little fresh air to boot!

          by Timothy J on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 01:42:30 PM PDT

  •  Diebold can't

    They can't rig a landslide!

    by eddieb061345 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:16:01 AM PDT

    •  Rig

      Sure they can.  It's up to us to stop them.  I can see Diebold programming the voting machines so they spit out 51% Republican, 48% Democrat, and 1% Independent no matter what the input from voters.

      by Johann on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:25:49 AM PDT

•  Good Morning

  I'm registered.
  I was sadden to see  that Tim Dunn dropped out of NC 08.

  by eeff on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:46:43 AM PDT

  •  Keep

    in mind the folks this post is mostly aimed at won't read comments, they don't even have a DKos handle.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:54:41 AM PDT

    •  Well then isn't it our job

      to get up, get out and reach out to them. That's what were are talking about here when we say Get ACTIVE

      by eddieb061345 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:32:05 AM PDT

•  WHat else?

  OK, I am registered to vote.  In fact, I've been voting for close to 30 years, and missed one election (and that was a basically uncontested special election).

  In the past, I have volunteered in many many elections (starting around age 7, most recently a couple years ago).  This year, though, I am sort of at a loss: My local rep is Nadler (NY 8); not sure if he even has an opponent.  In any case, he usually wins with 80% of the vote.  There are closer elections in PA and CT, but I've got a problem: I don't drive.  I have donated money to various campaigns.

  BUT here's a question:
  I am a statistician.  Right now, I work for a nonprofit, but our funding keeps getting cut (NIH grants are harder and harder to come by).

  SO....how to combine my vocation and my avocation?
  Any ideas?

  by plf515 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:48:44 AM PDT

  •  You've

    done more than the Dems have a right to expect of you imo. Best suggestion I can give someone in your boat is to make sure you talk at least two people into voting and drive them to the goddamn poll on election day.

    On the funding issue, when the progressives win, your cause will win. Outside of that, there's an embryonic movement afoot to put some heat on BushCo's scienc epolicies. When I see a chance of success of have progress to report, I'll do so.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:52:15 AM PDT

    •  thanks but....

      First, I don't think I know two people who don't vote (well, my brother's mother in law sometimes forgets, but she like Rush Limbaugh.....so I hope she forgets).  

      Second, as I noted, I don't drive (of course, here in NYC, everyone walks to their polling place, mine is a block and a half away).

      but thanks

      by plf515 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:00:14 AM PDT

      •  Well

        bear in mind this post was mostly written for the half million daily readers who aren't even registered with a screen name. Most of the folks who comment are deeply and admirably involved, such as yourself.

        by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:02:58 AM PDT

        •  Well, I think you should have noted that point

          I too was confused about this when I read your comments on the front page.

          I thought "People who read DailyKos, on average, are going to be MUCH more likely to be registered to vote, and active in signing petitions, and sending letters, and making contributions, etc."

          It was not clear that you were speaking to those that simply read this site.

          I understand that you don't want to attack those people as 'do-nothings' by comparing them with those of us that DO campaign and vote and sign petitions, so I am not sure how you could have let US know that you didn't mean those of us that are already active, but.....

          Maybe you could have had added someplace in your post "if you already are registered, if you already sign petitions and contribute to your favorite candidates, then you should consider making the next step to actively campaigning for a candidate and joining the precinct structure in your community".

          Just a thought.

          by slouise217 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 11:56:51 AM PDT

  •  I'm sure some of the voting rights organizations

    would love to hear from a statistician.  Since I am not one, I don't know exactly what to recommend, maybe Verified Voting can help you find particular ways to use your skills.

    Here's a group called New Yorkers for Verified Voting.

    by lizah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:02:40 AM PDT

    •  I saw your comment

      right after I posted mine (immediately below).

      In fact, I have done plenty of volunteer work for Verified Voting. Excellent organization, but I would say that they particularly need software people, while USCountVotes is the place for statisticians.

      by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:28:31 AM PDT

  •  Hook up with USCountVotes.

    http://www.USCountVotes.com

    These people are serious about statistics. Check out the work they've done on the 2004 election, especially in Ohio.

    by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:25:25 AM PDT

  •  Look just a bit upthread

    There is mention of a talent bank.

    Data analysis can be done in cyberspace.

    There are many local candidates who could probably use someone with your skills to help look at VAN data and devise targeting plans for their campaigns.

    Luckily, I have someone locally, but given my experience (finding it difficult to get enough skilled help for a school board campaign) there are probably many candidates who wold appreciate and need your help.

    by demondeac on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:29:09 AM PDT

•  nobody else in my office

  used to vote.

  Now, they all rail constantly against the Bush administration.

  I've taken 5 with me, and I'm proud of it.  The girls in my office used to hop on the computer and read celebrity news.  Now they spend their time on CNN talking to me about the latest atrocity.

  My work has just begun.

  My blog. Come visit.

  by hekebolos on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:55:34 AM PDT

  •  my office

    i got to tell peeps about bush's press conference yesterday. I described how he was violently agitated, he kept stuttering and changing the subject and went through several mood swings

    i also told them about the stuff that is documented in my sig:)

    by Tamifah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:04:44 AM PDT

  •  Keep it going

    I am going to FLATTEN that bullshit taboo, "Never discuss politics."  Democracy is way more fucking important than bruising a few inflated egos.

    by Dragonchild on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:11:30 AM PDT

    •  You said it!!

      It drives me nuts when wingers will go on and on about something "funny" that Rush said, but when you refute it they don't want to "get into politics, I mean, it's personal."

      by lizah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:05:51 AM PDT

      •  A friend's husband used to tease me at...

        holidays about my lefty leanings. It was good natured. We knew we weren't going to change each other's mind. Then came Plame. Now, he can't talk with me about politics at all. He gets truly enraged even when I try and find common ground--publicly funded elections, property tax reform, education, etc.

        He's barely 40 and claims his blood pressure can't take it.

        I think I've made some headway with his my girlfriend, his wife, though. His rage and intolerance hasn't helped his cause any.

        by leolabeth on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:53:23 AM PDT

•  I'm mad enough now.

  But I'm going to continue to sit here and read, write and think. And I'm going to watch and wait for that moment when I can hit 'em the hardest. Then I'm going to give it my best shot.

  I may not break them, but I wanna make damn sure I dent them.

  by John West on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:56:33 AM PDT

  •  Expand your thought bubble

    I understand your feelings, but why don't you at least try going to a local meeting (ACLU, Democracy for America, Local Dem. Party Chapter, Election Reform Group, whatever)while you read, write and think. You don't have to actually do anything except show up. But being around other thinking, caring people may help expand/improve/refine your ideas, and may also give you valuable contacts and connections for when your are ready to launch your "best shot"!

    by Oaktown Girl on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:14:33 AM PDT

    •  I live in the boondocks of northern MI.

      Politics around here amounts to a few yard signs and voting for whoever is already doing the job.

      by John West on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:17:53 PM PDT

•  Indiana

  I was hoping someone would get the cahones to challange Sen Lugar.
  If a Democrat were to run against him I would come out and vote,Im registered.
  Im an Independant but vote out Rethugs any chance I get.With 1 exception  Didnt vote last presidential election.
  Voted for Clinton and Gore.

  by betterdeadthanred on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 02:58:24 AM PDT

•  The response is low for signing petitions ...

  because online petitions are meaningless. Legitimate petitions are, of course, quite useful, but you don't get people to go sign those while they're sitting at their computers.

  Those idiotic "send this to all your friends" petitions might, that's might, get read by an assistant or an intern to someone in authority. And they'll glance at the subject line before going on to the next item. Why? Because a petition has no weight and is therefore irrelevant if it isn't signed -- physically -- by registered voters.

  As for registering to vote, probably most of the participants on kos are already registered (I am), so the low return on that investment is because there really aren't that many unregistered fish to catch.

  by adering on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:01:55 AM PDT

  •  Every on line petition I sign

    I get a written response from my Republican members of Congress--so they sure do count! They count because of the numbers who sign them, Republicans are always thinking in numbers.

    so yes they do count! And you know what, when I sign on line and get that response, well, I don't get such a written response when I sign those off line.  Interesting isn't it?

    So, don't hesitate to sign on line, please, old Karl Rove doesn't want people to sign on line that's why we hear this!

    by Wary on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:43:02 AM PDT

    •  Let me guess...

      Dear (name):

      I am very glad that you took the time to inform me of your opinion on (matter).

      Thanks for writing! Democracy depends on people like you.

      Sincerely,

      (signature)

      At best, at best, you are getting interns writing responses. It's just like how all those quotes in press releases from corporation leaders are made up by the communications and pr departments of those companies.

      by adering on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:39:38 AM PDT

  •  Action

    We wouldn't be here if we didn't care about politics.  And if you care about politics, you're already registered to vote.

    But the point is that we need to actually DO something other than sit around here and discuss what needs to be done.  

    Sitting around the computer without doing anything for a campaign accomplishes little more than the 101st Flying Keyboarders.  Talk (including the electronic kind) is cheap.

    by gsbadj on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:45:57 AM PDT

•  Balance

  Question is, where does one stop?

  It seems like nothing is enough.  And the Dems are just as despicable as the GOP when fundraising; they treat me like a fucking faucet.  So on Election Day, I hold my nose and do my duty.

  But I could also fight the good fight 24/7 and it won't be enough.  Unfortunately, I'm not noble.  I'd like to help but to me, saving democracy is a means to an end:  my life, my liberty and my pursuit of happiness.  I suppose the key is to get a little from everyone.  If everyone chipped in, we wouldn't need martyrs.

  So I do enough to allow myself to look in the mirror without feeling shame.  I hope America can forgive me for not giving more than that, but if the country goes under I'll feel responsible.

  by Dragonchild on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:02:13 AM PDT

  •  Yes

    the efficiency of the DNC with donations is pretty disheartening. Look, if you show up and vote, and talk two new people into going with you, you've probably done what a grand in donations might accomplish.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:18:57 AM PDT

    •  Thanks

      Indeed, I make sure to do that much.

      I often feel bad for not doing more, but I sure as hell won't do less.

      After all, if I don't vote, I lose my right to bitch. :)

      by Dragonchild on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:55:36 AM PDT

  •  How much are our Constitutional Rights worth?

    When I get down and think about how much people fought for, died for, gotten beaten for, got hosed down in the streets for their Constitutional Rights, well, then i feel ashamed to think that I am monain and groanin about 'doin something'--that's what keeps me going!

    Moaning and groaning takes up so much energy and leaves me in a pissy mood, but when I get out and actually do SOMETHING--well, that makes me feel positive and hopefull!

    It's a choice, the way I see it, I can sit and lash out about those 'bad old Dems' OR I can do something to help my own situation, which helps me to meet positive, hopeful people! Those are the choices I have, so I chose hope and not despair!

    by Wary on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:47:57 AM PDT

•  Fighting Dem - Tammy Duckworth will be helping

  U.S. House - District 6 - Dem Primary - Illinois 520 of 526 Precincts Reporting - 98.86%
  Name
  Duckworth , Tammy 14,019 43.81
  Cegelis , Christine 12,939 40.44
  Scott , Lindy 5,038 15.75

  Chicago Tribune

  by Distaste for Dissent on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:03:45 AM PDT

  •  question i have

    i have noticed some comments people like they are mad at tammy duckworth or don't want  her to win

    how come? I thought she was great, and she's definitely a warrior.

    by Tamifah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:05:34 AM PDT

    •  I don't know

      disappointment by Cegelis supporters I guess. I think she'll make a great candidate but then I don't live in the district. Lane Evans is my rep. I'm in a gerrymandered slice of Springfield.

      by Distaste for Dissent on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:05:11 AM PDT

    •  Cegelis ran last time around

      even though the Republican incumbent was well entrenched. Part of her purpose was to show that Dems could get a good showing so that she could win this time. People are mad that another Dem who didn't put in that effort in the last election cycle is driving her out.

      Something similar happened to Richard Morrison in DeLay's district. He put a lot of effort into running last time around. Then Nick Lampson announced in this cycle that he'd be entering the race, and Morrison eventually bowed out.

      And then of course there's Paul Hackett, who challenged Jean Schmidt in a heavily Republican district for a House seat and did surprisingly well (even despite a suspicious break in the vote counting, after which the vote pattern seemed to change, giving her just enough votes to win). As I understand it, he was assured that if he ran for the Senate, he'd be unchallenged on the Dem side. Then Rep. Sherrod Brown entered the race after all, phone calls were (allegedly?) made by the DSCC urging people to shift their financial support from Hackett to Brown, and Hackett pulled out.

      by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:39:45 AM PDT

•  Now that's what I'm talking about...

  Wow that is the energy we need to kick some ass  and get MOBILIZED!!!!
  I am registered and volunteered at the last election - this year we need to dump our 'moderate' senator Snowe for a start.
  How 'bout a bumper sticker that says " Are you mad enough yet??? Vote '06"

  by tallmom on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:04:01 AM PDT

  •  HU RAH!

    I like the way you are talking!

    by Wary on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:50:06 AM PDT

  •  good bumper sticker

    by Hollywood Liberal on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:17:24 AM PDT

•  Why? I'll tell you why...

  You represent nothing more than the lesser of two evils. You're asking people to support Republicn-lite. The Democrats aren't going to save us. It's the system that's broke, from top to bottom. Signing petitions, throwing good money after bad, trying to play within the system... none of which is going help.

  I'll give you a very simple example of what I mean, and what finally finished me with the system. Florida's 12th congressional district has no Democratic candidate for the upcoming elections. So I contacted the District Chair and told her I wanted to run. The response? Sorry, we need someone with MONEY and a NAME.

  You see, that's the problem in a nutshell. Good Ideas and a willingness to serve count for nothing these days. All that matters is connections to the right people and having the money to buy off anyone else. This is exactly what tore down the Soviets and before too long it's going to be the end of us too.

  There is only one real solution to the mess. Throw out the whole lot of 'em and start fresh, adjusting for the mistakes that led us to where we are today.

  by transami on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:04:02 AM PDT

  •  Run anyway.

    Get a Democrat on the ballot.  You'd be amazed what a simple candidacy can do.

    My blog. Come visit.

    by hekebolos on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:06:26 AM PDT

  •  You

    will never, ever, change the system with the GOP in power. OTOH, when the progressives win, your cause wins, whatever it may be.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:09:01 AM PDT

  •  I won't troll-rate

    . . . because you sound more frustrated than anything, and I've felt the same way.

    So take it from someone who's said the same:  Stop bitching, hold your nose and do your damn duty.

    I don't care if the candidates are a douchebag and a turd sandwich.  Bear in mind voting isn't necessarily a means to elect a messiah.  It's a performance incentive.  Continually voting for the lesser of two evils is a means of letting politicians know how far they can take their corruption.

    by Dragonchild on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:21:00 AM PDT

    •  P.S.

      As a performance incentive, if the candidates are a douchebag and a turd sandwich, vote against the incumbent.  The challenger's the underdog and the ousting is a shot across the bow of the corrupt.

      by Dragonchild on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 06:00:02 AM PDT

  •  Run anyway

    So I contacted the District Chair and told her I wanted to run. The response? Sorry, we need someone with MONEY and a NAME.

    The part district chair doesn't get to choose who files.

    Run anyway. Find out what it takes to file, then file. Set up your campaign committee, get a campaign treasurer, and start contacting everyone you know to help you out. Find out the campaign finance regulations and follow them. Contribute your own resources to the campaign as seed money. Print contribution envelopes (at a union shop!). Put a personal form letter describing why you're running and asking for their support(with those envelopes) in the mail to 400 or 500 of your closest personal friends (and family). You'd be surprised how much money you'll raise.

    Do that and you'll get noticed. Money begats money.

    Don't take "no" for an answer. Just do it.

    by paradocs on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:30:17 AM PDT

  •  change the center

    IF moderate dems win, they become the center of debate, bringing progressives in out of the woods a bit. Right now the center is hard right and we are way marginalized. If physics works like its supposed to (and Ive been skeptical myself given our seemingly endless rightward swing) we can get back to a Clinton-style center and move from there. And if physics works, once this pendulum does finally turn back, it'll be poised to swing way past a Clinton-style center.

    I share your frustration but throwing them all out brings us back to zero. We've got to work with the historical hand we're dealt. And its a pretty good one long-term, given demographics and the end of the petroeconomy.

    I'm signed up to do grunt work with the local dems. Thanks Darksyde

    by Randolph06 on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:58:24 AM PDT

•  Where there is room for gains

  Here are some excerpts from a WaPo article on voter turnout for 2004.

  The bureau reported that women turned out at a slightly higher rate (65 percent) than men (62 percent). It found that non-Hispanic white citizens voted in proportionately higher numbers (67 percent) than African Americans (60 percent), Hispanics (47 percent) and Asians (44 percent). The agency said turnout rates increased from the 2000 election among whites (by five percentage points) and blacks (by three), but held steady for Hispanics and Asians.

  The agency also found that turnout rates were closely correlated to a voter's age. A little more than 73 percent of those between 65 and 74 said they voted, the highest rate for any age group. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 had the lowest, with 47 percent reported going to the polls.

  To simplify, minorities (African Americans, Hispanics and Asians) and the youngest vote less.  Also not surprising is this:

  The numbers also indicate that turnout rates are closely tied to levels of formal education. Those with bachelor's degrees or an advanced degree voted at much higher rates (80 percent) than those with high school degrees (56 percent) and those without a diploma or its equivalent (40 percent.).

  And there's more.

  What does this suggest?  That voter registration and GOTV efforts might focus on young, minority, high school only or high school drop outs.  Just the type of people that get screwed most by the Republicans.  Of course, this is nothing new and the difficulty getting to these folks is well known.  But it sure is tempting.  If only somebody could figure a way, we'd never see a Republican government again.

  by accumbens on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:06:05 AM PDT

  •  I had an advantage

    I ran a day-care for 15 years, made cookies all the time for "my" kids.  In 2004, I volunteered at the local Dem headquarters.  I rounded up all the kids I used to watch and threatened them with no more cookies-ever-if they didn't register to vote.  I got 17 new registrations from the kids, plus I got a neighbor to register-he had never registered to vote.  I was happy, for a while, at Dem headquarters.  Two of us were in charge of editorial letters and we got over 50 published in a 3 month period.  However, the more we did, the more they asked of us.  I ended up manning phones, walking the streets, running a yard sale to raise funds, paying for Kerry/Edwards lawn signs after we ran out.  I got burnt out physically and financially.  We need people to run the headquarters as they should be.  The person who ran our county's headquarters, for the most part, sat on her fanny and let us "volunteer peons" do everything and she got paid while sitting.  Burned me out on volunteering.  I still write LTE, donate when I can, and pontificate to all who will listen, but I cannot bring myself to volunteer again, unless and until I can be guarenteed that ALL will work equally.  

    by jilikins on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:44:41 AM PDT

    •  That's

      a freakin shame. Thanks for your effort though! It sounds like you're a 'make things happen' kind of person. Lord knows we need all of those we can get.

      by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:49:01 AM PDT

    •  volunteer for a candidate

      Then find a local candidate for school board or something.

      Not everyone will treat you the way that one person did.

      by demondeac on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:34:55 AM PDT

•  DarkSyde is So Very Right

  for pete's sake, at the very least, call your freaking local/county party, and ask for the name of someone running in your Congressional District against an Republican.  It can be a federal, state or local race - every one of the candidates can use your help.

  I've volunteered to start and run a phone bank for candidate for county clerk here at home.

  You can help, without even leaving your house!

  Create or work a phone bank.

  Use those free cell phone minutes (evenings and weekends).   CALL, CALL, CALL.

  Talk to voters (in the line at the supermarket is a GREAT place to start) and encourage the unregistered to register (most local libraries carry voter registration forms and you can hand them in right there!).

  Did I mention phone banks???

  It's so easy to make a difference, even if you've never done anything but read a blog or a paper before, you CAN make a difference.

  The only thing standing between us and a Democratic Congress is YOU!  (that's you, and me, and all of us).

  by Angie in WA State on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:06:57 AM PDT

  •  And

    don't expect the local dem HQ to immediately recognize your brilliance and put you in charge. They're so understaffed and poorly funded you'll be lucky if they return your phone call or e-mail. You'll probably have to barge into their office and insist they let you help.

    by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:14:28 AM PDT

    •  Yes, crash the gate

      Darksyde's comment is spot on.

      Check out this diary, Party Takeover Underway, top-impact of a few weeks ago.

      Now I am a candidate for Board of Education with way more than I originally bargained for, and in need of volunteers myself!!

      What happened? I showed up at one luncheon. I have no time to blog the sequel right now.

      by demondeac on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:40:19 AM PDT

  •  Phone banking

    I know people will keep doing it, but I'm starting to wonder how well it works.  

    I got spammed and spammed and SPAMMED with calls in 2004, from the League of Conservation Voters, ACT, the Kerry campaign, etc..

    It was all cool with me, 'cause I like talking to people, and I phone banked for Dean in NH, so I know how awful it can be, but it was kind of irritating, especially when they'd all call more than once because their databases were screwed up (as in "oh, sorry, I didn't realize that I already called you 15 times to see if you'd volunteer... wait, I saw you at HQ, didn't I?).

    Phone banking can really annoy people.  I guess I'm just saying that there is such thing as too much phone banking.

    Also, I got calls from people out of state.  Again, it's fun to talk to them, because I'm a hardcore political junkie, and it's always good to talk to another enthusiastic Democrat.  However, people in New York calling people in New Mexico doesn't really work.  They had NO IDEA what things were like in NM.    That's just one example.  In other words, out-of-state phone banking is a terrible idea.  It just doesn't go over well with voters to say "hey, I'm in MA, and I'm reminding you to vote for John Kerry.  What?  Um, I don't know his stance on [x issue] and Native Americans... maybe you can ask someone at your local campaign office?"

    Not to shoot down your comment, Angie :-)  Those are just my criticisms of phone banking.

    Everything in moderation.  I hope you know what I mean... babble, babble here, lol!

    by Plutonium Page on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:17:08 AM PDT

    •  I

      don't know either. BUt maybe door to door is a better way to go, with each walker having an assigned beat for the duration. The Edward D Jones model for politics.

      by DarkSyde on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:26:52 AM PDT

    •  The GOP believes in phone banks

      ,,,not as a replacement for door-to-door, but as a supplement.

      The phone is a powerful way to identify people who need to register to vote or to be turned out on election day.

      To avoid annoying people, or at least to avoid getting blamed for the call, the GOP often calls blind, a time-honored practice that goes back at least to Richard Nixon's 1946 congressional campaign and probably to the invention of the telephone.

      The much reviled political consultants, whose profession it is to win elections, who can only feed their families by winning elections, who use the telephone to win elections in every county in the United States, would probably say that phone banks are effective.

      But what do those Washington insiders know?

      by stevehigh on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 03:47:24 AM PDT

    •  I did phone banking from Germany in 2004

      and had a very positive reaction from people who couldn't believe I was calling internationally because I felt it was important.  I think you can always answer one specific concern a voter might have on a local issue with the (overwhelming) importance of the national issues.  I am not phone banking for school board races, for example, that would be silly.

      I think there's enough need for these things everywhere that you should be able to limit yourself locally if you think it's a waste of time calling another state.

      The messed up phone lists is a problem, a big one, I admit.

      by lizah on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 04:13:21 AM PDT

    •  I did it last night for village elections in

      Dryden, NY.  

      Mostly I reached answering machines, but I did reach two Democrats who forgot there was a Village election yesterday.  They voted.  The end result of the election was one of our candidates won (she actually received the most votes in the election).  The Republicans have a significant advantage in registration in this area.  

      by LionelEHutz on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:28:40 AM PDT

      •  I think

        this is a better strategy for small elections like yours, when it's not such an onslaught.

        by Hollywood Liberal on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:32:10 AM PDT

    •  GOTV

      I LLLOVE canvassing door to door. It's fantastic to talk to people about candidates face to face, and people more often than not really really appreciate the personal attention. I found that was less evident on the phone. Where I really see your point, though, is GOTV operations. Of all the calls I've made on election day to get out the vote, I'd say that maybe 5 or so people out of the hundreds I talked to over several elections actually got out to vote because I called that day, and I wouldn't be surprised if considerably more than that actually DIDN'T go vote because they were pissed off.  It's a big high pressure game to get on the phone with people on election day, and I did my best to keep it light and funny so as not to piss off people, but they were just TIRED of hearing from us. I would like to see a real strategy study to see how well this honestly works.

      by Hollywood Liberal on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:31:22 AM PDT

      •  Yes, measurement of effectiveness

        is absolutely key. I think there's a place for volunteer effort in developing such measurement standards.

        by AlanF on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 07:06:09 AM PDT

    •  I thought it was worthwhile in 2004

      I called through the Kerry website program and since my wife and I were phoning people who had specifically signed up to be contacted I got quite favorable responses.

      I wouldn't try phoning for local elections; I know I can't even say Cuellar or Ciro correctly with my Long Island accent.

      by John DE on Wed Mar 22, 2006 at 05:37:37 AM PDT

    •  Better Coordination Is Certainly Needed

      I worked for the Arizona Dem Party in a field office as part of the Kerry campaign. Granted, I was an out-of-state volunteer who was in the office 2 weeks before the Kerry campaign pulled all the field officers to work in other states. I ended up AS the field officer.

      Note: What follows is a long litany of woes, and I first want to mention the following up-front: 1. I'm not native to Arizona, so my problems with the party aren't personal in the sense that I feel "betrayed"; 2. I was admittedly new to political organizing/campaigning; and 3. the volunteers themselves were amazing. I met really wonderful, dedicated, generous people and, if anything, my anger is because I feel that they weren't well-served by the party. On my part is frustration because one of the hats I wear in my professional life is project manager and I have, now, almost 20 years experience at it. So, in the back of my head, is the firm belief that many of the problems were fixable if the attitude wasn't "that's the way things work" or "it's okay to over-call people because otherwise they may not vote" (the latter a rough paraphrase of what my field officer told me when I got my first "you people are calling too much" response during calls the made my first week there (the first week of October.)

      What I noticed:

      There were 2 databases. 1 was derived from the voter roles and I can't remember what it was called. The problem with the registered voter-derived database was this:

      a.  Not enough fields to input information (like a "called and talked to other householder" check box, in addition to others. Also a "Do Not Ever Call Again, We Really Mean It" button was needed. Although, that may have been added toward the end. But, given I was there the 4 weeks leading up to Election Day, it was a little too late.)

      b. No way, when the names were printed for calls, to see when the last call was made to the household and whether anyone was reached and what they said.

      c. When the database was batched, it didn't always batch the same way. Say we were going for a "reluctant voter" segment one day. Maybe that day the voters were sorted by address. Very easy to tell if you were calling a household in which you might want to speak to 2 or 3 people. But the next time, when we were going for persuadable Republicans, it might be sorted alpha by last name. So, if householders had different last names, or they had a common last name and the husband's name was Alan and the wife's name was Zelda, they might not appear next to each other. And then there are households in which people do not share last names. So, you'd be making your calls turn a page, dial, and suddenly realize you're talking again to someone you talked to 5 minutes ago.

      The second database was TurnAZ Blue, which comprised people who opted in to the system. So, if they volunteered and filled out a card, they were tagged as potential volunteers and were called about volunteering. If they registered to vote by mail through the  Dem Party, they were tagged as vote-by-mail voters and were called to remind to mail in their ballots. Same if they were newly registered voters -- remind them to vote, or vote early. I'm 99% certain that names within the newly registered voters and vote-by-mail voters did not overlap, but the volunteer databse certainly did.

      The TAZB system did have a better, more detailed, and more user-friendly way of capturing information. Except, of course, that information didn't always print
      (ie, the householder was called on 10/3 and said they'd mailed their ballot in). Technically, the person was supposed to be removed from the database once they claimed that they'd mailed it in, but that didn't necessarily happen. In fact, I think they were supposed to be deleted from the system once the Board of Elections received their ballot. So, you might end up calling them again on 10/7.

      But this database ALSO had a problem -- the way I'm r