I am sure this diary wil be lost in the plethora of VP Biden (?) diaries in the next few hours and days but I feel very strongly that all states, no matter how 'small' or a 'given EC votes' must make their voice heard.
Be it by a surrogate candidate or 'spokesperson', a voice is very important in that the loudest 'public' voice in the most 'public' forum is the one most heard. Experience locally and nationally does matter.
I was way too young to really understand what happened in the early 1970's but I was old enough to 'get it' in the larger picture.
I have lived in Maryland all but the first year of my life. Let's just say it is over 40 years ;)
Even though Maryland and the area I live is just approx. 20 minutes from DC, we seldom receive any serious Presidential campaining. Our 'local' news is the nation's 'national' news.
Somehow though, we only get one or, if we are 'lucky', two notable visits during the Presidential campaign season. No matter our 'internal' state politics, the Marylanders I know (Democrat, Repulican, or Independent) are typical and faithful American voters.
Maryland may not be close to a toss up in this Presidential election, but our local elections are never certain. Maryland has not been in doubt as a solid Democratic win for President since Bush in 1988. We are loyal to our parties nationally, but we are very 'independent' in our local elections.
I think Maryland is a true composite of the 'typical' US Electorate. We have military, farms, factories, Fed gov't, State gov't, and 'Plain Jane' working class workers. I am probably like many that live on a 'non'-swing stae this year. That is, the kind of feeling the new energy and enthusiam that is sweeping our Country and not knowing how we can really 'Make a Change.'
For anyone feeling this way, I have one piece of advise, even if it is speaking to the 'choir' ...Go to www.barackobama.com and SIGN UP.
PLEASE search for local groups in your area. All it takes is your zip code.
Join as many groups as you can in your local area and state. These groups are what we are looking for as the 'average' voter. Don't get discouraged. If you don't hear from one of the 'groups' immediately...Don't worry. You will.
I was skeptical when I signed up in February. I signed up for the two or three groups that were listed for my area and also statewide. I figured this would be like a typical 'listserve' and I would get the generic emails about 'give me your money now' and nothing else. I was very wrong!
Although a few messages I do receive are not 'local' to me because they are either in Baltimore (a 1+ hour drive) or are across the river in Alexandria (VA), there is a grassroots effort growing right here.
I have heard from a local group, Southern MD 4Obama, that is trying to be very active in this years process.
I have been more than pleasantly surprised at the response I have personally received. They have had a couple of meetings that just did not work with my 'Mom' schedule but i have not given up and neither have they. I have taken the little time it takes to send an email response, with my suggestions, to meeting invites via email. I really never thought I would hear a thing back from them. I sent a very simple, 'Sorry I can't be there. Maybe if you had your start time earlier for the commuter crowd' typical email. I also requested that meeting updates be sent to the group so no one would feel 'out of the loop.'
I could not beleive it... (Is this the same Democratic Party I grew up with?)...
I received a response from the organizer, Lewis Powell, within less than a couple of hours. This was not only changing the start time of the meeting, but also promising status updates would be sent to all members to keep them informed.
This is grassroots working at it's finest.
No matter the state you are located in, red, blue, green or purple, there are grassroots groups beckonikng for your input and help.
This will be a very long and difficult campaign season no matter if the VP is Biden or any one of the other 'possibles.'
Let the last two elections in 2000 and 2004 always be our reminder to what happens when we are not activists for the better of our country.
Let us never forget that everything we say and do as Americans by our global actions and national voting, does truly effect our every day lives.