As I have mentioned before, I live in a sparsely settled, rural area. We have a very weak, and very disorganized Democratic Party organization at the county, and regional levels. This makes participation difficult and, various attempts to wrest control from the Grand PooBahs who run things have failed. We have not been able to build an effective party.
Further, I can't commit to structured canvassing or voter outreach. The combination of aging bones, distances to travel, and general lack of any organized political operations within 50 miles, makes participating in various GOTV efforts difficult for me. But, I try to do my bit, on the fly.
Every time I have errands to run, or reason to venture out into the world, I make it a point to start a political conversation with anyone who will stand still long enough for my pitch.
Today was such a day.
I managed to corner 3 separate people.
The first was a young (under 30) manager at the local Dollar General. I opened with a comment on the check out tabloids surrounding the register, saying, "Wow! the National Enquirer, and US magazine are certainly not very impressed with Sarah Palin, are they?"
She laughed and said, "You've got that right. They really slam her."
"Good thing", I said, smiling, "we've got to stop those Republicans this time."
"I voted last time, " she volunteered, "but I'm not going to bother this year. It doesn't make any difference what I do. They never pay any attention to us."
"Well, " I offered in passing, "if we can throw all the bastards out, they might notice, don't you think?"
She giggled, cocked her head, and said, "You're right. OK. I'll vote."
The second encounter was a bit more satisfying.
Wearing my Obama shirt, I wandered into Food Lion. As I cruised the produce aisles, fondling the last of the melons two women whom I know slightly approached me and said, "Are you supporting Obama too, Doc?"
"Oh yes!", I said, forcefully.
"Why?", they asked.
"Because every time we elect Republicans they ruin the economy. They keep saying that they want smaller and more responsible government but all they do is rig things for their pals."
This was met with vigorous head nodding. "But, how can we know he won't screw things up even worse?" they asked, "He has not had any experience."
"Well", I said, "he has good ideas, and he has surround himself with good people who were not a part of the problem we have now. I trust his judgment, and I know he's a good man. I believe that he is a better man for the job than just sending the same old people back to Washington in the hopes they will get it right this time."
I gave them the link to the Obama web site and suggested that if they still have questions they might go out there and look around. One said she would do that.
Three small steps for Obama, one giant leap for mankind.
I thought that those of you who also are limited in your ability to join the official GOTV effort, might like a glimpse into how you might do your bit, with out any commitment other than to speak up.