What d'ya mean - you can't contribute....?!!!
Sun Mar 30, 2008 at 08:34:55 AM PDT
[Crossposted at South Shore Progressive]
"I can't afford it. I'm broke."
"I don't have enough time."
"Politics is boring."
"I don't know where to start/who to call."
Excuses. Every single one of these statements.
And I've heard them from folks who've just finished kvetching about the state of (take your pick) the war in Iraq, the economy, taxes, the job market, or political corruption. Their comments are in response to my questioning what actions they've taken to fix the things they're complaining about. And lest you think I've climbed atop my high horse, let me assure you, I've used all of these very excuses - repeatedly.
So what got me off my fanny and onto my feet? Follow me over the fold...
Seven years of watching my country's foundation being deliberately dismantled, with the help of traditional media, and the mounting massive costs in lives and treasure. To put it bluntly, it got to the point where I was more afraid of not knowing what was really going on than I was of what I was being told to be afraid of. So began my education and the destruction of my excuses.
"I can't afford it. I'm broke."
This is the most common lament I hear. It's also the easiest one to counter. Think about how it is that you're living paycheck to paycheck, how taxes on the middle class have eaten away any notion for savings (let alone paying the bills), how gasoline prices have almost tripled since 2002*, and how your dollar is shrinking at an alarming rate. These things don't happen in a vacuum. So, you may not have the funds to donate to your campaign of choice, but you do have the ability to support your candidate in non-monetary ways. In volunteering to make phone calls, to help with fundraising, to help register voters, and getting out the vote in your neighborhood, you are contributing by using your voice, feet, intellect, and passion in making things better.
"I don't have enough time."
That's because you're working longer for less income. And, of course, the regular obligations of life are demanding. We do, however, manage to work in those things we give importance. I'll bet most folks spend at least some portion of their day checking & responding to e-mails. Since you're already in front of your computer, why not zip off a Letter to the Editor of your local paper voicing your opinions? Since you find reading a worthwhile pasttime, why not choose a book that will inspire you to participate in the political process or help educate your kids on our foundational rights and obligations as American citizens? Since you spend a good portion of your day talking on the phone or texting, why not use the opportunity to encourage others to (register to) vote or discuss issues that need to be addressed and how to accomplish those goals? We all have the same amount of time. The only differences are in how we choose to use it.
"Politics is boring."
This one makes me chuckle. Anyone who trots out this excuse gets a mile long list of 'disappeared' civil rights, outrageous scandals, and deliberate lies of the current Mal-Administration. If you like 'reality' shows, it doesn't get much more real than the recent efforts of the Bush cabal to pick your pocket and keep you quiet. Your participation in the process puts you squarely in the middle of our current and future realities. Once you've gotten your feet wet, I can guarantee you will never find politics boring again! Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you had a hand in improving your lot in life and that of your kids, as well.
"I don't know where to start/who to call."
This excuse is easily remedied. The sticking point usually comes when one can't decide among the myriad causes and organizations available to us. They all need your input, but with limited time & funds to consider, I suggest you find one or two to focus on. Pick an issue that directly impacts your daily life, then do a Google search for nearby organizations. Most campaigns are looking for help with phonebanking, which can be done from your own home via the internet. Sign up for e-mail updates from your candidate's campaign so you're up to speed on how you can pitch in. Call your local high school, senior center, or church and arrange a voter registration/get-out-the-vote drive. Whatever you decide to do, live up to your commitment without over-obligating yourself in the process. (It's all about balance.)
Now that we've gotten all that nonsense out of the way, I'd like to hear how what you've done to get involved.
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