I received an email from my city today. They are looking for local residents to serve on several city commissions to help advise city leaders. Where are the progressives/liberals in this?
Today I rec'd this email from my city (San Carlos, CA) looking for community volunteers to serve on the Economic Development, the Park and Recreation and the Arts Commissions.
...The Economic Development Advisory Commission (EDAC), the Parks & Recreation Commission and the Arts & Culture Commission now have vacancies. Applications for these Commission vacancies are being accepted from San Carlos residents (all 3 Commissions) and from San Carlos businesses (EDAC) to serve on these advisory bodies to the City Council....
I am going to apply for one of the commissions, though I am not sure which right now. I have some research to do to make that decision. Why? Because if I don't, I fear some conservative/wing-nut/Palin acolyte will and my charming little community will change for the worse.
I need to do something because the occasional diary on DK won't give me the progressive world I want to live in; because the comments I make to other diaries--while fun--won't get me real freedom and choices and quality of life that will make the world a better place; because voting and calling my Congresswoman while crucial isn't enough to fight back against the Boehners, the Engels, the O'Donnells, the Rushs, the Glenns and all the others who think we have gone too far in our progressive ideals; because my bumper stickers aren't really creating the change I want for America.
Now I am not a fool, I know that sitting on a Park and Rec Commission in a small--fairly blue--suburb between San Francisco and San Jose won't end the war in Afghanistan, won't bring about health care for all, won't do a lot for the big ticket items that I think most of us here care about. But it may make a tiny difference in bringing about the changes I want and care deeply about. I also believe that my tiny difference will make a huge difference when multiplied by thousands of us on DK if we joined the commissions, the advisory boards and city councils in our communities.
Why do I know this? We need only look at the right wing ideologue conservatives who have overtaken school boards, city councils and chambers of commerce throughout our country. As much as I hate to say it we need to copy their model. They are why we are still discussing subjects like evolution, a women’s right to choose, global warming and whether or not freedom of religion applies to Muslim Americans.
If we want change, if we believe in progressive values, it is time for us to roll up our sleeves and do more. Call your City Hall and see what is going on, call the local school board—get involved. Step away from the keyboard and let’s create the change we want.
I will report back to the class the results of my application and if I am appointed. Wish me luck!