Yep. That's the truth of it. I've got so many GREAT friends, democrats to a one, not because I choose that way, but because it's a values thing, and so, my greatest friends always end up to be democrats. They always vote, and they always vote democratic. But with a few exceptions, they really don't want to be bothered with politics. Follow me beneath the squiggle and see if you can identify with my frustration.
So. I've got all these democratic friends, and most of their eyes glaze over when I bring up issues such as say, the possible death of Obamacare via the SCOTUS. Or, say, the whole Trayvon thing. Or say, ANY of the many issues I believe citizens need to pay attention to.
And maybe I'm being a bit unfair to say their eyes glaze over. But I will say that they don't want a full throated discussion about it. They all agree it's all tragic and eye rolling, but 5 minutes of discussion is pretty much the limit for most of them. And way too many of them tell me, "you know, I just hate politics." Or, "you know, politics is such a downer."
Or, worst of all, they press their lips together and look at me like I don't understand what's appropriate and how long one should talk about it. And again, these are democrats!
Now. I'm not sayin' they need to be a news and political junkie like moi. Not at all. I've long ago accepted that I'm more interested in these things---not because I'm a more glorious person, but because like for those who know and love everything about football, I find the same thrill and fascination in the day to day news and politics of the world. So far so good, everything understandable, fair and equal.
Here's where I find myself increasingly angry. These many democrats I know, good people who I respect, seem to think they need only show up to vote, and voila, they've done their duty. When I gently tell them voting is not enough anymore, they give me the hairy eyeball as if to say, "have you turned into one of those crazy activists?" Makes me crazy and makes me uncomfortable and angry with some of my dearest friends.
Let me say here, again, that I DON'T expect them to be as engaged as I am. But I do expect them to pay attention more than once every four years. Yes, many of my democratic friends voted in the mid terms, but did nothing else. My friends are smart people, but too many of them know so very little about what's going on. They don't donate to democratic candidates, they don't sign petitions, hell, they don't know what's going on beyond the most basic news most of the time. And they're GREAT people. They're loving people. They're great parents. They're kind people. But they just don't pay attention to politics, and they often state their disdain for politics with pride.
There are exceptions. To my dear friends Teresa, Mark, Chris, Kristen, Joanne and Jeralyn, this is not about you. You guys keep me going with your commitment and how you can equal my passion any day of the week. And to my dearest friend Cher, thank you everso for putting up with my passions when you hate politics more than anyone I know.
Hmmmm. When I write that last paragraph, I realize what's positive. Which is that I have so many friends, and in fact. a good slice of them who are engaged. Still, in my world, I have to say, I know far more democrats who I like and respect, who are simply not engaged. And who in fact, resent any calling to be more engaged.
SIGH. I guess this is just the way it is. And really, I'm not whining, so much as I'm SO frustrated that so many people I respect don't think they have to pay attention, don't think they have to do more than vote, don't think much about what they owe their country at all.
I find being an activist difficult in this respect. I never want to preach my politics, anymore than I like anyone preaching their religion to me. I get that. So, I bite my lip over and over again. I don't say what I want to say, which is often, "are you kidding me? You don't know this has been going on?" "Are you kidding me, you didn't know that Obamacare is in front of the SCOTUS?" "Are you kidding me, you didn't know that Mitt Romney called for an end to Planned Parenthood?" And of course, I could go on and on.
Anyone out there empathize with my feelings, or am I just a political junkie, no different than a moony? :)
I will end on a positive note, which is THAT'S WHY I'M HERE! I have come to love this community for many reasons, but first and foremost, I never need apologize for my political passions here. I can come here any time of the day or night and discuss, maybe argue, but NEVER have to defend how important I think these discussions are.
A big hug to the Daily Kos from me. Without y'all, I might think I'm a crazy, raving activist, all alone and out of step with the rest of the world. But luckily, I have so many here who blow the wind under my wings every day.