Here's the deal folks, we are 68 days away from the election, the day where we take back the house of Representatives, the Senate, a whole ton of Governor's races, state legislatures, and many other downballot races. We are inspired, we are motivated, the other side absolutely is not, we have the will to win and the infrastructure in place to make it happen. It won't happen on it's own though.
So here's the thing:
That's from Ted Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. It's part of the series of war propaganda pictures that he made during World War II, which is interesting in and of itself, but I post it because we are indeed fighting a war. This war is a war of ideas, and it's for the soul of the country and the world, and we must win.
Let me give you some background on me, for those I don't know, or have met, i'm a 28 year old (almost 29) white male (I know, I know... boo!!), I work a full time job, where I am kept remarkably busy monday - friday. I average 45 - 50 hours per week. I play in a
rock band, that plays shows, tours (not much lately though), makes records and does all the things that rock bands do. I'm also single and enjoy the company of young ladies, none of this in and of itself is exactly ground breaking or out of the ordinary... bear with me.
In spite of all of this i've still managed to make the time to draft policy position papers for some of my favorite candidates (some of the papers were adopted too!), and become one of the main contributers to a site dedicated to electing California's next governor. I'm planning on canvassing and phone banking for at least 3 seperate candidates, if not more, and i've done my small part to help bring well meaning political professionals into the crazy wild west world of the interents.
Since my band isn't going on tour this year, i'm using my non ykos vacation time to take off November 1st - 7th to get out the vote, be an online gunslinger, whatever is needed from me. For who? maybe multiple campaigns, I haven't figured that out yet... but i'm going to do it, and I have other friends that are as well.
here's what i'm driving at, if I can do it, so can you!
Remember what Dean said?
"You have the power?"
Even if you weren't a Dean supporter you have to admire the sentiment there, because it's true, the time for action is now.
Volunteer on a campaign, hell, as others before me have said, if you even remotely competent you'll end up running the place before too long. This is about more then a bunch of people on messageboards talking about politics.
You may think that nobody on the outside is listening or watching, but they are. They're sitting out there waiting for you to give them your talent or time.
You are not just an ATM, you are not just a consumer, you are not just a reader, you are a member of the growing progressive movement.
And you know what? The movement you need is on your shoulders.
-C.