I've never followed politics too devoutly. Even during Presidential elections. In the same breath, I can say that I have always considered myself an educated voter. I'm not registered as a Democrat or Republican. Virginia doesn't require it. I've always found value in looking at the issues and making sure that I vote for candidates in local elections that support my values. I've never voted a straight ticket in my life. I've always felt that the local elections had a higher impact on my life. I've never skipped a voting cycle. I've never suggested to anyone else that they should vote the same way I did. I believe everyone has personal policies and I respected their decisions.
This election cycle has been different. I've never been one to watch television. My work has usually made it impossible to watch anything on a schedule. I spend much more time on the internet, my work calls for a lot of computer time and its something to do while processes are running for the type of work I do.
My name is Kishadawn and I'm a politicoholic. Huffingtonpost.com is my homepage. I check DailyKos at least 4 times a day. I read blogs at night. I catch all the MSNBC, CNN shows online daily. Sometimes I watch them again and again in disbelief. I email video links to others. I watch Meet the Press. I follow political races outside of my home state. I canvas. I participate in a phone bank. I tell co-workers about policies of both Presidential and state candidates. I research voting history. I watch polls. I know Democratic State and Presidential talking points. I try and think of ways to get my candidates elected.
I'm a politicoholic.
I just came to the realization today. For the first time I donated to a Democrat outside of my state. A blogger provided a link to a candidate's ActBlue page. I was so confused about the emotion. It felt damn good. I wondered why I waited until this late to make a donation.
Before this obsession, most of my regularly visited websites were technical in nature. Most of my work is related to computer forensics and database administration. I list SQL Code sites, DOS command list sites, and Access analysis sites on my favorites list. I love technology. I love new science articles. I know, I'm a geek. I've come to grips with that over the years.
How did this happen? If I think back, it all started with an email from a friend in April. "Have you been to this website The Huffington Post? It's really great!". This suggestion came from a friend who does a lot of software programming, so I was interested. I'm never one to turn away a new website suggestion. I went. I wasn't immediately thinking "WOW". I read articles about media, entertainment, and politics. It even had links to other sites on topic.
I started out slow, checking the web page daily for new articles on various topics. Then actually signing up for an account so that I could comment. This followed with an account at BarackObama.com after some research on who I would be voting for.
Never one to accept one side of a story, it progressed to hitting the other sites The Huffington Post provided links to. Included among those site links were Politico, RedState, and Dailykos. I started reading those sites too.
I've finally graduated to watching political shows online. I visit CNN, MNBC, FOX News (for a little comedy), I watch Meet the Press for God's sake! Hell, I'm writing diaries on the Kos. I'm a KOSSACK! What would my parents say?
I don't know how this happened, but I'm not ashamed. I've never felt more empowered as a mother, a sister, or a wife. I feel pleasure in educating others about the process. I get hope from the actions of others who have begun to do the same.
Was it all the Obama campaign's work? Maybe, maybe not.
All I can do is admit my addiction. My name is Kishadawn and I am a politicoholic.
Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others.- Jules Renard