First time diary...more of a stream of thought than an actual point by point story dissection. Please allow me to ramble for a bit and then bring it around to present day. I'm a little nervous...but here we go. :)
Have you ever felt like you needed something in your very soul? Do you feel the need for retribution, vindication, assurances that all will be right with the world, that type of thing? I have been feeling like that ever since 2000. I went to bed after election night feeling secure that Gore won and the status quo that I knew and loved would go forward. Did I help out with that election cycle?
No. I was living in Kansas that year and knew that no matter what I did Kansas would go Republican. That was my excuse for not helping the Democrats and had been my excuse for years. Of course, I was 32 at the time and in a lot of ways still young and foolish. I slept that night knowing that my very good job in the software industry was secure and I would be ok. We all know what happened that night. I woke up the next day with the feelings of shock, dismay, outrage that only intensified over the next few weeks.
I moved to Colorado in 2001 in hopes of a better job market, that didn't really come around. I kept looking for a job and finally found one in mid-2002 that allowed me to work remotely in Colorado...that lasted a year until a round of layoffs. Did I do anything about it and help in 2002? No, that was an off presidential year, there isn't that much going. I'll wait and help in 2004.
2004 came around. I had been out of a job for over a year and savings was running low. Unemployment had run-out, I picked up odd contracting jobs, had to have dip into my 401k and took in roommates to help keep my house, myself and my dog fed and housed. I knew I had to do something. Early Sept I was nervous but walked into the Boulder, CO Democrat's office. I walked in one night and asked, "How can I help?" I was greeted with open arms. I ended up staying up the entire night stuffing canvassing packets. The next day, I stayed there all day (with my dog at my side) helping check in people that would canvass. That is how it started for me. I felt the thrill, the exhilaration, that I was doing something to help. I worked there every single day, 10, 12, 14 hours a day. It was amazing! I met a group of new friends that I keep in touch with today.
You know what happened that night. Was the election stolen, probably... Were the Republicans up to dirty tricks, in my opinion, definitely. Will I help again this year? DEFINITELY!
I have since met a wonderful woman and fell in love; she loves me and likes my dog. Secretly I think she loves him but won't actually tell me. I have just moved to Seattle and will start work here. In a lot of ways I wish I was back in Kansas or Colorado. I'd love the challenge of turning a red state purple or a purple state blue. But for now, I'll help Washington stay blue and turn royal blue.
I know this has rambled but my point is, if you are nervous (like I was) about thrusting yourself into a new situation, give it a try. After the initial shock outside your comfort zone, you will meet new friends, learn new things and will help! I'm feeling the same way today that I did back in 2000. I wish I was CT to help Ned Lamont. I have sent as much money as I could afford. I did some phone banking for MoveOn. I just feel the NEED for Ned Lamont to win and win big. If he wins and Joe insists upon running as an independent, will I help Ned with phone banking and giving more money. It's just down to my very bones I hope that Ned wins and the Dems will take back the House, Senate or both!
GO NED!
