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Chathamization

(1,638 posts)

48. True. We can't blame the oligarchs for our apathy and disengagement. The choice is ours.

Sun Apr 5, 2015, 10:23 AM

Apr 2015

Unfortunately, many people choose "I don't care enough to pay attention one way or another" or "I'll vote for whoever they like on TV." I think many people don't realize that "whoever, I don't really care" is a choice. A terrible choice that opens the doors to some very bad people and very bad things, but still a choice. Sure, people will complain about Debbie Wasserman Schultz, but then pay no attention to the elections for their state Democratic party, when those are the people who are keeping her in power.

Having said that, though everyone should at least be paying attention to what's going on in their local party, in many places spending a lot of time with your local party politics isn't worth it (you don't have to spend much time to vote for good candidates, though). Fortunately, there are many other ways to get involved (both locally and with national progressive groups).

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Whose Democratic Party Is It? [View all] MineralMan Apr 2015 OP

Or as my old boss used to say, the world is run by those who show up tularetom Apr 2015 #1

Exactly. Those who don't show up have no voice. MineralMan Apr 2015 #2

Goldman Sachs Man from Pickens Apr 2015 #3

You know what? Nobody from Goldman Sachs has MineralMan Apr 2015 #5

You are in a very unusual district compared to what the rest of us have to deal with. bvar22 Apr 2015 #28

You know what? There's a reason that's true, and the reason MineralMan Apr 2015 #30

I helped to elect the most liberal President of my voting lifetime Man from Pickens Apr 2015 #35

Been there, done that. 99Forever Apr 2015 #4

We've gotten different results where I am. MineralMan Apr 2015 #7

Not involved now, sure enugh. 99Forever Apr 2015 #9

Too bad, really. If you don't participate, MineralMan Apr 2015 #10

My "voice" wasn't "heard" when I did participate heavily. 99Forever Apr 2015 #11

I have no cash to offer, either. MineralMan Apr 2015 #12

Just like anything else Bobbie Jo Apr 2015 #18

Well, yes. That's not the right approach. MineralMan Apr 2015 #22

And when you walk in off the street ... 1StrongBlackMan Apr 2015 #62

DU Can be a source of people who want to act. qwlauren35 Apr 2015 #21

The only donation ever received in my district from a DUer came from me. MineralMan Apr 2015 #23

Could you be specific as to what promises were made to you and what issues you felt cheated on? Bluenorthwest Apr 2015 #13

This message was self-deleted by its author CK_John Apr 2015 #44

Where do you live? It worked for many of us before the 80s but for red states it may very well feel jwirr Apr 2015 #17

Thanks. The Minnesota DFL Party has a great system MineralMan Apr 2015 #19

I have a very important question for you, MM... MrMickeysMom Apr 2015 #6

Yes. I've been active in my own local Democratic organization since I moved MineralMan Apr 2015 #8

You said you had a good reason to ask me that question. MineralMan Apr 2015 #14

As I mentioned just now in your PM... MrMickeysMom Apr 2015 #39

Well and good that you say this, but even if a progressive tries this in Philadelphia GoneOffShore Apr 2015 #15

If you say so. I've never even been to Philadelphia, so I couldn't say. MineralMan Apr 2015 #16

Could be worse, you could live in south Texas. Rex Apr 2015 #31

Who owns the Democratic Party? Martin Eden Apr 2015 #20

Not at the local level. Not at all. MineralMan Apr 2015 #25

Do local organizations make an enormous difference in national elections? Martin Eden Apr 2015 #27

We make zero difference in Presidential elections. MineralMan Apr 2015 #29

Yes, there is much more to politics than POTUS Martin Eden Apr 2015 #34

That's where you are MM... MrMickeysMom Apr 2015 #42

I think you may be understating the amount of time it takes. qwlauren35 Apr 2015 #24

I'm doing it. You're talking about 12 hours a week. MineralMan Apr 2015 #26

But most people don't need to volunteer; they just need to pay attention to make a difference Chathamization Apr 2015 #52

Mine all mine. Rex Apr 2015 #32

Ah yes, the Local activism to change the national dialogue. Savannahmann Apr 2015 #33

Whose Democratic Party is it? bvar22 Apr 2015 #36

The reality vs. the fantasy. 99Forever Apr 2015 #37

MM is right ONLY in that... bvar22 Apr 2015 #43

As will I. 99Forever Apr 2015 #49

At the top level? Jamie Dimon? djean111 Apr 2015 #38

You mean, do hard work? brooklynite Apr 2015 #40

I agree. This is one of the only avenues accessible to the 99% PowerToThePeople Apr 2015 #41

$$$$'s no money no influence. nt JanMichael Apr 2015 #45

The party belongs to those who show up 365 days somewhere. Not just in precincts, but networking. nt freshwest Apr 2015 #46

Yes, and that's where places like DU help. MineralMan Apr 2015 #47

It helps for information. But the face to face, reminding others that we care about their lives, freshwest Apr 2015 #63

Well said. MineralMan Apr 2015 #64

I don't canvass, can't go door to door. But your method sounds very effective. freshwest Apr 2015 #65

True. We can't blame the oligarchs for our apathy and disengagement. The choice is ours. Chathamization Apr 2015 #48

Same line I hear about cops, join and change the corrupt system...yeah, right. U4ikLefty Apr 2015 #50

So, then, what's your suggestion for elections? MineralMan Apr 2015 #51

I know how I will vote & that will NOT be for Hillary or any IWR pimp. U4ikLefty Apr 2015 #53

I don't keep lists, except for registered voters in my precinct. MineralMan Apr 2015 #55

I'm sure the many, many, many dead Iraqis will thank you for your support of Hillary. U4ikLefty Apr 2015 #57

I'm not supporting anyone for President in 2016. MineralMan Apr 2015 #58

We have a similar hard line U4ikLefty Apr 2015 #59

As always, excellent advice, MM! eom BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #54

Thanks! Happy Easter to you. MineralMan Apr 2015 #56

You're very welcome, MM. Happy Easter to you and yours, too! BlueCaliDem Apr 2015 #60

Wall Street's. (see Citizen's United Decision). Zorra Apr 2015 #61