Whose Democratic Party Is It?

[freshwest]

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

People I work are often not even hard line Democrats, but when you explore what is going on, it lets them know that you are one of them. Not to get their vote and run away, not at all, but because their concerns are really ours.

And we don't talk to those who are committed to going against what we are trying to do for those who need help, except when we have a level of agreement. Some will not talk to us at all, they are so narrow minded.

But in all cases, theirs and ours, meetings go on, in community centers, churches, wherever people can get with others and meet - and that is going on daily, like it or not, on both sides. That is grassroots om action. There is little surprise in election results if one really gets out enough.

We also network with those who can go to the capitol to get the ear of elected officials, so they can gauge the interest in legislation. Those who don't bother to talk with respect to a legislator's time - and it is quite valueable, representing the interests of thousands of people not the corporate boogeyman we hear trotted out - is limited. We show respect for them and they vote our way when it's explained to them.

We follow every segment of bills that are being written and add our input and nurse along those who support Democratic values without even bringing up party affliliation. We bring up our case and oppose those things that will hurt people.

It's not the 'blind partisanship' some accuse others of having. It is about principles and ideals. Some would be surprised at DU, I guess, that some of their legislators actually do have those that can be called upon to effect their votes. It's no mystery if you know which chords in them to sound them out on, to see if they support our values.

We often find support for social safety net programs that entail public work employees who are union, it just so happens. We are grateful to their organizing power, as their goals are the same as ours. It just so happens these people will vote for a Democratic candidate and bills. Others who are against unions, public work, the Commons, the safety net, while not all, are often Republicans and always Libertarians and Tea Partiers. And I will add in DINOs. We've really got a big problem with those groups, but they have a big problem with us, too. And it's not about the label. We have even been able to get a GOP to vote with us at times, by appealing to religion, the YET (you're eligible too) for a need that you can't meet, or just whatever they still remember from high school civics class. That we all are Equal and we all deserve a chance to live.

Got to go now, but appreciate the success of your method in the real world. It needs to be explained here more often. I know it doesn't get a lot of Recs often because I don't see many here who seem interested. For every person who says it does not work, you are an example that it does, and you keep your area more liveable for all.