frankly, what I think we're doing here, is documenting the last gasps of democracy. Updated

[herding cats]

254. I strongly disagree with you.

All we need to do is give a damn and get people to the polls EVERY election. Yes, it's work, but it's good work with a mighty payoff. Just look to how well the Republicans have done at getting their people to the polls in non presidential elections years. That's how they've won congress from us, if you're not paying attention. We don't show up when there's not a presidential election at stake in significant numbers. We put almost all our concern into who is the POTUS and not nearly enough into the other two branches of government and our local races. That's what's wrong with this country. If we vote we have power, when we don't we have what we have today.

That statement is not pointed at the people who post here. I assume most everyone here is registered and votes. The reality is most of this country does not. That is the real problem. One we could fix if we did the hard work it takes to make sure people are registered, and actually go to the polls and vote each and every election. From your local school board on up! We have to have the same fire and anger we show every four years over the presidential elections. Which as a party we do not currently have.

If you don't like the candidate in a local election. Run yourself, or encourage someone you know who is right for the position to run. If you don't like the candidate in a state election, run yourself, or if that's not possible, find a person you do like and support and encourage them to run. Work for them until your feet swell, your fingers bleed and you think of sleep as a beautiful thing you fondly recall from days before you became politically active. Pound the streets, knock on doors and actually talk to strangers about why you support this person. This is the most important part at a local level. Talk to everyone about your candidate. Reaching out in your community really does make a difference in local races.

These things we can all do. Be it organizing, phone banking, canvasing, or working within a campaign, this is Democracy in action. The thing is it's very hard work that starts on a local level and slowly spreads up. It doesn't happen on its own, though. Not ever. It also takes dedication and fire every single election.