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Edited on Mon Aug-23-04 05:11 PM by swag
No really, I've done a lot of unofficial fundraising (had a Kerry party in May where me and my buds raised $1200 - everybody contributed via the web or in envelopes with pre-printed donor forms). I think this was the most valuable thing I did, not just for the money, but for activating the crew. At least 5 hardcore Dem volunteers sprang out of that party - people who had never been involved before, and now a ton of new folks are on Kerry and DNC's mailing and email lists. I think the money raised on that night was just a start - most of those people have probably donated again since that night.
I've written letters to officials, media, editors (only one has been published, but what the hey), tried to post important news items to DU when appropriate.
I've also given a lot of cash to moveon.org, moveonpac.org, America Coming Together, and DNC (not to mention the less campaign related groups like ACLU, Human Rights Campaign, Stop Prisoner Rape, etc.)
I buy about 100 buttons and 50 bumperstickers each month. I always run out before the end of the month, being the button and bumpersticker guy for my office building and my neighborhood. Same with yard signs. My block is a big Kerry block for folks driving through.
My friends and I talk a lot, exchange new (valid) information, and pass it on.
You know, just shit like that. But every little bit helps, I think.
I would get out and register voters or canvass, but I'm an extreme introvert guy and lazy to boot, so I prefer to try to do the money side of things as much as I can.
I would try to persuade my parents and brother, but they live in Montana and are pretty brainwashed by Clinton-hatred (yeah, stupid, I know) and FAUX news, so I don't make much of an effort with them any more. But my Internet buddies here from me on a fairly steady basis, many of the messages containing my favorite bits of impactful info from DU, truthout, talkingpointsmemo, etc.
Anyway, good for you, persons, and keep up the good work. I had thought back in April when I was organizing the party that I could do just that and walk away, thinking I had done my part. But the work hasn't gone away, so I'm going to continue doing the dumb lazy shit I know how to do until we have a decent president. And even thereafter. We can't let Kerry be Clinton'd, and we need a decent media in order for democracy to function. Gotta keep hammering the media into shape. I know some folks say its hopeless, but what is the fucking alternative?
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