2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: "Five to One, Baby ...." [View all]rosesaylavee
(12,126 posts)I agree with that assessment and have had plenty of moments this past year wondering why in the world do I belong to this Party at all.
Last night joined with others to protest a County Democratic Dinner in the next county over to the East of where I live as one of it's members is the sole remaining Democrat in our State supporting the TPP.
We stood on the parkway across the street from the banquet hall with our signs and I am sure our chants were lost in the noise from the highway behind us and the constant wind. But all attending had to drive by us to get into the parking lot -- and many stood in the lobby peering out at us when they should have been in the room having their cocktails. So our presence was at least a topic of conversation -- something that was definitely not on the original agenda for the evening.
What I thought was more interesting, is that about 20 people attending the banquet came out over the course of the hour and half we were there to talk to us, to tell us they were supporting what we were doing, that they didn't know why this man was supporting TPP either. One man came out to tell us he was a no-show, others came out and were surprised to hear he wasn't showing up but assured us they would put the photos on Facebook and tag him so he knew we were there. Met a few who came out as they were running for Congress in my district to the west and another to the north- both districts I lobby with others to put a price on carbon. They were interested in hearing what I had to say and they will be getting more information on that today.
I told a couple of the women who came out that it was a heck of thing to have to picket your own Party and they looked stunned -- but replied that yes, they can understand that and would tell the man who's the last hold out in the state that that was said.
As it has been stated here on this board before... and I think you have said this many times ... it's important to get off DU and get your body engaged in your community, talk with others, communicate your concerns. I would say that is one thing I have learned from being on this board for 10 years. This was organized by a woman I have known for about 20 years -- she sent an email around and made personal calls to get people to commit to show up -- and said to keep it quiet so this guy didn't hear ahead of time that we were going to be there. Party members who came out to talk with us first thought it had been MoveOn who had organized this -- I wanted to say, 'No, this was Mary'.
I think it was my favorite protest I have attended ever. I think the message was delivered - several ways.