Reply #57: Highest possible recommendation. This OP explains the crux of the matter. Now it's up to those

[bertman]

of us who have read this and who agree with it to get off our asses and start doing something about it--if we already are not. It's not going to happen if we sit around typing on our computer keyboards and do nothing to support and help those stalwarts who have already begun to PUSH our new President.

It takes MONEY and SHOES ON THE GROUND and PHONE CALLS and EMAILS and HARD WORK to get people out to protest or to even get people to write or call or email their governmental representatives.

As a long-time Democrat who has supported the party through my contributions and my vote I CRAVE a way to influence the party and our leaders. I attended a local organizing meeting of staunch Obama supporters who wanted to do things like distribute canvas grocery bags and provide financial and material help to a local union group, but who blanched at the very mention of pushing for an investigation of BushCo. I was so bummed out that I could not regain my desire to join a Democratic organizing group. Not that I don't think distributing canvas grocery bags or helping support union workers is a good cause--I do and I practice both methodologies--but there are bigger fish to fry and so many of us cannot see that reality.

This is going to be a short whine, then I'll get back on track. Today I got very frustrated with three friends who are really good people and who all were big Obama supporters. One was the "I can't deal with this kind of political stuff" maven. Another was the "I have so much going on that I don't have time to do anything about this political stuff" refuser. And the other was the "clueless and uninterested in politics" type. They're all bitching about the trillions of $$$ being given to the Wall Street Thieves, so I asked if any of them had made a phone call or sent an email or done anything at all to inform their representatives of their thoughts on ANY political issues. Only one had done so--but only once, and she had been calling on behalf of repealing Prop 8. I said to them, "this is our government that is doing this. We are a democracy. Democracy REQUIRES citizen participation. If you do not stay aware and express your desires to your congressional representatives, nothing will change. It's just not going to happen no matter who the President is."

All I got was sheepish grins. From three very bright, professionals with children, who are too busy to be well-informed, active particpants in democracy.

So, I'm really bummed out right now.

BUT, I'm asking for some guidance so I can get involved with a group that advocates PUSHING PRESIDENT OBAMA. I just saw there is a new group formed by Jane Hamsher (Firedoglake) and others. Is this a worthwhile group to join? I know that David Swanson's After Downing Street group is doing some good things.

I want to help, but I feel helpless. Can someone please offer some options?

Thank you, Time for change, for a great thread.