To disabled/chronically ill DUers: 11 things we can do

[wildflower]

As a disabled/chronically ill person, I often feel that I'm not doing enough. I can't be out there canvassing the way those on the ground are. But each of us has our gifts, and combined, we can all make a difference. Every action matters!

So I came up with a list of things that we can do to help the democrats this fall. Even if it's just one small act a day, every bit helps. (See my sig line.)

And to those of you who are physically well and out pounding the pavement: please remember we are doing our best--and I want to thank you for everything you're doing!

11 THINGS WE CAN DO

1. Write/call/e-mail someone in the local or national media to express your opinion or give positive feedback.

2. Write/call/e-mail a local congressman.

3. Write/call/e-mail an organization such as Sinclair or one of its advertisers.

4. Post to DU something to uplift morale. Sometimes people on DU say things like, "Why are you posting here and not out canvassing?" I believe this forum serves many important purposes. One of these is building morale. When our morale suffers, it affects turnout. Thus quotes, good news, reminders, and uplifting articles can make a difference.

5. Post a flyer, Web info page, or article you have found on the Internet, in order to help people canvassing. (And if you are able, distribute them yourself in other ways.)

6. Make a flyer and post it.

7. Write an article and post it.

8. If you're not in a swing state, post on a forum in a swing state. There have been useful posts here containing links to these forums.

9. If you can, donate money to the DNC, Moveon.org, or the K-E legal fund (https://contribute.johnkerry.com/gelac.html?ref=EBlDH_whGUDO607641.1514759&p=).

10. If you're able, distribute movies such as Farenheit 9/11 and Going Upriver any way you can. For example, send them to your local library.

11. On days you're too ill to do anything: meditate or pray. Even if you are skeptical, studies have shown the effects of prayer, so my view is that it couldn't hurt. And meditation helps calm and rejuvenate me.

Please feel free to add to this!

-wildflower

ON EDIT: Some may be able to do only one or two of the things on this list; I know there are several I can't normally do because of my illness.

But if there is just one thing each of us can do per day...well, again, Mother Theresa says it better than I (see my sig).

[Ksec]

1. Great post Wildflower

You are doing a honorable job. Keep on fightin!

[wildflower]

3. Thank you...I will try to keep this kicked...

as long as no one minds me shamelessly kicking my own thread! :)

:hi: to everyone

-wildflower

[calimary]

38. No shame in trying to draw attention to something REALLY worthwhile.

REALLY worthwhile.

When you get tired of kicking, I'll step it.

[GeorgeBushytail]

31. Are there any Democratic disabled activist resources?

I'd like to network and exchange ideas.

[politicat]

2. If you're interested in making phone calls....

Hi, I'm a precinct captain in a heavily Democratic precinct in swing-state Colorado. Unfortunately, my precinct is very much dominated by people who can't get out and walk blocks or take the time to make calls because they're working two jobs or working with kids or both. Turning out the vote in my precinct will go a long way towards turning Colorado Blue. I have two volunteers for a precinct of 400 households and it's not easy.

I got the precinct captain job 2 weeks ago so I'm playing catch-up.

I could use help making calls to my precinct. I'll pay for the phone card if you'd like to make Long distance calls to members of my precinct.

PM me if you'd like a list and a phone-card number.

Politicat

[politicat]

13. Too late to edit, so to clarify:

What I need are people to call between now and election day to remind my precinct to GO VOTE and let them know where the polling place is and where early voting is. (I have a script.) Even just four or five calls a day helps.

Pcat

[murielm99]

4. I am giving you a big hug.

:loveya:

Keep posting those morale-boosting threads when you can.

Anything I see here helps me when I am trying to convince people to vote for Kerry, or to vote at all. It helps me to be informed. It helps me feel a sense of energy and optimism when I go out and work for my candidates.

Thanks for posting.

[calimary]

39. Big hugs from ME, too.

I sometimes feel as though what we're all up against, with so much powerful and solidly entrenched machinery churning against us around the clock, can make us feel almost too overwhelmed. At that point, many a well-intentioned person can get discouraged and wonder what's the use.

EVERYBODY ADDING TO THIS THREAD NEEDS TO BE COMMENDED, AS WELL.

Some of the folks we're up against have been at it since Barry Goldwater-the-elder went down in flames. They've been building this since 1964. That's 40 years. Many new converts came aboard in 1980 on Ronald Reagan's coat tails. Including the lovely and talented newt gingrich, whose infernal GOPAC and "little black book" of good things for evil political operatives to do, put high octane gas in their tanks and high-energy carb and protein bars in their snack packs.

We're up against A LOT.

But people like wildflower are almost like guardian angels, reminding us that it's NEVER completely all lost. There's ALWAYS something that can be done.

Hey, every one of us, disabled or health-compromised or not, now has a new patron saint. Christopher Reeve is a voice upstairs, now, who will continue to inspire, and will continue to draw people to activism - even those who think they can't make that much difference. Every time one of us REFUSES to give up, it's another victory. For folks like him. For his memory and his legacy. And for just plain ol' everybody.

EVERY.

LITTLE.

BIT.

[efhmc]

5. You are the best. Thanks for the great ideas. Kisses and hugs.

[Ladyhawk]

6. Thanks, wildflower. I almost posted something in the lounge...

...about how guilty I felt for not doing more. I'm chronically ill and disabled and these last two weeks are KILLING me emotionally. Just typing that last sentence brought tears to my eyes.

I read your list and realized I've already done many of the things you suggested, so I'm not completely worthless. I've donated $20 here and $20 there; I've contacted media, congresspeople, etc. I've posted something to DU to lift morale (a few posts yesterday). I distributed a DVD to the local Dem club. I'm volunteering for Dem HQ duty and I will get out the vote on election day unless I'm so sick I can't move.

One thing I'd like to add: Get a Kerry bumper sticker and put it on your car, especially if you live in a red area. This will bring smiles to the faces of other Kerry supporters and let them know they are not alone.

Thanks! You've lifted my morale. We have full-time warriors like Will Pitt, but not all of us can be Will Pitt. Some of us struggle just to get up every day.

Thank you so much, wildflower! :hug:

[wildflower]

10. Ladyhawk, you have done a lot! I understand about the guilt -

it is very hard - but I think you are doing so much. I'm impressed.

I wish there were a way to add the suggestions in this thread to the list in my original post.

Strength to you, and to all here - and no matter what happens Nov. 2, I try to remember that not only are we doing what we can now, but we will continue to! It will make a difference!

-wildflower

[calimary]

41. We need warriors like Will Pitt, but we also need warriors like YOU,

Ladyhawk!

Please don't EVER discount what you do, or attempt to do, or even get an idea about doing.

Some people will never even give a damn enough to try.

Your efforts are every bit as good as those of the most prominent fighters among us. You're simply a Will Pitt in a different division.

[Kanary]

7. Thanks for including the rest of us, wildflower!!

We're so easily forgotten in the rush.

One more thing I've found......... I record programs that I can, and have them available for those who missed them, or those who aren't as aware of the issues. I think videos are going to be a HUGE part of our effort in the future! Sort of like underground papers were during Vietnam!

I try to post notices about programs such as BookTV, but they just sink, so I doubt I'll do that too much more.

One thing I can say for sure........... it's not possible to underestimate the value of kind, supportive words. Most of us get too little of that anyway, and it makes a HUGE difference in our energy level!

Thanks so much for all you do! :pals:

Kanary

[wildflower]

12. Recording programs for those who can't watch is a great idea, Kanary...

and very kind. Thank you for doing it!

It's a funny thing about sinking threads. This happens to me and I finally came to the conclusion that there are probably several reasons for it: it falls before people see it; people just don't have anything to add; or people mean to respond to it but then forget after it has sunk.

Sometimes, later on, if someone responds, people see the thread again, and then there are a number of responses.

So I decided what I'll do from now on if I have something important to share: if the thread sinks, I'll add a "kick in case people didn't see this." Since these are the last weeks before the election, I decided not to worry about shamelessly kicking my own threads every so often if it's something important. (I hope this isn't against DU rules!)

So, for example, if I'm able to tomorrow, I'll probably log on and add a kick here for people who didn't see this thread today or might like to see it again.

Thanks for everything you're doing. It is appreciated!

-wildflower

[Kanary]

17. You're a kind-hearted person, wildflower, and more generous than

I've become.

When I see posts asking for action, or help or whatever sink like a stone, or get flippant comments, while much more frivolous posts get a lot of "traffic", I'm not inclined to be so generous about it. I'm coming to the conclusion that if we *really* want change in this country, that we can't blame it all on the RW -- there are many things that WE have to take responsibility for , and one of those is the lack of willingness to take action, no matter how small.

It's very easy to gripe about *, but it doesn't accomplish much. Writing letters, making those phone calls, etc make a BIIIG difference.

Tell ya what....... I think that we really need to all help each other out with this stuff. So, when you post a thread that you don't want to have sink, give me a PM heads-up, and I'll help keep it kicked, 'K? I think there *are* some DUers who want to take action, but, like me, have become discouraged at the lack of support for that. So, if we all help each other in that, maybe then we can make some headway.

What thinkest thou? :)

:pals:

Kanary

[calimary]

42. Kanary, you must go a little easier on yourself.

Yes, you get testy sometimes. Don't we all?

Your frustration is completely understandable. Posts like yours seem to me almost like a conscience speaking.

You just can't let yourself get too down about it. What would happen then? Maybe you'd become discouraged and give up? Maybe whatever issue you're fired up about - gets ignored? And it sinks, as an issue, just as you see some of your threads doing sometimes?

PLEASE don't give up. We who are not disabled and who don't live a lot of this stuff day-to-day will not ever be as aware of it as we should be, if folks like you remain silent. We ALL (NOT just us DUers) need you guys more than you realize, and frankly, we need you MORE than you need us, for that reason.

One of the ways I'm gonna show support is by KEEPING THIS THREAD KICKED!!!!!

[GeorgeBushytail]

8. My activism plans

I am disabled with Central Pain Syndrome and a seizure disorder. I can't talk much but I can sit with a sign and hand out pamphlets.

I plan to spend the last few days before the election in Madison, WI at the UWis trying to pick off Nader voters. Here's a thread in which I describe my plan and ask for advice.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=186x2530

Remember - Kerry supports medical marijuana and Bush has declared war against me and other patients.

Arrest the pain - not the patient.

[wildflower]

16. Thanks for letting us know what you're doing..this is a good idea...

i.e. posting about what we're doing. I think it helps morale for the poster and the readers here and gives others good ideas. (And I understand about the talking.)

A few weeks ago I had decided to do one thing per day until the election, no matter how small. Today this thread is my one thing; it took a lot out of me but I'm glad if it helped anyone out there.

I hope to be able to get on here tomorrow and look at the thread you posted. Thanks for everything you're doing!

-wildflower

[calimary]

43. See, now, THIS is ANOTHER excellent approach.

Not to mention, a VERY good cause.

My dad turned to marijuana for some comfort in his last couple of years, in a losing battle with late-onset diabetes. It was awful. Anyone who would try to deny him such relief would be truly heartless. I was gratified to see the support we all got on this issue, from everyone who knew him.

People who need medical marijuana - or whatever else it might be - should just have what they need. Period. Moralizing has no place there. Nor should legitimate medical research be shoved backwards into the Dark Ages.

[Glenda]

9. Thanks for the post, Wildflower!

A few years ago, I was where you are. Thanks for the tips, because with everyone doing what they are *able* to do, we will win this election!!

G

[brook]

11. Excellent post.

Many here, perhaps not physically disabled, but struggling with work and family and stress, can benefit by using your list to identify something they can manage to do. Taking some action is a pain and stress reliever too!

[mzmolly]

14. Great post!

Most of us DU-ers should be doing these things!

[Bluebear]

15. Each one to the best of their abilities

What a beautiful, beautiful post.

[calimary]

45. Every little bit. No contribution is too small.

Remember, too, that parable about the rich guy (or maybe it was a king or some other VIP) swaggering down the center aisle at church with the big, fat donation he placed prominently before the altar so everybody could see and marvel and suck air about how simply marvelous he was. There was also a timid little widow over in the shadows who had only a penny - all she could afford, and it hurt her to give up even that. Hers was a little bitty drop in the ocean compared to his lake-sized sploosh. But we're advised that God liked hers a LOT better, and her little bitty contribution had a MUCH bigger and more valuable impact.

EVERY LITTLE BIT!!!!

NO CONTRIBUTION OR EFFORT OR STEP IS TOO SMALL!!!!

[Lugnut]

18. Thanks wildflower

Great advice to those of us who can't physically do as much as we'd like to. :)

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Vickers]

20. You can't HANDLE the truth!

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

24. Please, please don't feed the trolls. nt

[blondeatlast]

27. Doncha just LOVE it when their "hidden" profiles show up?!

:evilgrin:

[Vickers]

28. Yup!

:spank:

You're right, I know I shouldn't feed these meatheads, but in my defense, I *do* hit the ALERT button first.

Still friends? :hug:

[blondeatlast]

29. Of course--it's kinda hard to resist sometimes, but with the election

three weeks away, I think we have to take the high road as they will be coming thick and fast now.

[Eurobabe]

25. pssssstttt

[calimary]

48. Kick!

Like your spray can!

[bobbieinok]

21. really appreciate this...was going to ask about this

I get really down; I retired last spring, cleared my office and thought I'd be doing lots.

But I have rheumatoid arthritis and slipped disk and have been in lots of unexpected pain and exhaustion.

And this is such an important election.

Thanks for your list. I see I've done some of this.

[calimary]

47. It is SO important. This thread is UBER-important.

You don't have to be disabled, or suffering from a physical ailment, to get really down about what's happened to our country. I get really down, too, sometimes.

When I do, this is one of the places in which I find refuge, bent as I am - mentally and emotionally.

This thread has given me encouragement, too. I hope everyone on/in DU reads through it.

[deadparrot]

22. A big pat on the back to you!

You're doing more than I ever could. Thanks for fighting the good fight.

[blondeatlast]

23. Great post and a valuable lesson for ALL Dems.

We need to make political organizations aware that there are those who want desperately to help but have limited mobility.

Though I can usually get out to canvass, I HATE to do phone banks, and this is a way for many to really help; especially when you connect to others in the same boat, so to speak.

Nominated for homepage--spread the word!

[bitchkitty]

26. Talk to neighbors -

put up a yard sign, and write letters to the editor - lots of them! One is bound to be published.

[GeorgeBushytail]

30. Kick

I may be disabled, but I can kick a thread!

[wildflower]

32. kick for the disabled...and...

I see a deleted message here. Did I get my first ever response from a troll? What did it say? Or do I not want to know? :)

Does this mean I've truly arrived? :)

Best to all :hi:

-wildflower

[GeorgeBushytail]

33. Isn't it brave and wise

for a Bush troll to attack a thread on a disability topic.

Bushies must be quaking in their boots, wildflower. We disabled Dems have got them scared!

[wildflower]

34. I don't know what it said...

All I saw was "deleted message." But if this person said anything hurtful about disabled people, I apologize for inciting it in any way.

-wildflower

[Oak2004]

44. Uhh, as a fellow disabled person, let me assure you

it's not you who ought to apologize.

[Lilli]

35. Great suggestions!

Thanks for the post. :)

[calimary]

36. This is SUCH great info! I'm copying it into the Five-Star thread

in Activism/Events.

It's like the AA people say - "One day at a time."

You wisely enlarge upon that with - "one step at a time."

Good information for EVERYBODY, able-bodied or not.

[calimary]

37. I do NOT want this to sink.

It's too important!

Kick!!!

[JUS]

40. everything you do helps

[calimary]

46. Hey! Three new people on this thread - Welcome to DU!!!

Everything you do helps. No step is too small or insignificant. It ALL helps.

[Nicholas_J]

49. I am disabled and bedridden most of the time

But I was able to meet with the locak democratic club once and now they get me the lidy of local registered democrats to make calls.