Know what our problem is?

[JNelson6563]

As I have been talking to people around the 4th Cong. Dist. in MI I have learned a great deal. The efforts of 2004 and their results (or lack of) are often mentioned. When I talk about Voter ID work I hear all about the phone banking efforts etc. that were done in '04. In fact, so many things that I am trying to get folks doing are referred to as being doen in '04. There were many hot-beds of Democratic political activity in '04. Most of the county parties in the 4th had store-front offices.

In the spirit of Jan Brady's "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!!" I'd like to declare "'04! '04! '04!!"

I have come to the conclusion that part of our problem is that we are organized and visible for about 4 months every four years. Outside of that, good luck finding your local Dems.

IMO, the biggest shame of this is that with some effort it doesn't have to be this way. It's just always been this way so it remains so. The wretched paradigm. We could just as easily do voter ID work, grow membership, have community forums and so on outside of an election cycle. We don't need to wait for presidential races to be a visible presence in our communities. We do not need to wait for a hero to come along and run for President. We can be our own herores. As we achive visibilty and credibility, more viable candidates will step forward to run for local office. It is clear to them they will have a good support network from their capable local party so they get the boost of confidence needed to become a candidate. And, considering that the very best candidates for higher office usually start local and work their way up, this is an excellent way to cultivate future House Reps and Senators. This is the best way to not find ourselves in a situation of choosing between a neo-con or a DINO. Homegrown candiates, not corporate funded or establishment chosen and rammed down our throats.

There are so many benefits to building and maintaining a successful county party! One of the best may be that while various Districts are re-districted every ten years, counties are forever. You build up county parties into strong political machines and that's how you make yourself gerrymander-proof.

I always read these stories of big players meddling in different races across the county. This big name came in and is favoring this candidate and there is frustration that we, the little people, are powerless to do anything about it. Well if we worked to build our local county parties into powerful networks, that wouldn't be the case, would it?

Julie