I just got a call from the local Dem party!

[SW FL Dem]

The precinct coordinator called and asked me to be a block captain for my street. I told him I was happy to help, but that I didn't know of any Dems other than my husband. The precinct captain lives 3 blocks from me. He told me that that are 13 registered Dems on my street alone! Now I am dying to know who they are. This area is so heavily Repubican, I just always assume everyone is a pug and avoid talking politics. That, plus that fact I saw 3 Kerry bumper stickers today give me hope.

[apnu]

1. could it be that there's hope for FLA yet?

I hope so.

[fertilizeonarbusto]

2. WOO-HOO

I'm especially psyched that this is happening in SW FL!!!!!!!!!
Good for you!!!!!!!!!
:yourock:

[Claire Beth]

3. that's great! n/t

[jedicord]

4. Is Florida like Texas?

Here in the Lone Star State, bringing up Democratic political leanings requires a stiff back bone. You just have to be prepared for a tirade of character assassinations. Thankfully, I've trained my spine into an upright position and give back more than I get (with facts, not lies).

Just yesterday a young girl from the Clean Water Action Committee came to my door soliciting donations. She handed me some info and on it was a statement about Bush tearing down the environment. So I asked her if they were anti-Bush. She immediately said they were non-partisan. I then said, well, I'm anti-Bush. She let out a sigh of relief and we had a good chat on my front porch. The relief on her face was transparent. I can't stand that people like me get ostracized for our political beliefs!

By the way, I took heart in the fact that such a young person was so involved. She's going to F-911 Friday, actively participates in environmental, animal rights, and political arenas.

[SW FL Dem]

5. Very much alike :(

Many Dems have given up. Until recently, it has been impossible to find each other. The local Dem party didn't even have a phone number. Last December, our small county sent over 20 delegates to the FL Dem convention. The local Dem club used to have 40-50 at its monthly meetings, now they get 200+.

[jedicord]

7. I hate to hear that...

Texas is pretty much a lost cause (I believe because the Dems have given it up as such), but at least Florida has potential.

Know something funny? I couldn't find a Dem anywhere until I (finally) persuaded my husband to put a Save America bumper sticker on my car. Amazing how many people stop me to shake my hand and talk for a minute or two. It feels like finding a port in a storm. The other day one of the moms whose child goes to the same daycare my son goes to saw my sticker and looked at me, said "I KNEW there was something I like about you!". We've known each other for years.

Repubs here just start talking and automatically expect you to agree.

Yuk.

[carpetbagger]

8. No, Texas is worse. Here's the differences...

1. Only recently have the Florida republicans really played Eco-smackdown with any kind of spirit, and their moves are still a bit tenuous. Floridians generally support environmental protection, unlike Texans.

2. Education, while still quite neglected in national terms, has more support. Legislation gets through in spite of opposition from the top, unlike Texas.

3. Florida is more cosmopolitan. People are from other places. Therefore (as well as for other reasons, mostly dealing with the fact that the stereotypes of Texas and Texans are quite accurate), there's none of that "Texas uber alles" ultranationalism going on. When I lived in a very republican place in high school (in SWFL), my closest friends were from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and only a few native to Florida.

4. Voting patterns break for the GOP at present, but aren't as lopsided as Texas. Southwest Florida is probably the most conservative section of the state next to the panhandle, but remember that more people went to the polls in the last presidential election to vote for the democratic nominee than the republican.

[fudge stripe cookays]

6. Way to go, FlaDem!!

That's the first thing I recommend to everyone if you haven't done it. Find your local county Dems club! I wish you luck in organizing! Sounds great so far!

If there isn't one, help to organize one! I found mine over the internet just using a google search for the name of my county and "Democrats."

When we moved to our area, I felt so alone. My monthly meetings give me the little shot in the arm I need to keep fighting, and make me happy.

There are more Dems out in my area than I thought there were. And you'd be amazed at the strong ties you form when you're surrounded by hostile idiots.

FSC

[SW FL Dem]

9. Shameless kick n/t