I always hear people complain about various aspects of the democratic process. I wonder, what steps have people taken to actually participate in the process?
1) Have you voted in the most recent election? Do you plan on voting in the next?
2) Have you ever written a letter to a politician at any level of government?
3) Have you ever written a letter to a media publication, especially a newspaper?
4) Have you ever attended or participated in a political protest or rally?
5) Have you ever donated money to a political cause?
6) Have you ever run for a political office?
7) Have you ever canvassed door-to-door in support of some candidate or measure?
8) Have you ever volunteered for a political party or candidate or issue?
9) Have you been an active member in a political party, and either sought or actually held positions of responsibility in said party?
10) How many of these actions should be expected of the average citizen in order to be considered a full participant in the process?
My answers later.
TinSoldier posted on Nov 25, 2007
| views: 226
Comments
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wombat said on Nov 25, 2007....
Sadly not on most of that! I am the first to say I complain alot and do not know enough to be complaining.I have voted on presidential elections, but am not involved in local or general politics. I always use the excuse that I am not smart enough, or not important enough.Not a good enough excuse, right? -
silverwhisper said on Nov 26, 2007....
1. no, and i don't know.
2. yes.
3. yes.
4. yes.
5. yes.
6. no, nor will i ever.
7. no.
8. no.
9. no.
10. definitely 1-5 at the bare minimum, IMHO.
ed -
lioneljay said on Nov 26, 2007....
Yes to all but #6 and #9. As far as I'm concerned, a full participant in our system is an informed and active voter. One need not be an activist in favor of a candidate or issue, nor must one give money in order to fully participate as a citizen. But it's the responsibility of all of us to seek out accurate information about all candidates (ideally not filtered through partisan news outlets) and then make an informed choice on election day at the ballot box. -
uniquely-ironic said on Nov 26, 2007....
I'm pretty pathetic. I vote. I have yet to meet a politician who inspires me to do more. -
TinSoldier said on Nov 26, 2007....
wombat: of course you are both smart enough and good enough. But believe it or not, I don't do much more than you do.
ed: That's interesting. I never would have pegged you for so many yes answers.
lj: I agree, your comments are spot on, and
uniquely-ironic: That's not pathetic at all, and I can't say that I've been especially inspired by any politicians lately either. On the one hand, I don't need any drama in my politics, on the other hand it would be nice to have someone who makes you feel, "yeah, I think that we can strive for better."
My answers:
1) Yes and yes.
2) No.
3) No. Both two and three are related and they are definitely things we should all consider.
4) Yes, but it's been a long time -- about eleven years or so. It was a rally for a presidential candidate.
5) No, even though I get asked from time to time. My state also gives the option on our tax returns to donate a portion for elections. I usually opt out of that as well.
6) No -- and like most of you I don't really want to.
7) No.
8) No, for the same reasons that uniquely-ironic mentioned. If there was some cause about which I was passionate about then I would.
9) No, but again, that's kind of the base of at least American politics isn't it? This is the pool of people from whom our politicians are chosen. But I don't even know committees and the like in my neighborhood, nor am I likely to really find out.
10) One through three at the minimum.
Thanks for answering, it was just something that popped into my head like most of my blog ideas.
I'm not one to say, "if you don't vote then you don't have the right to complain" because that is wrong. You always have the right to complain. But your complaints hold more legitimacy if you have actually taken steps to change things for the better.
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harriedpsychmajor said on Nov 26, 2007....
1) Here in Philly the most recent election was the mayoral election. Definite yes.
2) no
3) Yes
4) Yes
5) No
6) No, but the local politics here could use a little brains
7) No
8) No
9) No
10) On a local level, one should do more, like 1-4, maybe 5 if they have the money. But on a national level, I'd tone it down a little, maybe 1 and 3.
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CreativeWoman said on Nov 26, 2007....
I always vote and stay informed about he political process. I think the things you point out as ways to participate are very good to consider.
CW
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the_infernal_optimist said on Nov 28, 2007....
1. Yes, and probably
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. No
6. No - although I have friends who think I should when I meet requirements
7. No
8. Not in any significant measure
9. No
10. Well, you certainly can't think less of someone (or you shouldn't) if they don't have spare cash to throw at their candidate/party of choice, but I'm not sure about the rest. I think being an educated, active voter is important, and tbh, if people aren't doing research on candidates, I'd almost rather they didn't vote.
~Infernal
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wombat said on Nov 28, 2007....
TinSoldier: I keep saying I will study up on it, but I never do. Not too politically orientated, but I should at least know what I am griping about.
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silverwhisper said on Nov 29, 2007....
TS: why? i'm rather opinionated. :>
ed -
TinSoldier said on Nov 29, 2007....
Heh, there's a difference between being opinionated and then taking action based on those opinions.
Or maybe that's just me... ;-)
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silverwhisper said on Nov 29, 2007....
well now, if that isn't a statement that says so much more than just the words... :>
ed
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