What to do?


Posted by Nate in Politics, Soapbox.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am


The RNC here in St. Paul comes to a close today with a final party hosted by Google at my place of employment.  Whoa.  Somehow my invitation was lost in the mail, but it’s cool – I’ve got other plans tonight.

Ironically, being this close to the RNC and watching their speeches on the public TV channel has gotten me more riled up than the whole DNC.  I just can’t get over my jaw-dropping disbelief as I see these people rise from their seats again and again, cheering for the most blatant, hateful, destructive lies and plain old mean-spirited attacks.  Their massive disconnect from reality, their permeating sense of self-importance and holier-than-thou attitudes just make me crazy… and sick.  Because these people aren’t going to stay home on November 4th, and they’re not going to stop trying to spread their bile to anyone who will listen.

So what’s it gonna take?  I’m finally realizing that I live in a protected political bubble, surrounded by like-minded people, and there are actually citizens out there who are barely aware of who the two candidates are – let alone the first thing about their policies.  And it doesn’t help when Palin repeats her brazen lie about saying "thanks, but no thanks" on the bridge.  No fool, she knows 30 million people heard that line and only a fraction will do the homework to realize she’s lying — the swooning media certainly won’t call her out on it.

Is there a way to reach these people?  I’m writing off those who’ve already made up their mind – it’s not going to change.  But if there are really people with no idea who they’re going to vote for, how can they be convinced?  And who the hell ARE they???  Anyone?

Meanwhile the big brains at the Obama campaign think they know who they are and what to do to convince them, so go give them some love.  And by "love" I mean "money".  And by "some" I mean "lots".  Seriously.

 

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6 Responses to “What to do?”

  1. Rick Says:

    Yikes, this election cycle is gonna drive us crazy! Here are things I am going to do or have done and will continue to do:

    – donate to Obama
    – write letters to the editor
    – talk to friends and co-workers
    – read “The Audacity of Hope”
    – get a button and yard sign

    Maybe others will reply with more ideas and we can all pick what works for us.

  2. Laurel Says:

    It is horrifying and angering to watch candidates lie and know that more often then not, their soundbites will be taken as truth by people who don’t bother to check the facts.

    But I like all of your ideas, Dad! Also, for the nerds who spend a lot of time online, people have been sharing articles/video clips on Facebook that rebut some of the false claims.

    It’s scary to think how many people support McCain/Palin, but there are a lot who don’t. Did you see this?

    http://tinyurl.com/5vmndw

  3. Mary Jo Says:

    Well if you figure out a way to reach them, let us know, would you? We have an Obama office here and we’ve already been there twice since it opened–first time there was when it opened and you couldn’t get through the door, the second time unfortunately there was nobody there but us and the 2 people staffing it–which did give us a chance to visit with them, and hopefully it was only that empty because of the time of day we were there. Jack signed up for the “Vets for Obama” and bought his pin saying that. For the first time since I can remember he was actually looking for a bumper sticker for the car–normally he is so against those.

  4. Eric Says:

    Wait… The Walker hosted a party for the RNC? and Google paid for a party for the RNC? Is that for real?

  5. Tiffany Says:

    Speaking of Chuck Norris, because I just can’t let that go, when I saw his first endorsement (on YouTube) I laughed out loud, because I really thought it was a joke. It’s weird to me. Isn’t it weird to anyone else?

  6. steve Says:

    Whew – it’s refreshing to read this and to read the comments. Where I am now I mostly hear from an old guy who’s in love with McCain, sends $1000s to him, gets pissed hearing about Obama – and shuts you out and sends you away if you do. He thinks Bush is one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. It gets me down after awhile to realize that he’s not alone. Like Nate says – I think in general I’ve been in a political bubble, surrounded by like-minded people – so this is a first for me to be with someone I”m so opposite from in outlooks. Mom and Dad – you impress me, too. Good to hear all that’s going on.