MyDD :: Comments What Would You Say To A Red-State Friend?

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Forget the red state part (3.00 / 1)

... what this guy is saying is a description of voter apathy and that exists everywhere. Unless he expressed republican beliefs elsewhere in the message he seems completely open to democratic views (liking the bush countdown)... it is just apathy, powerlessness, and hopelessness that he is feeling.

Howard Dean is the answer to that. Regardless of what you think of Dean as a candidate there is no denying he impact on activating citizens to get involved and empower themselves. Find his "You have the power" quotes and find examples of DFA members and groups taking that power, running with it, and making a difference.

Let him know he is not alone. One of the strongest messages I heard in 2003 when working on Dean petition drive and primary campaign was Democrats and Liberals feeling like they were surrounded and all alone in their beliefs (resulting in those powerless, hopeless, apathetic feelings). One of the greatest joys was to see people light up and get energized once they discovered they were not alone and that there were specific actions they could take to make a difference. Find examples of this (particularly close to home to him) and show him that it is not hopeless and that citizens... citizens like him... are taking back their government... running for local office, picking their own candidates and backing them, etc.

Empower him.

The 10,000 Things

by Andrew C White on Mon May 02, 2005 at 02:58:50 PM EST

Re: Forget the red state part (none / 0)

Empowerment is probably the most important part, but getting someone to acknowledge that having an opinion is good can be another obstacle. Afterall, being able to do something and knowing what to do it for are different things.

by nanoboy on Mon May 02, 2005 at 06:45:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

tell you friend.... (3.00 / 1)

to hook up with the dallas area DFA activists. they rock - i should know, i've been working with them for nearly three years.

just being with those people - having that sense of community - really does wonders.

Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!

by annatopia on Tue May 03, 2005 at 11:50:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]