Are calls for people who care to just "run for something" misguided?

[butdiduvote]

Last edited Thu Feb 2, 2017, 04:41 AM - Edit history (1)

Ever since the election, I've seen friends telling me and others to run for office almost to the point of guilt-tripping. The message I'm seeing is all of your marching and posting on social media is pointless if you're not willing to yourself seek a position of influence. I understand this sentiment, and believe me, if I thought I was at all equipped to effect change through governance, I would love to get involved directly. However, I think, no know, I would be terrible in any position I managed to obtain if I even got that far. Yes, I have opinions on issues. No, I don't know the first thing about working within the system to solve problems related to those issues, nor do I know everything there is to know about every issue. I don't even know how I would get to a point where I could be competent at any political role. Hell, I don't even know how to do my own taxes. I think the same applies for a lot of people who are currently being told to run for office if they're so concerned about what is going on. I don't see how guilt-tripping people who don't understand the conplexities of the system to run for office because they happen to feel passionately about certain political issues is productive.

[gwheezie]

1. We do what we can do

Running for office is harder than it looks but depending on how your area government works, people can go to a board meeting or town hall or find someone running for office and volunteer for one hour.
I found out there is an opening at my community services board, it's a volunteer position that meets once a month. I can do that. It's a simple application.
I can do it because I am almost retired. I work one day a week. I could not have done this while I was working full time.

[chowder66]

2. That is an important thought you have there.

I feel the same way. I only had my mother talk to me about running for something but I told her Well, I'm flattered but are you crazy? No, I wouldn't know the first thing to do plus I have a fear of public/formal speaking.

What bothers me is the message you are seeing about how marching and posting is pointless if you don't run. That right there is ludicrous.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

15. Marching and protesting is pretty pointless

If you don't GOTV on every Election Day. But not everybody is cut out to run for public office IMHO. I love politics but I hate public speaking, I'm Transgender (and a Democrat) in a blood-red state. Not even sure I'd get anywhere. I have sort of thought about dipping my toes in to working at the party level but that would probably be the extent of my involvement.

[chowder66]

16. I have to slightly disagree about marching/protesting

whether or not it changes policy is one thing, but as you can see, the women's march gave rise to multiple marches around the world. Same as when people in other countries march, marches pop up in other countries including the U.S.. That is a powerful statement. It inspires, motivates and unites people. Even if it's for the moment.
If our leaders are not listening to us... it shows we are listening to each other and supporting one another. That's important especially at a time like this.

However, I will concede that if there are those that march and protest and do not vote then yes, they are not engaging in way that matters most. Having them in the protests can still be good. We have some people who protest and don't vote and some people who vote and don't protest.

There are going to be various reasons for not being able to protest and very limited reasons for not being able to vote. I have always felt that the democrats should budget to GOTV constantly. It shouldn't only be around Presidential elections, it should be non-stop.

I think it's great you are thinking about working at some level. I would love to but my shyness gets the better of me. I engage by always voting, researching measures, props and candidates and I share them with my friends and family to help them out. Some don't get around to doing that but if I present the research (pros and cons) it's easy for them to vote and that's important.
I donate anytime I can and make calls, write letters to my reps and do everything I can to change minds of people I know or meet if the opportunity presents itself.

With that said, I do wish you the best in your endeavors!

[applegrove]

3. Get involved and you'll learn what part of serving you are good at.

Volunteer as an intern nights. Call the Democratic Party and see where they need people. Nobody runs for public office without putting in time in their communities unless they are Republican. My dad liked politics and he wanted to be involved so he signed up with the Liberal Party in the 1960s. Seems he was good at having tea so they put him in charge of raising money from wealthy women by having teas. That is where his political career ended. Though he did get offered a cabinet position by some Liberal Minister a decade later in transport (dad was a lobbyist for the trucking industry at that point so they knew his work). They wanted him to run. Seems dad's grandfather was a politician and Dad knew how hard a life politics was for families. So being a family man he declined. Point is you don't have any idea where getting involved will lead. Or what skills are needed running elections or in governance. So sign up and begin developing some transferable skills to match your passion. Start at the bottom. It may work out great. Having a job that matches your passion is the best type of job to have. It likely won't lead to elected office. But that doesn't mean you will not find a role perfect for you.

[NanceGreggs]

4. Well, given your own admission ...

... that you would be terrible at the job, I thank you for not applying.

Others, however - regardless of their meager "waitressing jobs or whatever" - may have a lot to offer.

After all, the current occupant of the WH obviously couldn't handle the intricacies of delivering an omelette to the right table, or remembering to refill the sugar dispensers at the coffee-to-go counter.

But I appreciate your candour - and applaud your decision not to run for office. I've no doubt that your honesty is greatly appreciated by all concerned.

[True Dough]

5. I think you'd be a candidate

for speech writer for someone running for office.

"Effect change" alone gets you an A+.

[uppityperson]

8. I think that was a compliment, not making fun of you. Your writing seems pretty good

[butdiduvote]

9. Oh, sorry.

I thought they were making fun of me mixing up affect and effect.

[uppityperson]

10. Nope, you got it right, hence the kudos

[butdiduvote]

11. Lol thank you

[msongs]

7. its important to have a dem candidate in every contested office. shows the flag and lets

people know they are not the only dem in town. every position from dogcatcher up. candidate doesnt have to be awesome or even have a chance to win. but there should be a dem there to vote for

[HoneyBadger]

12. Never limit yourself

That is someone else's job 🦄

[betsuni]

13. I understand.

Someone like me running for office: absurd, ridiculous. I've gone out of my way to avoid any situation involving responsibility, never know what nonsense is going to fly out of my mouth when I'm around people and get nervous. Someone has to sit in the back of the room near the exit muttering sarcastic comments under their breath. If I knew a person with the personality and smarts to run, sure, I'd support and help them.

It's like people telling you that you should write a book based on a few sarcastic comments. Oh, it' so easy, write a book, run for office, open a restaurant, start your own business, do this, do that. People can be pretty bossy.

[beachbum bob]

14. taking back america starts locally, we need good people to run AND good people to support them

we (my wife and I) have worked on several campaigns both locally and state wise to get candidates elected....2004 we help spearhead Obama's US senate campaign in our area and in 2008 we worked Florida counties for his presidential win

sitting back and handrwringing...complaining...whinning only allows the otherside to win


2016 will be remembered for a long time as being forced on the america by those who refused to vote or voted 3rd party because of their "conscience" of not able to support the lesser of 2 evils....we got REAL EVIL

and its not going away easily...whinning and complaining aint going to cut it

[Orsino]

17. I think convicted felons should vote and be heard...

...but that doesn't mean they must all run for offices to which the public won't elect them.

Greater involvement is critical, but only part of that charge involves running for office.