who here has become the most politically active they've ever been?

[drumwolf]

I'm 35, and even though I've followed politics to some extent most of my life, before this year it would have never occurred to me to do anything beyond voting. In the past few months, though, I've already donated to MoveOn, K/E campaign and the DNC, and this weekend I'll be volunteering to spend a morning working the phones at the local DNC headquarters to call up registered voters in swing states.

Who else here is motivated to get politically active to a degree that they never were before * came to power? I get the sense that there are a LOT of people who have become politically motivated by Chimpy's misleadership.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

1. Over here!

:hi:
Me!!!

[dmkinsey]

2. Me

I actually got on the paid staff last month.
Never expected to get paid to do political work

[blackmoonlillith]

3. Me

I don't post often, but ya'll have inspired me. I also enjoy posting articles and research found on DU on other sites.

[Ruffhowse]

4. me-I'm the phone bank king!!!

[demnan]

5. I'm more involved than I've been since 1992

I had a beef with Al Gore about the campaign he ran, I voted for him and even did some phone work, but my heart wasn't in it.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

6. This is a first for me.... but I am trying to do the best I can.... n/t

[mama]

7. Over here!

I'm 48 and have always been a Democrat. For the first time in my life, I have the time and resources to be active & generous. I'm volunteering one day a week at the phonebank, have donated money monthly to the Kerry campaign, and attended the "Vote for Change" Springsteen-REM concert(bought expensive tickets for the whole family!). The total ineptitude of this administration has totally motivated me as never before! We must change course!

[WolverineDG]

8. me!

this is the first election i've ever:
-donated to a campaign
-showed up for a precinct convention
-attended a state party convention
-attended rallys (sans candidates--i saw clinton during his "campaign around the clock" in 1992, shook his hand, am still in awe of the big dog & saw teresa in mcallen this past sunday AWESOME)
-stayed on top of the issues & straightened out media lies
-attended debate parties
-worn pins endorsing kerry & saying "bush lied people died"
-put signs in my yard (thanks to my yellow dog, none taken yet; she barks like the hound of hell & scares the snot out of everybody)

and most importantly:
-put bumperstickers all over the back of my car!! :)

KERRY IN A LANDSLIDE!!!

dg

[lil-petunia]

9. mois

I've always talked and read politics, but never have I been as busy. In fact, taking election day off - I'm gonna be an election judge.

[movie_girl99]

14. same here

I have always voted Democrat but this is the first time that I've ever donated $ or voluteered. This site has inspired me so much.

[H2O Man]

10. I am an old man

who has been politically active for decades. But I'm more focused on a single issue -- the November election -- and am able to spend more time on it now that I am retired. I am proud to say that I have never seen anything that has united so many good and progressive people as this election. This is especially significant in light of the serious efforts on behalf of the republican machine to divide democrats and other progressive thinking people!

Early on in the primaries, my children and neices and nephews were all wild about Howard Dean. They were part of a movement that woke the sleeping giant in America. They reminded older folks that it was not only possible to defeat Bush in 2004, but that it was necessary. I take my hat off to them.

[hang a left]

11. I do my little part.

This is the most active politically I have ever been. I carry a full supply of bumperstickers and buttons. If anyone comments on my stickers or buttons I ask them if they would like one. :evilgrin:

[TN al]

12. me...

...It is too early for me to think of and list everything but previous elections do not come close to what I have done this year.

[elfin]

13. Me too

First time I have donated what, for me, is substantial money, first time to go to a candidate's office to volunteer, first time to put sign in yard, and first time to put sticker on car.

[movie_girl99]

18. it's such a cool feeling!

I came to this site long before I posted and couldn't believe the conviction that people had. It was amazing to see activism at its best. My favorite is "DU this poll". I have written letters, signed petitions and get e-mail from pretty much every liberal organization. I cant wait to get to work every day and log on to this site to see whats happened over night. A big thanks to all of you again!!!!!

[jgardner]

15. Me, too!

I'm 30 years old, and I'm sad to say that this is the first time I've ever really paid any attention to politics. I've always been on the far left in my beliefs, and I always voted, but until the past 4 years, I had never followed headlines or been able to talk about what's going on in our world. Should I thank GWB for being such a fuckup that I couldn't ignore what was happening any more?

[bobthedrummer]

16. Doing what I can to hold on to our rights and hold accountable the

fascists that went a bridge too far.
:hi:

[Mrs_Beastman]

17. Me

[obreaslan]

19. Oh boy, I shocked even myself.

I'm 32, and if you had told me ten years ago I would be like this, I would have laughed at you. :-)

[movie_girl99]

20. welcome!!

[newyawker99]

30. Hi obreaslan!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[dr.strangelove]

21. I've been at it for years, but I'm glad to have some new company

I first became involved when some republicans were trying to keep Perot off the ballot in 1992. I've never really let up since then (though I must admit I tend to get more fired up during the Presidential elections). I am glad to see so many more young people getting involved. We can win this election if we get the word out to enough young people that four more years of "the same" is going to ruin their lives.

[movie_girl99]

22. what's even more amazing is

my middle school son comes home telling me how he had a political conversation with a kid at the lunch table. Same with my high school daughter. I don't remember politics ever coming up at my lunch table in school.

[mama]

23. 1972

When I was in high school, I had to constantly defend my preference of McGovern over Nixon. I think I was one of just 3 McGovern supporters in my school! Too bad I graduated just before Nixon resigned in disgrace, I would have liked to rub it in (just a little)! I think this administration is just as bad, and the kids who are paying attention will be more vigilant for the rest of their lives.

[proud patriot]

24. Hand raised

:hi:

[cally]

25. Me

I usually do some campaign work but never as much as I've done this time. I'm obsessed and counting the days until the election.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

26. Definitely me....

and I'm not even a U.S. citizen. I have lived in this country since I was 15 (that's 17 years in the U.S.) and I've always been a politics junkie, but never have I been as active and energetic as for this year's presidential elections.

I believe there is a lot at stake, both for the short-term and the long-term. I believe that in many ways the President of the U.S. is a reflection of the people of the U.S. Today, we have a choice. If the people of the U.S. choose to be represented by Mr. Bush, they will reflect a view of the U.S. that devalues intellectual development, information, international cooperation, social involvment and progress. If the people of the U.S. choose to be represented by Sen. Kerry, they will reflect a view of the U.S. that values the future as a bright prospect, hard work, the return of intelligence in domestic and international affairs and, most of all, the idea that only by working together here and abroad can we accomplish our goals.

[Francine Frensky]

27. Me. Was anyone this involved back in 2000?

I am wondering how Gore even won the popular vote back in 2000, given how little we all did then.

[Lisa0825]

28. me! It's my first time ever doing more than voting!

I've traveled out of state 3 times, gone to about 10 rallies in various places, called a couple hundred or more people, knocked on hundreds of doors, registered voters, and given three speeches... I could probably come up with more too.

edited to add: oh yeah! and I had never donated before. I have donated to 2 Democratic presidential candidates, a Texas Supreme Court Candidate, a congressional candidate, and donated $ to help our national delegates pay for their trips. All this, and I do NOT make a lot of money, but I did what I could.

edited again: I wrote LTTE for the first time, walked in parades, put signs in my yard, attended precinct, county, and state conventions, and attended house parties and meetups.

[jencke]

29. yes, definitely, but in a slightly different manner

I shelled out $7K to publish a deck of DOD "Iraq's Most Wanted" satire cards...put in about 500 hours over the past year. I'm getting positive feedback, but it's mostly from the choir (i.e., I'm not converting any Republicans, except one perhaps)... check out project at www.matlub.net

[newyawker99]

31. Hi jencke!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[calimary]

51. Interesting site. Welcome to DU!

I, too, have become more active than at any other time in my life, and I can remember doing something or other ever since our school's Student Coalition for Humphrey/Muskie.

But this campaign is completely different. Never before have I jumped in this deep. I'm semi-retired, but even so, my life has come to a virtual standstill because I'm so preoccupied with politics. Donating what I can, helping with a Kerry house party (where my kids were volunteer greeters), attending several Howard Dean meetups, probably six or seven peace marches and candlelight vigils, driving around with three bumper stickers in my back window (and key scars on the side of my car, which I wear with defiant pride), sending emails, faxes, letters, making phone calls, lobbying people, wearing Kerry campaign buttons (one's on my sunhat all the time), sharing updates with people, writing a regular column "from the LEFT, dammit," and networking like nobody's business all over the internet.

[Terran]

32. Me, very much so.

I've always been 'political,' but have always been too shy to get involved personally, beyond voting (well, there was that gay rights march on the Dem convention in San Francisco back in '84). I guess I have the chimp to thank for that, if nothing else.

[Kukesa]

33. Me, for sure -- and I'm an old lady.

I've always been a Democrat and have participated only a little in past campaigns, however --

When I heard Shrub speak to us in April, I thought to myself: this can't be the leader of the free world; I've got to do something to see that he isn't re-selected.

I started with DU (thanks, VolcanoJen) and next I began volunteering at Dem HQ.

At present I chair the organization of our volunteer's meetings, I co-chair our visibility and fund-raising committees, I chair our Ohio Women for Kerry phone banking effort, and I do anything else anyone asks me to do, if it's at all possible.

And you know what? I've met the most remarkable group of people and it feels really good to know that I'm doing something for my country.

To Victory!

Think LANDSLIDE

[Sugarbleus]

56. Thank you Kukesa!!

To Victory! :toast:

[sybylla]

34. Started doing more after the selection in 2000

It's likely coming to a crecendo November 1. Planning lots of activities these last three weeks. Today, I've been spreading the word on several issues and supplying info to LTTE's to my Dem people. My reward is going to a Dem dinner on Saturday with two of my favorite Congresscritters. Can't wait.

[Booster]

35. Me. I've donated way more money to our side than I can

really afford; have NEVER put a political sticker on my car and now have 4 (can barely see out the back window); have NEVER put out any kind of political sign; now have one on mailbox, in the window and a large yard sign, plus my American flag (which is made out of wood) has been upside down for the better part of a year. As soon as Kerry is elected, that puppy is being turned around so that it flies like it should. Yeah, I'm pissed more this time than ever before.

[lostnfound]

36. Me.

Donations, banners, protests, passing movies around.

[porphyrian]

37. Count me, too.

It's a sad day when our political climate sucks so bad that my ass is motivated to become politically active, and I'm fucking pissed about it.

[nostalgicaboutmyfutr]

38. definately! eom

[PretzelWarrior]

39. I am 35 also. Never voted until 2000. Was ROBBED

sooo....

became faithful reader, contributor, poster at Democraticunderground.

gave to a political campaign for first time in my life (only to Kerry)...now if I give it will be to the DNC.

persuaded others INCLUDING my brother to vote. He's in Tenn. and already cast an absentee ballot.

manned phone banks, gone to rallies, and proudly wear stickers, have signs....

this is the most I've ever done for politics in my life by a big stretch.

[Claire Beth]

40. me!!!

and I am 47 years old.

[CBHagman]

41. This sets the record for me.

I've done some volunteering for the Brady Center in the past, as well as the county Democratic Party (get-out-the-vote efforts). And I've long been one to contact public officials, as well as march and demonstrate when I believed in a cause. But I'm more involved this season than I have been in past campaigns.

[qwlauren35]

42. Me fer sure...

And I'm embarrassed to say that I'm EXHAUSTED, and hope to go right back into the "closet" when this is over. If I have to spend another 4 years fighting the president, I will send myself to an early grave.

I have donated. I have registered voters. I have canvassed. I've thrown house parties. I'v donated bumperstickers and yard signs. I've collected funds. I've scouted Internet sites for Kerry supporters and new volunteers.

I've been VERY active... and have no idea what will come of it. But, as I told someone the other day, if I had NOT been this active, I don't think I could live with myself.

[SiouxJ]

43. Me. This is the first time I've ever given money

to candidates and Dem. organizations. I have always voted but never really got that involved until Shrub stole the White House. I've never had a candidate's sticker on my car until now either.

[onethatcares]

44. I'm here

I'm ready for a change in America from the last 3.5 yrs, I want my country back. I'm 53, viet era vet, married 35 yrs, and expect more from my elected representatives.

[loudestchick]

45. Me too!

I've never done more than vote before...but this year I realized that voting wasn't enough to make me feel I've done all I can to reclaim my country from the fear and hate mongers!!

I've phone banked for local candidates
Held a garage sale w/ proceeds to Move On
Went door to door w/ ACT
Signage in my yard
stickers on my car
Bought 30 buttons and gave them to any co-workers who wanted them
Have engaged in public discussions of political topics

and have become an addicted lurker on DU:bounce:

[flvegan]

46. I'm a rabid pit bull on crack

Or, at least, that's what they're telling me...

[loudestchick]

47. So long as you don't let them hit you with a traqu dart!!!

[flvegan]

48. Oh, I forgot

I have cheap knock off Wonder Woman bracelets on. They deflect bullets AND tranq darts!

[loudestchick]

49. OOOOOHHHHH!!!!

[Cappadonna]

50. More active?! I'm actually running for office:::

Running for a local office in my home town, registrar of voters actually. I've been to serveral rallies and have been registering people for months now. I'm only 26. So, yeah, I more politically active than ever. But, then again, the last time we had a president this incompetent (Harding) my grandparents weren't even born.

- Cappa

[LincolnMcGrath]

52. ME

:hi:

[Digit]

53. Me, too....I am consumed with this

There has never, ever been so much at stake.

[Sugarbleus]

54. Me too.

I was active to some extent during the "Roaring 60's"....then just followed along with 'one eye' on politics.

I'm generally more watchful of local politics.....things have changed.

This last four years has been the scariest thing I've ever lived through or remember from history. I actually GAVE MONEY each month to the campaign.........never did that before!

I also think that with the advent of internet(S);)access and global news, we get so much more information that leads to better activism and organizing.

No doubt, this is the WORST government that ever held the Office of the President. I couldn't 'do nothing'...I just couldn't.


BTW: Thank Goodness for DU!!

[vetwife]

55. I think I would fall into that category !

I feel like I have done everything but go up there and try to jerk him out of the oval office ! We are all needed in all of our ways.