September 06, 2003
Backyard Realpolitik v. 1.01
So, Kinko's is way more expensive than I remember it being. But then, 800 double-sided flyers (400 caucus announcements, 400 official candidate announcements)... that's kind of a lot. Than the bad news. Someone else who'd had three days to comment on the subject matter waits until last night, when the printing has already been done, to say that the caucus document was totally unacceptable because it was missing a couple dates.
Choosing our battles, another brave team member goes to Kinko's, and prints up a single sided caucus announcement eliminating the offending side altogether.
Sixteen people signed up at the last Meetup to walk at some point, today's date worked out for five of us, which is why it's good to have a broad volunteer base. We got through a precinct and a half. Some people were happy to see us, some people looked at us like we had extra heads (though it seemed like they'd probably have reacted like that to anyone), and some were appalled to find real, live Democrats on their doorsteps.
It was unseasonably warm today, but we brought water in the car & took a break for lunch, so we didn't wilt. It was good to have company, too, makes things seem faster.
Overall, it was good, and I feel like I actually did something useful with my Saturday. Best of all, when I got back home, I get the news that Dean is up in the national polls.
Posted by natasha at September 6, 2003 09:23 PM | TrackBackGood going, Natasha!! I'm glad you've been writing about this, because I've been sort of taking notes on the fly. As I've said before, I'm a real neophyte when it comes to political activism. I honestly don't have much of a clue as to what it involves. Now I'm reading your stuff and thinking, hmmmmmm ... the business is frought with frustration ... but then, what truly worthwhile endeavor isn't? Hmmmmm ... I could do things like this though. Hmmmmmm ...
I sure can identify with your comment on the "some people [who] looked at us like we had extra heads." This country is a long ways toward going down the drain thanks to those folks ... and they in their smug, self-satisfied way, haven't a clue about any of it.
Posted by: Pat K., California on September 7, 2003 08:43 AMWe'll be neophytes together, then. And that was kind of the point, to write about things that people who've done this before wouldn't think to tell anyone about. And demystify things a little for people who (like me a couple weeks ago) had never done it.
But it isn't scary, or complicated. Just the usual 'well, somebody has to do this' kind of thing.
Posted by: natasha on September 7, 2003 09:19 PM