FITZ

ROOTZ

et al

John,
Welcome! As you know many of us here are really excited about the book and its possible uses.

And a shout out thanks one and all for these always great Book Salons. We who are activist are heartened by this volume, which refines the vast into the manageable and thus facilitates our progress.

Hi, all–
It’s an honor to be included in this discussion today. I want to express my gratitude to Pach for arranging it, and my appreciation to everyone involved in the Roots Project for their commitment to building and strengthening the progressive movement.

I thought I’d start the discussion with a little summary of the thinking behind my book.

First, a little history: As many of you already know, the turning point for the American Right was the commitment by a few powerful men (Paul Weyrich, Joseph Coors, etc.) in the early 1970s to create a “conservative” political movement. It was a strategic decision—they knew it would take time and money, and that they’d have to create an alternative infrastructure to support it—new media, new think tanks, new schools to train politicians lawyers and journalists, new university chairs to provide credibility to right-wing ideas. But they believed it was worth the investment. They chipped away, little by little, at our cultural and political institutions—and slowly changed them. They gradually took control of America’s political conversation, and placed their issues in the forefront of politics. George Bush’s election was the culmination of their efforts.

Now, I believe, Progressives have to fight back with a movement of our our own. But since progressivism isn’t a top-down philosophy like the Right is, we have to do it from the grassroots UP. That means the future of progressivism is in each of our hands. Our choice to become active or to remain on the sidelines will determine how successful the effort is.

A lot of you are concerned that we don’t have the luxury of time—we’ve got to make a difference RIGHT NOW. I agree, up to a point. We need to do things that produce immediate results of some sort…but at the same time, we have think of the future, and lay the groundwork for a strong and enduring movement. That’s how I picked the actions in “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Fight the Right.” Everything in the book is designed to strengthen the progressive movement over a long period,…at the same time it accomplishes something concrete immediately.

I think there are four criteria you can apply to determine the effectiveness of any potential action.

1) Does it strengthen your own political identity? Every time you stand up for what you believe in, you reinforce your personal political commitment and become a more effective activist. At the same time, you make the progressive movement stronger…because movements are built entirely on the backs of dedicated individuals. Anything from a lawn sign to a letter to the editor to working on a GOTV campaign are simple examples.

2) Does it reach out to other progressives? People need to know they’re not alone. This gives them strength…and movements depend on developing a sense of community and shared values. A bumper sticker does this…so does a progressive social group such as Drinking Liberally.

3) Does it strengthen the progressive infrastructure? By Infrastructure, I mean groups or institutions that support progressive goals and deliver our message to the public at large. Some of these may surprise you. Obvious examples include progressive magazines, Air America, BuyBlue, and, of course, blogs. But they also include joining your community science center and supporting local arts groups.

4) What are the political consequences—long and short term? This is the most obvious consideration—we all want to restore the balance of power in America and elect progressives. That means getting involved in electoral politics. We also want to make the political climate more hospitable to progressive ideas over the long haul. That means, for example, doing whatever we can to take back the symbols of American patriotism, a little at a time.

As far as I’m concerned, any mix of the 4 criteria makes the effort a good one. The important thing is that we all do SOMETHING. Every activist is an essential part of the new progressive movement.

We have a candidate for Congress, running against a radical wingnut. Rick Trent is honest, unpolished and passing a hat at a local meeting. This guy is running for a seat in Washington.
Whats up with that?

What to do? I have a blog but here in the 1st TN noone seems savvy enough to do anything with it.

Is Trent the official Dem nominee?

John,
Have there been any attempts at using your book in a community setting as kind of an action group?

Not that I know of yet.

John
As you know I’m hoping to use it to get social action committees in congregations up and running with the great concrete steps you have in the book. I’m aware that progressives tend to be democrats and I have to tip toe around the partisan stuff in church, but the values that are reinforced in the book go beyond partisan labels.

Pachacutec, every link in the article is hosed. They all start with FDL’s URL.

Cujo359 @ 11

Pachacutec, every link in the article is hosed. They all start with FDL’s URL.

Grrr. Okay let me get on it. We had some real mess with the backstage earlier today.

RevDeb, I know you’ve talked about the need to separate the partisan politics from the progressive ideas for your nonprofit status. One answer: I might focus on a few of the entries that are clearly nonpartisan, such as the religious or cultural ones, and discount the overtly political ones.

How are the book sales doing? and is there any kind of publicity push planned?

Well Waddya know? we got a Democrat running against Goper Vito Fossela in NY 13. This covers heavily Republican Bay Ridge and Staten Island, although Kerry took this district by 54%.

His name is Steve Harrison. Go on over and kick the tires.

Welcome, John, and thanks so much for writing the book. There is so much good practical advice in it. A must-have.

I particularly like the suggestion of getting involved in local races, and getting active in your local Democratic party. On the positive side, in many places the Democratic party is such a mess it’ll be easy for a few progressives to step in and have an influence.

That’s not an original thought (Bowers?) but a good one.

The links should be working now if you refresh the page. Thanks!

johnj 5 — it’s an interesting comparison from Coors/Weyrich in the 70s to what is happening with the netroots now. A movement fueled by money vs. one facilitated by technology. But basically with the same goal — if you can get a bunch of people pointed in the same direction at the same time you can have an influence that is disproportionate to the actual numbers involved.

Which is why your book is so helpful. In a situation that is naturally a bit anarchic your guideposts prove quite helpful.

Thanks Jane. You’ve certainly been an inspiration as an activist.

Revdeb: Book sales are moderate. As you may know, the original “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save the Earth,” which I wrote in 1990, sold about 4 million copies, and was a best-seller. But this book is selling in the thousands, not the millions. I don’t know if that’s because people aren’t ready to act, or people just haven’t heard of the book. (although I suspect the latter) In September, we’re launching a web site called ActProgressive.com, and will tie publicity for that in with publicity for the book.

John,
Do you see any hope at all in getting the dems to think more long term the way you explained it above? We know how the right wingnuts managed to infiltrate the govt. over the last 3 decades.

Do you really think it is possible to reverse that trend and have you met with people who are willing to put up the money to help build the foundations of a progressive movement?

One of our local Air America Talk Show hosts attends the local DFA meetings and is using these items for her show, amazingly it is called “Action Point”.

Sorry for the OT, folks, I could have sworn I was posting in the previous thread.

katymine
Good for you! This is a good book to bring to whatever meetings are going on anywhere. I’ve given it to my state rep. and the head of the dem. town committee as well as the staffer we talk with in Kerry’s office. I hope to be pushing it every chance I get.

Revdeb 20–
I think it’s already happening. There are quite a few groups forming that are focused on building the progressive infrastructure. They’re in the book—which is one of its real values. You can access these groups and participate.

The sample chapters available for download are very good. I’ve requested my library to order the book to counter all the wingnut books they have on the shelf.

Since getting involved in politics, I’ve debated the poll worker versus GOTV worker. Where I live the machine controls the polls, blatantly breaking election laws like “no electioneering in the polling place”. So I stick with GOTV because getting motivated people to the polling place who won’t be swayed by the machine undermines the machine more than direct challenges would.

johnj @ 25

Revdeb 20–
I think it’s already happening. There are quite a few groups forming that are focused on building the progressive infrastructure. They’re in the book—which is one of its real values. You can access these groups and participate.

I want to echo this. There are many, many links and addresses, etc. in the book to help you know whom to connect wioth for any of the action steps in the book. It is exceedingly well researched and concise.

You can build a group using the book, I already have a group but trying to energize the membership and “cooking” up activities is time consuming. Using the 50 points allows the members pick and choose what fits them.

It can be used both ways. Build a group around it or using it to energize a group and increase membership.

After the 2004 election MoveOn encouraged the formation of local political action groups – across the country. I went to an initial meeting at someone’s house in Weston, CT and we split off into four different groups. These groups joined up with non-Moveon groups (like the very active DFA in CT) – all focused on advancing progressive issues and candidates. Some people ran for office, some people focused on making sure we have clean elections in CT, others showed up every Saturday in Westport to protest the war in Iraq. Eventually these “baby steps” and the focus placed on building a cohesive progressive community resulted in a perfect storm in CT (with considerable help from folks around the country and the blogosphere).

I love the book and its focus on smaller, manageable steps. Everyone can find something they can do to change the status quo.

Jane 18

We have a lot of smaller, moderately-funded groups trying to replicate what the big guns of the right did in the 70s/80s. What they need is more grassroots support. The more people who are involved in groups like Rockwood Leadership, or Wellstone Action, the more the people with money will be willing to support them. Everyone loves a winner.

I just bought 5 copies for our next DFA Meeting. The other copy I got at YearlyKos is already circulating. I’ll print the Steps listed at the start and pass them out as well. It is worth noting that Firedog Lake gets support if the book is bought in the Amazon link on the left side panel.

I have a great suggestion for candidates on Chapter 41 – Support the Troops. A candidate puts boxes in local stores with their picture on all four sides asking for donations of books, CD’s and DVD’s to be sent to the Troops.

This visually links the candidate with supporting the troops without injecting opposition to the war on a different level.

Jane Hamsher @ 18

johnj 5 — it’s an interesting comparison from Coors/Weyrich in the 70s to what is happening with the netroots now. A movement fueled by money vs. one facilitated by technology. But basically with the same goal — if you can get a bunch of people pointed in the same direction at the same time you can have an influence that is disproportionate to the actual numbers involved.

Which is why your book is so helpful. In a situation that is naturally a bit anarchic your guideposts prove quite helpful.

Heh. As JohnJ pointed out, we’re bottom-up instead of top down. I get such a kick out of the media and the DC pols trying to figure out who our leader is (Kos and his rabid lambs) because they haven’t figured out this very basic “anarchy” of the progressives.

I was never 100% comfortable with some of the progressive organizations and their “do this-do that”/”these are your issues-those aren’t” structure. 50ST inspires creativity and individual action. Thanks so much for this book, John!

Katymine 31
I think the Support the Troops chapter is a good example of taking an issue away from the Right and making it ours. The more proactive we can be with issues like that, the stronger our movement will become.

One thing I’d like to add to this list is Kindness. Wear your favorite activist or candidate button or tee shirt and make it a point to do random acts of kindness when the chance presents itself.

I remember in the Dean campaign we had the DeanCorp which would do visibility events like park clean ups and foodbanking. One group in Colorado even adopted a highway and got a road sign from the county.

But overall, Kindness. If you show that you care about people you’ll add double to your efforts, at no extra cost.

As St. Augustine said, “To sing once is to pray twice.”

Thanks JohnJ- Apologies if this has been addressed in your book- but I am way behind on my reading list. However, #10 prompted a thought.

Background- I went to CT for the Lamont primary, bec. I was convinced that it was an important race, based on all that I had read here. And, all the while, I wore a Lamont for Senate sticker or button, or a Lamont Tee Shirt. (Kinda like a “personal” bumper sticker). Surprise to me how “empowered” that made me feel, and also how I felt no longer so anonymous. I am usually polite to people I deal with while going about my daily routine, but it did occur to me that wearing that button was a good reality check on my own mood- hey- I was there to win votes for Ned, so I had to be “extra present” and willing to engage with strangers. Just a little personal note. I hope your book “takes off” in sales and visibility.

Thought I’d clarify what I mean by “everyone loves a winner.” As soon as a group has a substantial number of members, it commands a certain amount of respect because it has demonstrated a legit appeal. That’s when it attracts support—and that’s why our participation in these groups is so important.

johnj @ 36

Thought I’d clarify what I mean by “everyone loves a winner.” As soon as a group has a substantial number of members, it commands a certain amount of respect because it has demonstrated a legit appeal. That’s when it attracts support—and that’s why our participation in these groups is so important.

So are we approaching that magical “critical mass”?

Thanks for the book. At first, I thought, “I probably know these” but after reading the short descriptions here, I realized that was not true! I got ideas just from that. (Example: ask your library to get more progressive magazines” I would never have thought of that. I am still in the GRIPE mode on such things. *I* need to say something!

So, I’m ordering the book today! Thanks.

#41…”Support Our Troops”

The best advice I can think of for existing troops and potential troops: don’t re-enlist and don’t join in the first place. You and your families will be a lot better off if you’re alive and not blind, with all your faculties and limbs. Don’t serve crooked bosses like Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and Rove. For these guys you are expendable collateral. That’s the hard facts. Bush won’t even attend funerals of those who have died in HIS war. Bad PR, bad form and all that, you know.

I’m doing this from a library in SoCal so before I leave I’ll look for the progressive mags and put them on the racks at the end of the shelves so that someone will have to reshelve them and while they do it either notice the content or notice that they’ve been used. #5 page 36. I never would have thought of that one on my own.

Valley Girl 35–
Yes, yes yes! It’s the #1 thing to do when you’re starting out. Find something you can do that reinforces your political identity and makes you proud of what you believe. Be public in a way that empowers you. Everything in a movement—our movement—depends on courageous, committed individuals!!!

Shell @
38

Thanks for the book. At first, I thought, “I probably know these” but after reading the short descriptions here, I realized that was not true! I got ideas just from that. (Example: ask your library to get more progressive magazines” I would never have thought of that. I am still in the GRIPE mode on such things. *I* need to say something!

So, I’m ordering the book today! Thanks.

I think a lot of people have that reaction at first glance. Since the book purposefully has a title with pop-appeal, a lot of people may think that “simple” things are things we all know, but they’re not, and they are all in this one resource.

No one should make the mistake of undervaluing this book and its practical potential, over and over again. This is the kind of book you where can wear through the binding from repeated readings, references, dog ears, etc.

john
yes, Rick Trent just won the three way primary

RevDeb 37 –
No, I don’t think so. We ARE approaching a point where there are enough people creating groups or joining forces in some way that the groundwork is being laid to build a strong movement on it. the next step, as I point out in my book, is for people like us to pick one or two to get involved with. WE are the critical mass that hasn;t happened yet. It takes our getting involved to take the movement to the next level.

Pach:

While it is true that bloggers can have an effect in the age of post modern political campaigning, as Jerome Armstrong points out, bloggers can only help amplify and maybe assist in organizing what on-the-ground people are doing. Bloggers are in many respects the media manifestation of a much larger people-powered movement, but the people-powered movement comes first. How can you build that in your home town?

You say “can only help amplify and maybe assist” like that’s not much. I disagree with your downplaying of amplification and assistance, and I think you’ve missed a lot beyond that.

Amplification matters a great deal. Progressives don’t have the same media machine and wingnut welfare think tank farm system that the right does, and so the amplification via the blogs is critical to getting through the static that all too often is out there from the right.

Assistance in organizing matters a great deal, and I think we’re seeing the beginnings of this being far more than a “maybe, sometimes, perhaps a little bit” kind of thing. When the blogs went after NARAL at the national level for endorsing Joe, they assisted the local NARAL folks in organizing behind Ned. Standing up to your own national organization’s leaders is never easy, no matter what the organization is, and to have friends in the blogosphere providing assistance to organize against the national folks was critical, IMHO, to helping that fight to take place.

Finally, I think you are missing at least one more verb in that sentence: how about “inspire”?

When the posters and commenters here at FDL began focusing more and more on CT, it inspired people outside CT look at their own local settings to see how similar kinds of activities might help their own particular progressives. One of my favorite comments that kept showing up was how folks were trying to come up with versions of the KISS float that would create the same visual and political impact on their local races. Another example: when different commenters here would post their letters to their senators or representatives (”Sen Boxer, how could you . . . ?”), others would be moved to borrow an image or phrase or argument, and reshape it in a letter of their own.

Blogs have made political cross-pollenization between difference races not just more likely, but downright unavoidable. Fact checking is a great negative example. No longer can a candidate speak out of both sides of his or her mouth, saying one thing here and another thing there. Media messages and framing are good positive examples. No longer do folks have to reinvent the wheel in each and every race, but a good blog discussion thread can hash things out in ways that will support progressives in dozens of races at the same time.

Blogs like this one that motivate folks to learn from what’s going on in one place and taking it to another . . . shucks, that’s downright inspiring to this progressive.

John @37

Well, the invitation has been sent out. It is up to us to bring the troops to the battle. I have to tell you that reading through the whole book back when we had the conference call was really energizing. I am looking forward to starting groups and gathering people to go through it page by page, thing by thing and getting folks to commit to doing some of them. Come Sept. it is one of the first things I’ll be doing when back at work.

Hopefully the new Roots web site will also be a way of getting people into action mode. Sitting and typing to one another is one thing. Actually doing actions on the ground is another. That’s what is so exciting about the Roots Project.

Valley Girl at 35 -

Your observation rings so true.

When I was up in Connecticut volunteering, I just felt great to be wearing a Lamont sticker, and I think it showed in the way that I acted toward others and they reacted towards me.

I am not necessarily the most outgoing person in my day-to-day life, but when I was representing the Lamont campaign, I had a message and a cause that helped to immediately break the ice with strangers.

When you get right down to it, if you can publicly associate yourself with progressive candidates in an enthusiastic, positive and inclusive manner, then it will be taken by others as a sign of pride and strength – making it “okay” for others to vote for such candidates themselves. Visible, public support is so important!

One example, I enjoy running outdoors in city parks. Before the 2004 elections, I went a t-shirt store and had them make a shirt that simply said “Vote Kerry”. I wore that shirt as often as I could when I went running in public places – and people reacted very positively.

Integrating a positive, supportive message about a candidate that you support into your daily routine by wearing a shirt, button, or bumper sticker is an easy way to reach out to your fellow citizens, a great conversation starter, and it feels darn good.

The most important thing to remember about this sort of “bumper sticker politics” is that the most effective message is a positive message. The point that we make as individuals when we support a candidate publicly is that we believe in them so sincerely that we are willing to identify ourselves with them.

This willingness to identify with a candidate speaks volumes to others – far more than a negative message about the opponent candidate ever would.

I’ll second Peterr 45
The blogs provide community, empower people who feel they’re alone in their views, give people a sense that a movement exists, etc.
That’s all critically important. Historically, the people out of power tend to find an outlet in underutilized media, and make the best of it. Rush and his gang took over the moribund AM radio and turned it into a right-wing propaganda machine. Internet/Blogs are our answer to that.

It’s improtant to remember, however, that blogs are just a piece of the incipient progressive movment. There are a lot of other pieces that need our participation just as much.

What I found that I was guilty of abandoning such things as our local Arizona Republic(ian) Newspaper because I just could not read it anymore. The choice is there, allow them to run amuck printing anything they want without rebuttal or holding them accountable on a daily basis.

1. Take back your local media… read it, call the TeeVee stations with the stick or carrot. Do not let them get away with it anymore but reward them for being fair. I have done the same with the local libraries. Not anymore…

2. Use your local media …. Labor Day, our local Air America station will be broadcasting all day with local talk hosts for a drive for items for the MOSUL COMBAT SUPPORT HOSPITAL . This was after last years very successful drive for supplies for the Katrina evacuees that came to Phoenix.

FDL and John should be getting a few pennies from Amazon — I just ordered the book from the upper lefthand corner here …

john, hi! of course, the book and suggestions are a stellar contribution to the movement. i am wondering about labeling everything ‘right’ & ‘left’. doesn’t that in many ways encourage a negative partisan way of thinking about civil life. aren’t these labels somewhat reactionary?

Brkily 51
Good question. In a perfect world, we’d get rid of the labels. And It may be that America will get sick of a sense of polarization sooner than later and someone will emerge as a legit centrist/uniter. But for now, there are legit differences that are defined by the shorthand of left/right. Use them or not, as you choose. But pay attention to the differences.

I have just ordered several copies, as this is exactly what I’m looking for. I have a blog called “Operation Preaching To The Choir” and I’m trying to reach those liberals who have been on the sidelines for whatever reasons, and help them to realize we need them. I think a lot of people are so overwhelmed by the Big Red Machine that they don’t realize that small local action can make a difference. Everyone can’t be a full-time activist, but everyone can do something, no matter how small.

This book has exactly the right idea. Thank you for putting it out there, and be sure I’ll be quoting from it and linking to it liberally on my blog

Thank You John, for being here with us today, I’m looking forward to getting your book.

Last week someone asked if there was going to be a drive to make sure all of our Democratic congresscritters types get a copy of your book, like they did with Crashing the Gate. Does anyone know if there are plans to do something like this?

Even a hermit in the hills can write letters, make phone calls, ( I am almost on a first name basis with staff in my senators office) and get on the list for poll watching. Most rural polling stations have one individual working the whole day. I would add canvassing to my list if there were a decent candidate for Gov. Perhaps I will get up to Missouri and help (GOTV) Claire McCaskill for US Senate. The next step on my list, contact the local party people.
Fortunately I live in a blue town, but I can’t second the point of running for local office without a cheer. Do it! It’s fun and has enormous impact.
Thanks for a simple book full of inspiration. I take this out for an easy discussion guide several times a week.
Everyone should have a copy.

Eureka:

One of the things I love about this book is how it gives hope to people in “red” territory that there are things they can do to make a difference.

johnj thanks!

HeirofPatriots- I agree with you on poll working (assuming I have understood the term correctly) versus GOTV.

And, from my experience being a Lamont poll worker in CT- perhaps my experience was atypical, but where I was, I watched body language of voters on their way in to the polls- and no one I encountered was in a chatty mood on the way in. So, I didn’t force myself on anyone. NO ONE wanted a “palm card”. (Oh, BTW, no Lieberman “poll workers.)

Since I was to be there all day, I tried to figure out to do that might be positive. Turned out that at least some people were more chatty on the way out- or had more positive body language that indicated they had voted for Ned. So I figured that the best thing I could do was try to engage those who seemed so inclined, and reinforce them for voting, and especially reinforce them for voting for Ned, if they made that clear. People took the “palm cards” afterwards- with my gambit- maybe you’d like a souvenir? If they said yes, I followed up with- and maybe you could give some to people who haven’t voted yet? People did seem quite delighted with that sort of positive attention! And, I did have some really fascinating and quite long conversations! I’m learning.

shez 54
No, I don’t know of any effort to do that—but I’ll gladly supply free books to anyone who wants to make a legit effort to do it. Contact me thru 50simplethings.com

Valley Girl 57
It always helps to tell people they matter. It empowers them. The cool thing is that it also makes you feel that way…for mattering to THEM.

By the way—thanks for all the kind comments about the book. It makes the effort (and it was a hell of an effort) all worthwhile!

how long did it take to write the book?

Pach – So true. Somehow in conversations the tangibility (is that a word?) of the book, takes the “what can I do?” right out of the equation. For an action person it’s gold.)

When you watch TV or read the newspaper, or listen to most talk radio, the sense of being outnumbered and marginalized is reinforced by the lack of coverage of our point of view. What to you thin would be a good way to combat this? (I’m speaking about regular folks, not us rabid liberal nutbags!)

This handy-sized book with the go-gettum messages never fails to re-energize me. When I got my first batch of them I took them over to the local Dem BBQ and introduced myself to my local candidate with one in hand as a gift. We live in a sparsely populated area where doorbell knocking types of spreading the message would take a Lance Armstrong . Also, not very many people in this district are online, nor do they want to be. Fortunately for me, our candidate is progressive in the best possible way (Peter Goldmark). Long story short, he listened, he’s getting connected with bloggers and he had a great diary up at Kos on Friday where the support and energy was terrific. AND, he and his staff have a copy of your book.

Great list! And I’m glad to see it all in one place.

I particularly like #47. Defusing differences between people is important. Karl Rove loves to crank up the phony differences so he can shove America as far right as possible.

I want to add one small practical item to the list. I worked on an election board in 2004 and we were swamped with provisonal ballots. The main problem in our precinct was people moving within the neighborhood thinking they could easily go back to their old voting place, but there are other reasons people turn to provisional ballots. I’m glad provisional ballots exist but they should be a last option. People should make sure they’re properly registered and that they know where to go to vote. They should check to make sure their friends are properly registered. And if you’re a volunteer, it would help to make sure when you talk to people to remind them to be properly registered.

Here’s three problems with provisional ballots. 1) They slow down the voting process. 2) They’re easily challenged in a close vote. 3) They’re counted last which can be a problem if there’s a close vote since perceptions of initial numbers are important. This may not seem a big item but I’m in favor of making elections as smooth as possible.

I have a self-proclaimed liberal neighbor who walks around doing the “woe is us” number all the time. I have, on several occasions asked him what he is doing about it, besides bitching. He never has an answer. I may have to give him a copy to get him to stop whining and do something already. If he can’t find things to do from this book he is beyond hope.

The book took about a year and a half to write. I’ve written about 50 books, and that’s the longest of any of them. The difficulty was in trying to make sure that every action was not only personally meaningful, but also really contributed to changing things by strengthening the movement. No one wants to do things in a void, and this is not just a self-help book.

Alicia 63
I’d suggest that someone who’s a not-terribly-active progressive get a few of the URLs from the book and go online to see what the groups are doing. It’s incredibly energizing to see how many committed progressives are out there creating new infrastructure. You realize how much is going on below the radar of most media.

Alicia @ 63

When you watch TV or read the newspaper, or listen to most talk radio, the sense of being outnumbered and marginalized is reinforced by the lack of coverage of our point of view. What to you thin would be a good way to combat this? (I’m speaking about regular folks, not us rabid liberal nutbags!)

Stop watching television or certainly stop allowing it to be the main source of news. I discovered blogs march ‘06. Tired of watching the tube for a couple of months and determined to find something, anything, other than TV news. I only watch it now for the stupid laugh effect that so many of us enjoy in the lake.

Craig 65
#6 of the 50 things is finding an unregistered progressive and not only registering them, but working with them thruout the campaign to make sure they understand the issues and candidates, and even helping them find their polling place and taking them to vote. That’s a responsibility many of us could take on.

HeirofPatriots @ 25

The sample chapters available for download are very good. I’ve requested my library to order the book to counter all the wingnut books they have on the shelf.

Pach, I bookmarked this link last week that HeirofPatriots kindly put up for us. Do you think you could ‘update’ your post to include it for the people who come late and may not have time to read the comments? It would also be handy for other bloggers to have this link to John’s site, for the review and promotion of the book that they hopefully are doing on their sites to help spread the word. *g*
(Note to Self: write a review and walk the talk)

For anyone who has a blog or a website, I highly recommend linking to John’s site and the sample chapters as a regular feature rather than in just an occasional post.

JohnJ- I went to Amazon to check out what other books you’ve written, but haven’t gotten that far yet. I was struck by one of the spotlight reviews- sorry, I can’t seem to find a way to link that particular review, but right now it is at the top of the reviews. Here is the text: (and I thought that the 3rd party mention was particularly interesting).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ…..8;n=283155

~~This book helped to re-energize my commitment to progressive politics. The websites recommended are worth the price, but even more valuable is the political philosophy inherent in this book, to wit: a well-written explanation of why the authors chose to support a the progressive wing of the Democratic Party rather than a third party such as the Greens. I have been stuggling with this issue for several years, and have finally come to the same conclusion as this book–We need to build the existing infrastructure of the Democratic Party just as the hard right has built the Republican Party by speaking to their base. This may sound polarizing, and indeed it may BE polarizing, but even if it is, this is simply a true reflection of the philosophical and political state of this country. I do not seek to compromise or find common ground with the proponents of neo-conservatism, but rather to wrest political power from their collective grasp. This book is an excellent manual to that end.~~

VG – Nice find.

Valley Girl 73
I haven’t written under my own name since 1989. In fact, this book doesn’t even have my name in it. For example: All of the 50 Simple Things books were written as the EarthWorks Group.

The adopt a candidate #13 is outstanding. Many good folks running for local office have to much pride to ask for help. I brought an old friend to tears once when I popped in with some cash for her campaign. A few hundred dollars can fund entire campaigns.

Sorry to have not yet read the book, which may contain the answer to my question: what mags are progressive? I work in a special collections library (Marine & Wildlife) where the mainstream mags are Nature and Science. I’ll be happy to donate a sub or two to my local public library.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 69

Alicia @ 63

When you watch TV or read the newspaper, or listen to most talk radio, the sense of being outnumbered and marginalized is reinforced by the lack of coverage of our point of view. What to you thin would be a good way to combat this? (I’m speaking about regular folks, not us rabid liberal nutbags!)

Stop watching television or certainly stop allowing it to be the main source of news. I discovered blogs march ‘06. Tired of watching the tube for a couple of months and determined to find something, anything, other than TV news. I only watch it now for the stupid laugh effect that so many of us enjoy in the lake.

I’ve abandoned TV and the whole MSM years ago, but I realize that for most average Americans, that’s not an option. Most people aren’t prepared to make that kind of a drastic change in their worldview. But nevertheless, I know that most people are uncomfortable with the direction we’re going in, but when there is no representation of your point of view except to be referred to as ‘out of touch’ or ‘far left fringe loonies’, it’s hard to feel like taking action – suppose nobody’s with you? Suppose you are a ‘crazy fringe lefty’? If you watch any amount of TV that would appear to be so. It’s a whole lot easier to get involved if you can see that others are, too.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 68

Alicia @ 63

When you watch TV or read the newspaper, or listen to most talk radio, the sense of being outnumbered and marginalized is reinforced by the lack of coverage of our point of view. What to you thin would be a good way to combat this? (I’m speaking about regular folks, not us rabid liberal nutbags!)

Stop watching television or certainly stop allowing it to be the main source of news. I discovered blogs march ‘06. Tired of watching the tube for a couple of months and determined to find something, anything, other than TV news. I only watch it now for the stupid laugh effect that so many of us enjoy in the lake.

I totally disagree… see my comment @48.. we need to take back the media. I myself have been guilty of this too. We need to call & write them to hold them accountable but also to tell them when they do good.

When we abandon the media, then “they” can use it anyway they want. We cannot rely on MediaMatters to hold our local media accountable.

Eureka- thanks. And, I would def. second your advice, which was in essence, turn off the mind pollution. For myself, that is the only way that I can stay sane- I don’t watch TV or listen to radio! I get my news from the internet. And, I rely on FDLers to point me to really interesting reads, apart from what I discover myself. Many TV pieces are available as transcripts or video and so I do “watch” in a sense, but very selectively. For example, I watched Colbert’s WH Correspondent’s dinner thingy, the Tester/ Burns debate, etc. etc.

#11 in the book is “Consider the Alternatives.” There are quite a lot of interesting and informative alternatives to mainstream media. But there’s no reason to abandon mainstream media altogether. It’s just important to augment it with a progressive perspective. I would also strongly suggest logging on to Media Matters regularly

John J #75- well, for whatever reason you are Amazon-linked to the book. I googled your name, and the 2nd link showed up with a sublink to “50 Simple Things You Can Do to Fight the Right”

John’s been with us almost two hours now, and has been very generous with his time. He might stick around, but please thank him for spending time with us today and for all he’s done with this book.

Thanks, John!

katymine- a p.s. Actually, through FDL I have found some egregious media stuff, and based on what I read or see via video files, I have written letters in response to whomever. So, in my case, it’s not either/or.

Thanks JohnJ- I’ve really enjoyed reading your great comments.

johnj @ 81

#11 in the book is “Consider the Alternatives.” There are quite a lot of interesting and informative alternatives to mainstream media. But there’s no reason to abandon mainstream media altogether. It’s just important to augment it with a progressive perspective. I would also strongly suggest logging on to Media Matters regularly

Thanks John. I subscribe to both MM and Fair Newsletters. But I never hesitate to email them when I see something that needs highlighting. When the Debbie Howell thing came up at WaPo, the first thing I did was pop them an email. Not that I didn’t have faith that they’d discover it but why take chances? They invite readers to do just that. Another simple thing. So many simple ideas, so little time…my mind is whirling.

Thank you so much, John! I thought I would have missed you, getting online at 3 PST. What you’re doing is the most important way I can think of of getting our voice back. And, unlike the powers that be – we’re not trying to ‘crush the opposition’ – we just want our voice and our numbers to be heard. As liberals, we (or at least I) believe that our point of view has enough validity to withstand honest debate and criticism instead of simply eliminating it.

katymine – I really like what you and many others are doing with the fight back approach to MSM and I support you all when suggested letters are mentioned. Alicia sparked the “What about those who are not so critically watching the media?” types and what to suggest to them. I don’t have padded walls near my television or sufficient ( instant gratification) answers for that good question. *g*

Thanks John – This book will help many for years. Wonderful work!

Pach & everyone:
I’ll stay on a few more minutes, then quietly sign off. I’ve enjoyed it very much. Thanks for the opportunity to discuss the book, and more important, the subject of individual action. I look forward to working with—and supporting—the Roots Project in the future. Keep up the great work!

Thanks JohnJ. I’ve looked at a couple of those sample chapters. You should put that page in the Website line on the comment form.

Pachacutec – Special thanks to you sir.)

John…

Thanks for giving your time and for being on the correct side of “things”.

John it was a pleasure to meet you at Yearlykos and to join the discussion. Really happy to let you know the ripple effects of your book. That a group in a so-called Red State in Arizona using your 50 things and putting them into action!

VG – I quit watching TV years ago(except for all those shows we all watch), the missing white woman crap just turned me off and stopped the local paper due to their right leanings. Then reading 50 Things realizing that I gave up an opportunity to hold my local paper & TeeVee stations accountable. Now I try get the paper on the weekends, write to them to hold them accountable and finding they are more fair than I remember. I call the local TeeVee stations when they report a story fairly.

1. Decisions are made by folks in attendance, not spectators.

Most county or precinct meetings are small. Show up. Volunteer. Deliver.

You’ll be given additional responsibilities quicker than you can say “Bob’s your uncle.”

If enough progressives do that, then progressives will run the grass roots of the party.

If we run the grassroots, we win.

2.Hook everybody you know up to FDL, Digby, Daily Kos, Alternet, etc. Great way to get the message out and interact.

3. Make get out the vote plans now. I believe 2006 will be a tipping point, and the ground game will determine the outcome. Why do you think Reps are going overtly racist? Activating the base.

We counter with vision, competence and integrity.

JohnJ, thanks again. And Pach thanks- I see you have updated the article with a link to sample chapters.

Thanks for visiting John. I just came back and think I could definitely use a little checklist to turn my state around. I tend to just get an idea and fly off. A little focus and planning would be a great benefit for me. Thank you.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 88

katymine – I really like what you and many others are doing with the fight back approach to MSM and I support you all when suggested letters are mentioned. Alicia sparked the “What about those who are not so critically watching the media?” types and what to suggest to them. I don’t have padded walls near my television or sufficient ( instant gratification) answers for that good question. *g*

Think about your friends and families what say, “What’s a blog?” when you tell them what you’re doing. This is what we have to address. We are not in the majority (people who have flung themselves headlong into online action). So we need to find solutions that work with the majority of people, who do e-mail and that’s about it. I agree that we need to take back the media from the Fox Truth Blocker. We need big money and big liberal investors like the right has.

Thanks John! Very inspiring and brilliant work, I can see why Pach says this book is our adopted “Handbook”. (Adopt to win!)

I start my DFA meeting with “If you are not DOING SOMETHING then you have no right to whine”.

We do a round table where each attendee provide a few minutes of what they are doing. Just checking out a progressive magazine is doing something. Attending a progressive group meeting is doing something.

Register 5 people to vote
Ask them to register 5 people to vote
Talk to your grocery clerk, drycleaner clerk, hair dresser, daycare worker etc about how important it is to vote.
Call in to your local radio shows… you really are Not alone.

Live by passing it forward.

John –

Thanks for being with us this afternoon!

Here’s an idea for promoting awarenss of the book — give comp copies to influential inividuals in Progressive groups.

In early September, there is going to be a confab in Denver of Drinking Liberally hosts from all over the country. Would the publisher be able to offer some comp copies of the book?

If not, would it be worthwhile for FDL to sponsor a bulk purchase for distribution — similar to the Crashing the Gate Capitol Hill initiative?

Moderator comment: see http://www.50simplethings.org/sample.html for sample chapters. Sorry I can’t figure out how to make this into a link, but savvy net folks will know how to make this work.

Somewhere in this mess of a filesystem I have answers to some of the technical questions people ask here. Is there enough interest to turn it into a manual page or some such? There are quite a few references out there already, like the W3 Schools Online Web Tutorials.

Alicia @ 98

Thankfully I have a local Air America station but when I didn’t I listened on XM. When I do my errands I take my walkman radio or XM-togo radio listening. When anyone asks what I am listening to(and they do) I tell them about our great progressive station.

Radio is old media with a new format. Because of the discussions and information provided from the blogs, then the listeners move to the next level. I saw this occur in the first year of our station. Listeners who went out and bought a computer so they could stream online and read the blog articles.

There is a retired military guy on the Oregon coast that has a very large email list and sends out articles & blog posts to a group that has grown from a bunch of seniors. Any one of heard of PrintandPost is on that email chain. I copy diaries, posts, comments, etc and send them out to friends on my email list with the link so that they can read it too. You too can be a gorilla media person.

I actually found out about FDL because Jane was interviewed by a local radio talk show host. Then all was lost because I am addicted!

katymine @ 4:17 pm (#103) – You too can be a gorilla media person.

We haven’t met, but I suspect you’re more of a guerrilla media person.

I do the same, katy – I’m trying to ‘evangelize’, I suppose the word would be, to the people I come in contact with. I carry around some book I’m reading – John Dean, Greg Palast, whatever (this new one will be my constant companion, I can tell!) and when people ask what I’m reading, it is an opportunity to discuss. Certainly the right has benefited by evangelizing – why shouldn’t we? Person-to-person is what we need.

Thanks John for a great book. I am working hard to practice 12 “Hear, Hear,” which is one of the hardest for me.

The thing is anyone can be a gorilla media person.

I call up a radio show and make a point that I found on XXX blog, direct them to that blog to read more. I email them too with blog links and stories.

Got my college girls reading Taylor Marsh during the Lebanon military action because I could not answer all their questions. Now Taylor has two non-political college girls reading and they are telling their friends.

Just one person at a time.

Wikipedia

Guerrilla, from the Spanish term guerra, or War, with the -illa ending diminutive, could be translated as small war. The term was invented in Spain to describe the tactics used to resist the French regime instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte. The -illa term accepts the unequal fight between civilians against an organized State Army. Its meaning was soon broadened to refer to any similar resistance of any time or place. The Spanish word for guerrilla fighter is guerrillero. The change of usage of guerrilla from the tactics employed to the person implementing them is a late 19th century mistake: in most languages the word still denotes the specific style of warfare. However, this is changing under the influence of broad English usage.

I recently signed up to read books with students at a high school near me. The book we are reading offers some opportunities to talk with the young men (all males in my group) about “universal themes.” The book is about the Civil War, but the (universal themes) door opens to talk about everything from recruitment and politics to drive by shootings, gangs and how these things connect to other times and places as well as to our time and place.

I think it is a way to introduce ideas about the world to students who may not have access to a lot of adults (and thereby ideas) outside their families. . .perhaps help them learn to be critical thinkers and open them to ideas that will help them to challenge what they are fed in the media etc.

*ilson46201 @ 4:34 pm (#109) – Webster’s had a similar, if shorter, explanation of the term. I had to look it up, since I inevitably try to spell it with one ‘r’.

Everyone should know by now that I am spelling challanged… even with spellcheck…

Ok Guerrilla media person

Guerrilla tactics are based on intelligence, ambush, deception, sabotage, and espionage, undermining an authority through long, low-intensity confrontation. It can be quite successful against an unpopular foreign regime.

Here’s the specific W3 Schools page on creating HTML links.

Sorry to be off-topic, but since it’s come up …

bg- that sounds like a great thing that you are doing. How did you find this opportunity?

Guerrilla? Viva Zapatistas!

“word of mouth” is the new MSM, anyway. all the BIG boys, ad agencies & PR firms, etc. are trying to figure out how to co-opt the “viral” and guerrilla modes of new communication.

The best part is this:

The fighters may coalesce into groups for tactical purposes, but their general state is dispersed. Such fighters cannot be “rounded up.” They cannot be contained. They are extremely difficult to “defeat” because they cannot be brought to battle in significant numbers.

Pretty much explains the roots project…

katymine @ 111

Everyone should know by now that I am spelling challanged… even with spellcheck…

Ok Guerrilla media person

Guerrilla tactics are based on intelligence, ambush, deception, sabotage, and espionage, undermining an authority through long, low-intensity confrontation. It can be quite successful against an unpopular foreign regime.

I for one know exactly what you meant. As long as you do it – that’s what counts!

p.s. bg and others- I am particularly interested because as part of my NSF grant application I had to include “wider impact”- which basically means, what am I doing to spread the word about the importance of scientific endeavors. These days science and politics are inextricably linked, of course. So, if you or others have some good ideas as how I can become more involved in a visible way locally as to science/ politics, I’d really welcome your input.

bg @ 110

I think it is a way to introduce ideas about the world to students who may not have access to a lot of adults (and thereby ideas) outside their families. . .perhaps help them learn to be critical thinkers and open them to ideas that will help them to challenge what they are fed in the media etc.

And oh how the media loves to tell us what they think we –not just kids–think. It creates such a wide gulf, especially when the framing is so dichotomous or in terms of “morality.” Ex: Either you do or you don’t support same-sex marriage. But if you frame that question in terms of whether or not people think the gov. should be allowed to intrude on people’s personal lives, the answer will be entirely different.

I have a couple problems with Working Assets…they use/waste a phenomenal amount of paper in their mailings, and they buy their service from Sprint.

Valley Girl @ 114

bg- that sounds like a great thing that you are doing. How did you find this opportunity?

My daughter mentors middle school kids through the Education department at ASU. They offer these programs as part of their college program. She was responsible with helping with homework, connecting kids to social programs if needed and helping keeping kids in school.

Schools are looking for volunteers to help mentor/tutor kids in many areas. Also the Boys and Girls Club is another way.

I doubt John is still lurking, but maybe he will return to read to the end, so I will add my hello and a huge thankyou for all the hard work on this great book. I got my copy at YKos and have kept it next to my bed for those moments when I hear scary insanity on my ever-present radio. I can seldom get here in time for Book Salon, but love the list of excellent authors and their work our hosts have developed for us. I am daily grateful for the inspired work Christy, Jane and Pach (et al) pour into firedoglake for our benefit.

Many thanks and blessings.

Missouri Bird- I too have been wondering about Working Assets- I have seen a few comments at FDL that their service was not the best. By saying this, I am not meaning to take anything away from the power of the book. But, I would choose other ways to fight, based on what I have read.

Alicia @ 4:47 pm (#118) – I for one know exactly what you meant.

As did I. I just thought that this particular spelling error was humorous under the circumstances.

bg, what a great thing to do. My sister, a former features editor for a NYT affiliate in FL does a volunteer thing with the local CA high school, helping them with their school paper.

Hi Zen- I know that this is a no-no off topic, but did you see my rec. for Bar Keepers Friend as a way to clean your garbage can?

Having said that, I hope I can be saved by an On-Topic comment- the Book Salon, including today’s discussion is really wonderful.

Working Assets is a for-profit corporation, but they support progressive causes. It ain’t the best, but it’s one of the few corporations with progressive support built into the business model.

The founder of Progressive Insurance was one of the big donors to the indenpendent progressive groups in 2004. While the corporation doesn’t directly support our faves (as far as I know) this is another way to make a statement with your recurring expenses.

concerning Working Assets — John presented 50 suggestions — all 50 are not mandatory !

Ok ok… it is make fun of katymine day ;)

Missouri Bird @
121

I have a couple problems with Working Assets…they use/waste a phenomenal amount of paper in their mailings, and they buy their service from Sprint.

My issue with Working Assets is that they use MBNA for their credit card. I cancelled after the bankruptsy bill vote and had a long battle with Working Assets about their credit card company of choice. I was told that the good they can do with the money they get from MBNA out weights the bad part of MBNA. So when I cancelled the card I told them, using their reasoning, it would be ok for me to rob banks as long as I was feeding the homeless with the money.

*ilson, you are such a joy.

No, Valley Girl, I fell asleep and have had to forego trying to catch up with all the posts and comments I’ve missed. I will absolutely try it, they have it at the grocery store, never even thought about it!

Did lotus ever see my suggestion about using denture tabs for her toilet? Sorry I have no suggestion for your problem.

Thanks and sorry for OT, but this is a huge help.

katymine- lol!!!

Education is THE most valuable thing we can give our children, after love.

VG, i just learned about this today- what an eye opener. municipalities and industries are doing something called …

“Subsurface injection of liquid waste is the emplacement of waste liquids associated with manufacturing, sewage treatment, petroleum production, and other activities for disposal purposes into porous geologic formations. The emplacement is accomplished by pumping wastes down a well designed for waste disposal. Some wastes, such as highly concentrated acids used in the steel industry, require wells made of specialized alloy or fiberglass construction materials. Sandstones, unconsolidated sands, and fractured and solution-riddled limestones are the typical geologic formations that are used to dispose of liquid waste.

I found the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program only because i get google earthquake alerts and it seems some of these injection wells are causing small earthquakes.
the pollution of our drinking water is, among other things, a very political issue.

If one of the 50 do not fit you… move on… Do NOT get hung up on a single item. There are a lot of them to do….

I saw that one, and just moved on…. Because the other 49 were sooooo good.

VG, All personal town-gown feelings about Yale aside, I know a friend of mine felt great about teaching HS kids for the language program and the kids and parents were enthusiastic. I don’t know what I am trying to say but I sometimes think parents –and seniors tend to be the most powerful collectively and politically. University outreach/programming/ and making allies of the community , maybe.

new thread — 3 cheers for Kerry !

BTW… Valley Girl, I am so glad to see you back at the lake

Zen- I’m not sure that lotus did see it. But, it was a pretty funny (lol) thread when we got into how to clean the toilet stuff, etc.. I really think that we need a “hints to home-impaired” thread to replace at least one of the “recipe” threads. I have one of those ceramic (?) topped stoves- present upon my arrival, and BKF is a great and much cheaper alternative for cleaning stove top than the extra super duper expensive special stuff.

Since so many familiar folk are here, could I impose and ask for a moment of your energy for a patient? My friend Ruth is 93 and just needs some of our communal thought power to send her some comfort and peace. Tell her it’s ok to relax, she’s safe and loved.

Many thanks.

VG connecting science to politics is something we can do, sort of in the 50 things way, right, & not OT!!

brkily @ 135

VG, i just learned about this today- what an eye opener. municipalities and industries are doing something called …

“Subsurface injection of liquid waste is the emplacement of waste liquids . . .

I found the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program only because i get google earthquake alerts and it seems some of these injection wells are causing small earthquakes.

The pollution of our drinking water is, among other things, a very political issue.

In the 1960’s, the Denver Metro area experienced a bunch of small earthquakes — the largest was 4.7 or 4.9. It turned out they were caused by a 10,000 ft deep injection well at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal. When they stopped pumping, the earthquakes stopped.

katymine- thanks you are so sweet. FDL and its commenters are the greatest bunch. I just felt so bad about not being able to keep it up full bore moderating. *ilson is my present mod hero. xxoo

I love that idea, VG, but those threads are always on Sat am when I’m seeing patients. They are wonderful to read later, though, but the recipe ones make me very, very hungry! We sure have a lot of great chefs here, don’t we?
I would have to send my hints to Christy ahead of time, I guess. I have a bunch, I’m kind of funny that way.

Zen- this is done, on my part. You are another sort of hero/ heroine. much love.

zennurse @ 141

Since so many familiar folk are here, could I impose and ask for a moment of your energy for a patient? My friend Ruth is 93 and just needs some of our communal thought power to send her some comfort and peace. Tell her it’s ok to relax, she’s safe and loved.

Many thanks.

speaking of helping high school kids — don’t forget Mr. Lamont — his students helped make one of his best campaign commercials !

i’m on board too zen…

brkily- I have never considered doing an FDL post, although I’ve commented about science and/or politics many times. Perhaps I need to think about something that might weave the two together, and perhaps be accepted by the Ladies of the Lake. Bushco. has put us in such deep sh*t, not only on the political front, but also as to scientific understanding. Thanks.

my own grandmother’s name was Ruth… miss her.
going above now…

we so NEED powerfully speaking scientists… Do It VG!

I doubt anyone’s still onboard here, but I thought I’d come back and add one more entry: A quote from Bill Moyers, when he was discussing the power of the Progressive movement. He said:
“Ideas have power – as long as they are not frozen in doctrine. But ideas need legs. The eight-hour day, the minimum wage, the conservation of natural resources and the protection of our air, water, and land, women’s rights and civil rights, free trade unions, Social Security and a civil service based on merit – all these were launched as citizen’s movements and won the endorsement of the political class only after long struggles and in the face of bitter opposition and sneering attacks. It’s just a fact: Democracy doesn’t work without citizen activism and participation, starting at the community. Trickle down politics doesn’t work much better than trickle down economics. It’s also a fact that civilization happens because we don’t leave things to other people. What’s right and good doesn’t come naturally. You have to stand up and fight for it – as if the cause depends on you, because it does. Allow yourself that conceit – to believe that the flame of democracy will never go out as long as there’s one candle in your hand.”

johnj- well, I just read your comment, and it is a great one. Thanks. I do think that many FDL folks, who for whatever reason could not participate in the Book Salon, do nonetheless read the comments after the fact. The Book Salon is one of the most energizing features of FDL, so I’m sure that your comment will be read!!! Thanks again for your contribution.

John,

What VG said.

Valley Girl – Just returned from hot evening yard work. Our Sunday Market includes so many creative ideas. I would think in some areas outdoor art, food, theatre, dance, massage, politics, make your own tie die etc. One could apply science in a booth for sunday masses. Not sure how or what, just a good relaxed crowd with time and curiosity ripe for the learning experience. Probably not to expensive. fwiw

Valley Girl @ 57

And, from my experience being a Lamont poll worker in CT- perhaps my experience was atypical, but where I was, I watched body language of voters on their way in to the polls- and no one I encountered was in a chatty mood on the way in. So, I didn’t force myself on anyone. NO ONE wanted a “palm card”. (Oh, BTW, no Lieberman “poll workers.)

Valley Girl – that was pretty much my experience. Most people just had their heads down going in to vote. And many of those voting for Lieberman would literally look away. However afterward many of the people who voted for Ned had big smiles on their faces and even came by to chat.

I did have a few folks who wanted to talk before they voted. Some were really tortured about the decision they were going to make – they wanted to vote for Lieberman but didn’t think he “got” it.

I do think it made a difference that the Lamont campaign had friendly, cheerful people at the polls, encouraging all folks to vote. And I think people who actually vote take it very seriously – they believe in democracy. Which is why what Lieberman is doing is so insulting to many, many voters in CT.

Forgot to thank you John.

I just ordered 3 copies of your book to share with friends and family.

dab from CT @ 156

Valley Girl @ 57

And, from my experience being a Lamont poll worker in CT- perhaps my experience was atypical, but where I was, I watched body language of voters on their way in to the polls- and no one I encountered was in a chatty mood on the way in. So, I didn’t force myself on anyone. NO ONE wanted a “palm card”. (Oh, BTW, no Lieberman “poll workers.)

I did have a few folks who wanted to talk before they voted. Some were really tortured about the decision they were going to make – they wanted to vote for Lieberman but didn’t think he “got” it.

I do think it made a difference that the Lamont campaign had friendly, cheerful people at the polls, encouraging all folks to vote. And I think people who actually vote take it very seriously – they believe in democracy. Which is why what Lieberman is doing is so insulting to many, many voters in CT.

From my perspective: Maybe it was my particular polling place (out in the country), but the mood was more raucus (& openly Lamont). I think if I can encourage or answer questions for even 1 out of 100 voters, it’s a good thing.

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