Over the Top

I've been thinking recently... (4.00 / 1)

that, between this type of procedural arrogance in our legislature
( from our Constitutional experts no less) , and an overtly political Supreme Court and thirdly through voter suppression--why do I and others work so hard at Democracy.

If O'Brian continues to get away with flaunting the Constitution, and if the Supremes overturn the "mandate" and if Romney becomes president because Florida won't allow Democrats to register voters -- well you get the point.

Speaking only for myself, I don't know where all this will lead (even if the worst doesn't happen, its an inolerable affront to democracy and decency)

But something would have to give for me personally. Maybe turn full time to protest songs in front of the Statehouse or something along those lines.

I hate to give up on the ballot box, but its getting harder and harder to keep faith in American Democracy as we've know it.

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by: Chaz Proulx @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 14:18:43 PM UTC

Great points, Chaz. (0.00 / 0)

I was discussing on Wednesday how disgusted I was when I heard the conservative talking points uttered by a Supreme Court Justice.

I have been continually disgusted by what O'Brien and his clan have/continue to do to our state.

We should think that people would see the national war on voters, women, the poor, the elderly, etc. and we see a greater support for our president.  That would be my idealism showing through.  Much to the contrary.  I have never seen such hate and vitriol towards our nation's leader.  I may not have cared for W but he was our president.  The attacks that have been launched by pundits and now filtering down to the common man are disturbing.

If Democrats loose in November, my faith will be completely shattered.

"We start working to beat these guys right now." -Jed Bartlet

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by: cblodg @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 14:47:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

cblog (0.00 / 0)

I knew I was far from alone.

My "faith" too will be completely shattered if "Democrats loose in November".

I would have to rethink my role ( as I age especially).

Funny thing is--this now feels like the 1960's when I dropped out of college and faced the draft.  

I'm feeling the same angst.

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by: Chaz Proulx @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 18:12:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You should be worried (0.00 / 0)

Many of us have been begging the Obama campaign to make sure people - especially college students - register to vote now, before the laws are changed to prevent them from registering. Next fall will be too late. Nothing has been done!

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by: calvin @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 14:40:13 PM UTC

Voter registration and motivation is a local issue (4.00 / 1)

We should not be leaving it to the Obama campaign, or any campaign.  Talk to everyone you know.  Let them know what is going on.  You would be surprised.  

A couple of years ago, I was talking to a friend--a bright, creative, successful woman in her middle years--who was deploring the state of the country.  I asked her who she had voted for in the last election.  She replied, "Oh, I don't vote.  that doesn't apply to me--I am in the Arts!"  I explained to her about Arts Councils and funding programs, and then ragged other until her name appeared on the voter roll at the town clerk's office.  

This is something each of us can and must do if we are to be successful.  Don't wait for anyone else to do it.

Here is a fact that should help you to fight a little longer.
Things that don't actually kill you outright make you stronger.

Piet Hein, Grooks

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by: Lucy Weber @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 19:02:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Lucy I agree (0.00 / 0)

Not to pick on Calvin, but in general with all that is going on people still don't get involved.

I have an entire circle of very bright liberal minded friends who go on and on about our current state of affairs yet do nothing.

They do vote, but are "too busy" to really get involved or even send a few dollars to worthy causes.

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by: Chaz Proulx @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 20:51:11 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I second (0.00 / 0)

that emotion.

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by: pberch @ Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 00:05:28 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Calvin (3.00 / 1)

this is off the point in this discussion I think, but please clarify.

I'm guessing you are a student.  

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by: Chaz Proulx @ Fri Mar 30, 2012 at 18:06:30 PM UTC

Worried (0.00 / 0)

Not a student but I live in a college town and know that there is no program by candidates to register young people to vote. So many young people, especially young women, are not registered even though they are old enough. With the voter suppression laws being promoted (and most likely to pass) across the country and here in NH, it may be very difficult and even impossible for thousands of them to register this fall for the November election. They're the ones with the biggest stake in this election. (Think global warming, Social Security, Medicare, Education, etc., etc.)

She Votes which is described below is great. It's also great to talk individually to people. But, in order to change the government in Concord, it will take a lot more than that. I mentioned the Obama campaign because they already have offices and staff all across the state. That's the scale that can make a real difference.

Chaz, as far as activists go, it's just not possible for everyone to find the time or energy. You and I do because it's so central to who we are. I've always thought bumper stickers, buttons and yard signs are one of the best ways to get the inactive people to take the first step towards involvement.  Next, get them to sign a letter and send it to the paper.

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by: calvin @ Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 16:34:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

SHE VOTES NH (4.00 / 3)

Last Saturday I attended the Committee to Elect House Democrats training.  We had an informative session but the best part may have been connecting with SHE VOTES NH, a grass roots organization which started in Kingston and is working to empower younger women to vote.  "I don't have time," "not my thing'" "I don't understand the issues" are all reasons given by younger women for not voting.  This has to change!! Women's reproductive freedoms are under attack.  We did not begin to see the full inclusion of women in American life until women could control their reproductive lives.  The beginning of a solution is right here, in our communities and in our social circles.  Lucy Weber is right when she says it starts with us.  Each one reach one is how we affect change.

Several women in Cheshire County will be meeting after April 14th to see how we can implement the ideas generated by Carol Croteau and the SHE VOTES NH group in Kingston.  If you would like to be included in this non partisan group or would like more information, I can be reached through the NH House website.  (Full disclosure, my grandmothers Julia Haven Thurber and Vera Sweet Saunders donned their hoop skirts many times to march for women's right to vote in Providence.  While both were short of stature I truly stand on the shoulders of giants!)  Cynthia Chase, Cheshire 3.

"It is true that the law can't change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless."  Martin Luther King

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by: cyndychase @ Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 02:38:49 AM UTC

High School voter registration? (0.00 / 0)

Info please.  In RI where I am from no one can graduate from high school without registering to vote.  If such a law is in place in NH then local citizens need to approach their local school district to ask to speak about the issues and why kids should care and why they should vote.  

If such a policy is not in place at your high school, well, here are some marching orders. CC

"It is true that the law can't change the heart, but it can restrain the heartless."  Martin Luther King

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by: cyndychase @ Sun Apr 01, 2012 at 03:53:22 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Jim Splaine introduced a bill on registering 17-year-olds (0.00 / 0)

in the 2010 session, IIRC.  Jim, can you shed light on current NH law?

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by: elwood @ Sun Apr 01, 2012 at 12:17:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

cyndi (0.00 / 0)

Thank Heaven for the Carol Croteau's out there.

I work with her regularly -- mostly because her energy helps me to keep going. She also has organized the Mid Rockingham Democrats. Raymond ( my town) is a member.

The people who sit on the sideline have no idea how inspiring they could be to the dependable activists who show up time after time..

And a lot of us aren't getting any younger.

Oh well time to stop moaning!

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by: Chaz Proulx @ Sat Mar 31, 2012 at 04:48:16 AM UTC