A bit of burnout?

Be like a Republican (0.00 / 0)

You've got to learn to just say no.  LOL

It's true direct democracy is just too time-consuming.  That's why we have representatives.  We shouldn't have to be holding their hands and giving them day-by-day direction.  But, if we don't competent representation now, it's because there was a flaw in the selection process.  We've let a lot of self-selected (or picked by special interests) people assume the in loco parentis position without making sure they know what they're doing.

It was probably in anticipation that this might happen that the people who set this system up provided for two-year terms to test them.  If we don't throw out the incompetents, then that really is our fault.

I'm makin' a list and checkin' it twice of the hes and shes that have definitely worn out their welcome.  This week I added Ike Skelton.  Can't see why the people of Missouri trust him, other than because they still "like Ike" and Red Skelton used to make them laugh.  Must be really frustrating for Shea-Porter to have him as Chair of the Armed Services Committee.

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by: hannah @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 07:11:19 AM CDT

Sometimes you have to pick and choose (0.00 / 0)

It isn't easy, but stop feeling guilty!  Don't try to do everything, and don't feel guilty. Give the time that you can, and don't feel guilty.  Say no if you have to, and don't feel guilty.  You are a volunteer, and whatever time you give is more time than a lot of other people! And don't feel guilty. 

On this particular staffer call, you could see if someone in your town wants to be in charge of taking calls from candidate staffs. That person could be responsible for helping to get the word out about candidate meetings.  But, if a candidate staffer wants to meet people in your town, the staffer should be the one who is responsible for finding the place to have it, and setting up the logistics, not you as town chair.

Or, you can tell the staffer to set it up, and that you will be happy to send the message along to your e mail list. If his or her candidate has purchased the state party voter file, they will have a list of the Democrats in your town. The staffer should be doing this work; he or she is getting paid - you aren't. 

On meeting as a group, just schedule and don't worry  if not everyone can come.  You'll never get 100%, and if anyone complains, don't feel guilty, just tell them no night is good for everyone. If the person still complains, put him or her in charge of organizing the next meeting - and don't feel guilty.  When I was state chair, if someone didn't like what I was doing, I would say, hey, if the state committee votes me out, I'll have time to go skiing!

I don't know if this has been helpful, but thank you for what you are doing for the party and the people of NH.



"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 13:59:30 PM CDT

On The Candidate Front (0.00 / 0)

There are probably people in your group who like a presidential or a US Senate candidate. At the next meeting, ask those who have already "declared" if they'd like to interface with that campaign, then ask them to contact the campaign or vice versa.

Delegate, delegate, delegate.

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by: Jennifer Daler @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 14:40:52 PM CDT

Concern (0.00 / 0)

Bloomingpol;

I would appreciate speaking with you regarding this post.I am at the NHDP office 225-6899 for the next hour or so.

Have you written a letter to the editor today? Have you donated today? Have you put up signs? Have you made calls? Have you talked to your neighbors?

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by: Ray Buckley @ Thu Sep 13, 2007 at 15:07:19 PM CDT