Where's the party?

[Philip Wilson]

Who here has read Laura Flanders's Blue Grit? She makes the point that a party which only comes out at election time to try to win elections is weak compared to one that's seen as actively working for citizens at all times.

The GOP succeed because they can call on churches; they're using the churches' credibility as a substitute for having their own.

If Democrats intend to be just a secret society here, then we're conceding. We won't gain ground if we stay underground.

[Jim Stone]

YES.
I have had a project, during my unemployment, of developing a dialogue about science with churched folks. Dialogue - as in 'let's sit down and talk about this'. This is something I can do well. You have convinced me that having such dialogues (with church folks or others) about political topics should be done, and that I should start. I will call my Pastor to ask about arranging an opportunity (4-6 people - discussion size). If anyone else wants to volunteer an opportunity, I am available. I'm cheap, too.

[Seth Jackson]

Good question and two excellent responses.

[Susan DeCarlo]

The Jasper Co Democratic Central Committee meets the second Monday, every month...(that said, we have a special event coming up on Oct. 17, and will not meet the previous Monday,) at the Laborers Hall at 20th & Empire. ALL Democrats are welcome to attend and help guide the way of the Committee. We generally have 20-30 members present. We have openings for new members in various precincts around Jasper County. Most of our members have been involved with the Committee for 5 years, or more. I have been involved for 10 years. I generally see the same group of people at meetings. We may seem old and tired, I've heard it said we aren't liberal enough...which makes me laugh. We hang in there thru thick and thin, have seen humiliating defeats and some very pleasant wins over the years. We make do on a shoestring budget. I am a member of the Secret Society because I get the point. If you want to have a more vocal and active Democrat presence in Jasper County, get involved, come to meetings, attend events.

[T Teeter]

I agree, but it takes baby steps for someone to get engaged in local politics. There are 20 hard core Jasper Cty Dem Committee members and 13,000 who voted dem in recent cycles. This is a gateway for the 99.99% of local dem voters who are not yet actively involved. The "secret society" aspect is more of a wink-wink thing rather than an actually underground. This site is meant to be a supportive community where local progressives can conclude they are not alone.