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16136. wonkers2 - 8/10/2005 10:54:02 PM Go for it! 16137. arkymalarky - 8/10/2005 11:02:41 PM This is not advice to Judith--she's been involved in her community for many years and knows the ins and outs of the politics there enough to make a decision about running for office. This is just thinking out loud about something that I've been observing as a very politically active person for the last few years at the state level. It's really very interesting, and if I hadn't fallen into teaching I would have really enjoyed working on politics (outside elective office) for a career, instead of in conjunction with a full-time job like I've been doing--far too much to deal with at one time, imo.
For people who have been involved in politics, the big question is usually where they can have the most impact on the issues they care most about at whatever level of government they're focusing on (local--city or county, state, national). For myself and the issues I am active about, I am better off not to run for an office, even assuming I could win. I have had a lot more impact communicating with politicians and networking and strategizing. But for a couple of the people I've worked most closely with, the opposite would likely be true, because they're excellent at working inside the system and within its structure, and they're organized and focused enough to push priority goals through the process. In fact, one of them won a state legislative seat and had to give it up before taking office due to health reasons. I actually think he had more impact on the issues important to him outside elective office, though he would have made a great legislator (his replacement is also very good, though).
There's also the consideration (as with the man I just mentioned) that once you're on the inside you can rarely continue your work on the outside. So, sometimes it needs to be a group decision whether an individual would be too valuable in his current role (recruiting participants, communicating with legislators and/or the press, leading and organizing groups, strategizing, etc) to run for office where he would have to focus on all his constituents and their interests and give up his other duties. The more local the office, the more impact you can have as an elected official, depending, of course, on the size of the community you're serving.
The dynamic between elected officials and active citizens--throwing in those who are professional, non-elected politicians or political strategists--has become fascinating to me, especially the strategies they employ and the interworkings that help them achieve their goals.
One of the most interesting developments I witnessed was when two groups who seemed to want the same thing simply could not work together, and a regrouping between two groups who differed on everything but one issue worked together well on that issue--probably because they didn't have expectations of mutual support on their other issues. Kind of like finding out you get along much better as a roommate with the weirdo you met in Freshman English class than you did your best friend. Politics really does make strange bedfellows. I never really believed that until I got so involved myself.
And it's very addictive. 16138. wonkers2 - 8/10/2005 11:13:31 PM I also am enjoying greater political activity since semi-retiring from employment. Wish I'd gotten involved earlier. 16139. arkymalarky - 8/10/2005 11:41:14 PM I can retire in four more years. If I'm still this involved, I will either completely retire then, or drop back to part-time.
BTW, I want to send you a link, Wonk, though it may take some time for you to hear it. I'll look and see if I still have your email somewhere. 16140. Ms. No - 8/11/2005 1:30:14 AM Arky,
Tell Mose she's not alone in her love for Kill Bill. I just left a gushy little mush letter over in TV & Movies. 16141. wonkers2 - 8/11/2005 1:31:58 PM Great job on the interview, Arky. You were very convincing. The interviewer didn't lay a glove on you! 16142. wonkers2 - 8/11/2005 1:33:41 PM As a believer in the value of small schools I agreed with just about everything you had to say. Congrats. You would make a good secretary of education in the next Democratic administration. 16143. Magoseph - 8/11/2005 3:20:44 PM May I have a link also, please, Arky?
Hello, Moties, well Hello Moties, it's nice to see you here!
16144. Magoseph - 8/11/2005 3:21:35 PM Just checking my toys... 16145. Magoseph - 8/11/2005 3:22:48 PM Predictably, I messed up. 16146. Ms. No - 8/11/2005 4:22:52 PM G'morning Mago!
I'm counting down the hours 'til take-off. I'm headed up to Tahoe for a long weekend with a couple of my best college girlfriends.
I may never come home! 16147. thoughtful - 8/11/2005 4:35:46 PM sounds like fun. have a great time! 16148. Magoseph - 8/11/2005 4:39:09 PM We just talked about Lake Tahoe this morning when I was complaining about the weather. I almost moved there years ago when I first met Flexy. He had sent me pictures of a beautiful house he wanted to buy for us. Fool that I was then, I chickened out at the last minute.
Anyway, are you going to gamble, Ms. No, and watch some shows? 16149. alistairconnor - 8/11/2005 4:55:36 PM oh - so you got a second chance with the man of your life, Mago?
That's unusual! 16150. alistairconnor - 8/11/2005 5:02:42 PM I'm counting down the hours to tomorrow afternoon.
A quiet weekend at home, with a discreet visit. Our first chance to spend 24 hours together.
Saturday night, we plan to lie on the lawn and watch the shooting stars.
Pretty exciting! 16151. judithathome - 8/11/2005 5:19:11 PM Arky, I think you have a sexy radio voice...call Al Franken and ask for a job! 16152. thoughtful - 8/11/2005 5:24:12 PM Nice ac but the best viewing for the perseids is tonight...of course, silly me, that's probably not your primary goal! 16153. Magoseph - 8/11/2005 5:51:56 PM oh - so you got a second chance with the man of your life, Mago?
Yes, lucky me! Twenty years of devotion has to be rewarded, Ali, especially when one spends his free time on the phone--he may as well be around and wipe the dishes. 16154. judithathome - 8/11/2005 6:17:16 PM This is a very fun Gullibility Test 16155. judithathome - 8/11/2005 6:18:15 PM (Not meant as a commentary on Magos excellent real-life love story; just had the link and needed to use it...ha!)
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