Dialing for Dems in Ojai
Local politics was really getting me down, so when MoveOn.org called the other day and asked if I would consider volunteering an hour of my time, I thought, what the hell.
Matt and I talked this week on Radio Ojai about the closure of Ojai Ford, crosswalks, baseball and even delved a wee bit into what's on the ballot. Politics is on everyone's minds these days, particularly here on Ojai Post. We're really focused on the local race for City Council, but meanwhile all over the country, each side is scrambling to get their candidates elected.
In many districts, the race is tight. That's why MoveOn asked me to help. It's not because they think I have a great phone voice or that they feel I have a particularly good grasp of what's happening in Minnesota's 6th congressional district, but because I have a phone and a computer.
I rehearsed my opening line with my dog. She cocked her head to one side, then went back to sleep. I tried again with a little more excitement, so this time she got up and stood next to her food bowl. When she brought me her stuffed cow with the missing eye balls, I knew I was ready.
I picked up the phone and punched in a number in the 617 area code. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. "Hello, sorry we're not home dontcha know."
This happened several more times. Apparently Minnesotans are still busy shoveling snow.
I went to the next number. Ring. Ring. "Hello."
Oh, dear, a live voice. A chance to preserve democracy!
"Hi, my name's Lisa and I am volunteering with MoveOn.org to help get out the v..." Click. Dial tone.
This also happened several times.
The MoveOn people are smart, though. Each time I clicked, "Hung Up," or, "Answering Machine," there was always a helpful message that came up, something like, "Don't be discouraged, you'll hear a supportive voice soon!"
Unfortunately, most of the live voices I got were "undecided." Wow, I've never actually met an undecided before. I guess it's neck and neck there in Minnesota. One of them sounded like she could go our way. Jean is a self-described "good Christian" who can't seem to make up her mind, but had plenty of "you-betchas" to offer for encouragement.
I have vowed to continue dialing for Dems tomorrow between trick-or-treators until I get someone who says "yes" to Patty Wetterling for Congress. There are lots of other races in a dead heat, about 30 of them, so roll up your sleeves with me, Ojai, and click here if you want to help MoveOn's Call for Change campaign.
Also, Kris Young, a local fella, called me last night (jeeze, am I on their list or what) to let me know he is hosting a phone party at his house, so if you'd rather not go it alone, give him a shout!
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Comments (3)
I'm happy that you have found a productive outlet for yourself but no offense, if local politics are getting you down, you might not want to pay attention to the national political races. That's not to say that national races are not important. What it does say is that nothing so far that has occurred locally has been even close to comparable with the dirt and grime that is ever so present at the national level. The message being: Don't give up on the local council election. There are some high quality candidates running for city council. Just remember, it starts local and ends local. How are we supposed to fix the country if we don't feel compelled to fix our city?
Just a thought...
Comment #1 Posted by: Duffy | October 30, 2006 09:40 PM
Way to get active, Lisa! That takes a lot of guts to make the first step.
Comment #2 Posted by: Tyler | October 30, 2006 10:52 PM
I didn't say I gave up on local politics, did I? Anyway, I just thought this was a good way for a local to get active on a national level, hope others will, too!
Comment #3 Posted by: Lisa Snider | October 31, 2006 07:23 AM