As the leading Republican candidate for the presidency ascends into the air in a helicopter filled with kids, and makes his most astute declaration yet — “I am Batman” — it becomes clearer than ever how distracting these presidential campaigns are.
Much of American Big League politics is theatrics, with some pandering for good measure. Of course, all people running for the presidency are by definition over their heads, at best . . . posturing attention-seekers at worst. Fretting about what they believe and “would do” if voted in as President of these United States is mostly a waste of time. Experience tells us that what they promise is perhaps the least likely outcome of all.
What is more effective? Affecting the political environment by getting together with like-minded folk to advance principled causes closer to home. As a side effect of your activism, a successful issue in a single city or region — especially one that spreads — can have a dramatic influence on present and future presidential wannabes.
With organization and consistent activity at the local level, your voice can be heard. But you have to do something. That activity doesn’t have to be to “run for office”; you can turn up the volume by proposing (and sometimes opposing) ballot initiatives, constitutional and charter amendments in the state, county and city where you live.
There is so much to be done at this level that could create political climate change, which in turn would invariably make federal-level candidates better, that it seems a shame to see us so focused on long shot bets.
3 replies on “The Quadrennial Distraction”
Paul,
You have touched on an issue that I think is the real game changer. Local activism by Citizen Electors that will actually accomplish something both short term especially in the long term. You didn’t name it, so I will. Precinct organization. Unless and until one becomes personally involved in county party politics, they will be an outsider. Did not claim, nor do I believe, that outsiders can’t have an impact as your career is exemplary of the outsider, but to be able to vote for those that will vote for the party leaders is of inestimable value. Do a web search on precinct organization and see what comes up. Let me know if you want some more links, I have them.
Keep up the good work. It irritates. That Is how we get pearls by the way.
Gene
Here’s another suggestion: don’t allow yourself to be distracted. As someone who lives in a state whose voters don’t get much attention in the presidential contest, I’ve begun to ignore all the early contests. To coin a phrase: what difference, at this point, does it make?
Excellent observations, Paul. Two other working avenues: Nullfication (www.tenthamendmentcenter.com) and even more directly, reclaim your property from the federales via educated tax activity: http://losthorizons.com/Cracking_the_Code.htm. If the feds have to forgo $3 trillion in ill gotten gains, they won’t be able to overdose us on any criminal act of government.