I absolutely love being able to say those words “Got what I wanted.” playing Go Fish.
Performing my daily check up on Amy Goodman, I learned that Ralph Nader has created a presidential exploratory committee.
Today, I got what I wanted.
I tend to overflow a comment section from time to time.
Here’s an example:
I enjoyed this piece, {from CampusProgress.org} very much. Your analysis is quite on point.
Ralph Nader’s legacy encompasses the spectrum of his life long work, especially his presidential candidacies. He has started a presidential exploratory committee www.naderexplore08.com
My political and civic identity was born through exposure to the candidate for whom I caucused for in Nevada, Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
Not only was I going on a limb, scrambling to educate myself on his record, bio, the issues, his campaign style not to mention volunteering for a political campaign, calling radio shows, canvassing, going to a town conference, and attending a free speech rally where I was interviewed for a published newspaper article.
Wooo!
A lot to absorb and digest to say the least.
Part of this process was owning my power as a citizen.
I, after 31 years, affirm:
- Politicians are public servants. They are elected to serve the public. We are the public. We are their Boss.
- When does a Boss grovel at the feet of their employee?
- A vote cast is duty. The highest level of civic participation in this democratic republic. The highest level of critical thinking is a mandatory prerequisite.
- The media’s power lies within the scope of communicative channels of distribution. The more channels accessed produces the variety of information and opinion necessary to serve as background information. Independent research is equally necessary.
Our future, the future of my three boys, everyone, everywhere is deeply affected by civic, social administration and control; in simpler terms, politics and government.
If we are to honor our existence and our time on Earth than we must participate.
Fight off all urges or coercion to be satisfied with the role of spectator.
A long comment, I know.
I strongly support Ralph Nader as an activist, and as a President candidate.
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 1:53 am
[...] Danielle Vyas wrote an interesting post today on Got what I wantedHere’s a quick excerptMy political and civic identity was born through exposure to the candidate for whom I caucused for in Nevada, Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Not only was I going on a limb, scrambling to educate myself on his record, bio, the issues, … [...]
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 2:19 am
Ralph would be the best president ever !!!!!
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 2:21 am
I HOPE HE ENTERS THE RACE AND WINS !!!!!
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 2:24 am
Hello Carl,
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I second that emotional notion!
Wishing you and yours health, balance and joy.
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 3:10 am
There are two quotes that I often use to describe how I feel about civic responsibility.
“Decisions are made by those who show up.” Aaron Sorkin, The West Wing.
“America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship.” Aaron Sorkin, The American President.
Travis’s last blog post..Thursday 13
on Feb 1st, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Danielle –> I can’t help but remember that Nadar is the reason that George Bush is in office today. That is a bitter pill to swallow from my perspective…
peace, Villager
Villager’s last blog post..Police Kill Five People With Tasers in January 2008
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:35 am
Wow…
You really do have a thing for lost causes.
Not gonna happen. His best days are long gone.
DirkStar’s last blog post..Oops, I did it again…
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:14 pm
@Travis
There is a mountain of truth in those quotes. I appreciate the dedication you have of maintaining an open mind.
Much Love
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
@Villager
I look forward to the opportunity of clearing that misconception from your mind, my friend, in posts to come.
Much Love
on Feb 2nd, 2008 at 6:18 pm
@Dirk
Well, you know I’m radically inclined. I refuse to succumb to the label of lost causes. My goal is to stretch this little mind of mine, and hopefully my friends and readers too.
In whatever capacity Nader occupies he remains extremely important.
Much Love
on Feb 4th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hi, Danielle. I also blame Nader for siphoning off votes in the last election and I pray he doesn’t enter this one. I look forward to you clearing up any misconceptions you think I have about that.