(no subject)

[effervescible]

I'm feeling calm now.  Actually sort of hopeful.

It's hard to say why, knowing that 11 states are full of hateful, bigoted people, and knowing that a little over half the country doesn't think civil rights are so important.

But after reading some blogs and threads on this message board (which is full of intelligent, delightful people) about what can be done next...I don't know.  I know things are bad.  I know it's so easy to let exhaustion overtake us.  Hell, I've felt it all day.

But I also feel energized in a way I wasn't before.  This backlash against decency has made me decide that I'm going to do something.  I'm going to volunteer for what I believe in and not just pay attention during presidential election years and I'm going to work to make people understand.  Even if it's only a little bit, even if it's just in my tiny corner, it'll be my tiny corner that I'm working for.

He wants to take our rights away.  I'm going to put up a fucking fight.

Excuse this burst of stubbornness.  I'll most likely be sad and/or bitter in the morning.

Comments

[blu.livejournal.com]

I need to do something too, even though I'm not even American. Hopefully I can do *something*... perhaps it will get me out of this funk I've been in lately as well.

- Jen

[andmydog.livejournal.com]

I'm going to put up a fucking fight.

Good. I'm with you.
Fuck this.

[angstymcgoth.livejournal.com]

Icon love! And go you. If you need any help...fspider was working for America Coming Together (ACT) and the Kerry campiegn for the past six months and has been crying all day. Poor dear.

[jmcgarry.livejournal.com]

That's great Jaina! You will make a difference, I'm sure! :-)

Hurrah!

[laihiriel.livejournal.com]

Good! Me, too! Complain loudly and repeatedly to your representatives. They actually do pay attention when you're persistant and annoying, and they usually respond to repeated emails. Just don't spam them, cuz that's annoying in a bad way. Most representatives in the House don't get a lot of constituant feedback, and therefore conclude that they're doing a good job. If you're unhappy with a decision Congress makes, let them know! It's what they're there for! That's why we elected them. There's a good website (which, of course, I forget the url to) that will give you your local representatives' contact info. It's something like www.congress.org or www.houseofrepresentatives.org. You'll know when you've reached the right site when there is a link thingy that says 'contact your representatives'. Plug in your zip code, and it'll give you all the info you need to be a civic brat!

Another great way to get involved is to volunteer for a political party in your area! In my state, there's gonna be a congress election in two years, so politicians are gonna start campaining now. It's a great way to learn about the system, and to meet some like-minded people. Don't forget that third parties are political parties, too! I'm getting involved to let my voice be heard, and I'm glad that I'm not the only one. Good luck!

Oh, and don't feel sad and/or bitter. Sulking doesn't help. ^__~