Political Association for the 21st Century
Now that America's youth have been engaged by a historic presidential election, our democracy needs these free-thinking, tech-savvy voters to stay involved in the democratic process, even in the coming years that won't see a presidential election.
Association will never die because it's a fundamental part of humanity. Networking is exploding on the Web. New tools are bringing new structures and the old fraternal/civic clubs that won't adapt will be left to fade away. It's different with political associations—the two dominant parties, Democratic and Republican, are virtually joined at the hip with government.
To abandon these civic institutions would be like leaving our democracy to politicians, lobbyists, consultants, and the special interests that fund them. We need a new generation of politicos to get involved with these old-school institutions. There also must be opportunities for new parties to succeed.
I'm active in the Washington State Democratic party. I've found that this political association best speaks to my values, and I agree with many of the policy goals of the party. Being active with Democrats gives me an opportunity to participate within democracy without running for office.
This summer, I helped put together the Democratic picnic for our
legislative district. We wanted something different than the usual
barbecue and decided to go green and buy locally produced food. Instead
of individual small bottles, we brought a carboy of fresh spring water.
We steered clear of corn-syrup-based drinks and served wild-mint iced
tea out of a big urn. And we used as many non-disposable accessories as
possible. We wanted to showcase our local party as really caring about
living in a more sustainable world. Think of it as another form of
influence peddling. Simply giving a financial donation to a party or
campaign is important, but I feel there was a real value to the effort
we made.
Our party also publishes an annual platform that is our message to
voters about our values and policy goals. I know there's snickering
from some readers who think I'm a party hack or fancy myself as some
kind of boss. But that's a common derogation from people who don't see
the bigger picture: Political association is about people coming
together to make their voices heard.
A good public official should make
the needs of all the people they serve a priority. At the same time, if
they're serving in a partisan office, I believe the party nominee is an
ambassador to the voters about the party's values and policy goals.
Part of the reason grassroots political association is waning in this
state is that there appears to be no real need to participate when
actual party affiliation is not even allowed on any partisan ballot
except for the office of president. Political association is a part of
any election process and can flourish in the information age. It has
already proven its potential in the 2008 presidential election.
It
could be only a matter of time until Internet-based social networking
crosses over into full-fledged political association. Our civic
tradition of elections must learn how to adapt because the survival of
our democracy depends on it.
11 comment(s)
Chris Smith says:
Im writing you in hope that you can help me with a project Im doing for charity. Im currently writing a biography on teh late Hole bassist with her brothers help and we were hoping you cna get back to us with any information you may be able to provide on Miss Pfaff's time in seattle. Thank you for your time and hope all is well.
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 5:53AM
Levi Larrington says:
If Obama turns out to be more of the same, and his cabinet seems to imply this, then you'll see more and more voters staying home.
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 9:12AM
andrew mcnicholas says:
krist i have no idea whats going on in america this isnt the land of the free and nobody likes to follow the constitution anymore thats plainly how i see it and another thing what the hell is going on with all this garbage music thats all over the place...? is it just a rehash of MAINSTREAM 80s?
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 4:12PM
Johanna Lee says:
Krist-
It's awesome to hear that you're involved in your local democratic party! I have been doing volunteer dem stuff for a little over a year now and recently became involved in the party at the local level. At our most recent meeting, we discussed the kinds of things we could do to promote awareness of the party within the community (the county I live in--in MN--is highly Republican). I think a "green" BBQ is a really cool idea. I could see it attracting people from a variety of situations, families and individuals alike, and everyone having a good time (and possibly learning a little, to boot). Thanks for the creative event idea and I will be sure to bring it up at our next meeting in a couple weeks!
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 3 2008 @ 7:59PM
kent says:
I agree with the poster who said that if Obama doesn't do well, that's it: no-one will care anymore. I'm young and voted for the first time this year, and I'm pinning all my hopes on him.. Please don't let me down, Obama.
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 4 2008 @ 2:06PM
Mike F. says:
Listen to these apathetic pessimists! You're gonna give up if Obama doesn't do well? Are you even aware of the problems this man has to deal with? Cut him some slack, Jack! It's not all on him! Man, he hasn't even been sworn in yet!
If he doesn't succeed, odds are he won't get re-elected in four years. If you're young, you'll have many more chances to vote and give someone else a chance to try. You don't stick your head in... the sand and give up! At the very least, all you have to do is pay attention and VOTE! Is that really so hard for America's youth nowadays? Gimme a break... Imagine how you would feel right now if McCain & Palin were elected. We have to keep believing our votes make a difference or we'll end up on the fast track to "Idiocracy".
I for one plan on being Obama's biggest supporter and his biggest critic. But what I won't do is give up and neither should you!
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 4 2008 @ 4:41PM
Scott Lindsley says:
Ask not what Obama can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
The fallacy that most people fall into is this idea of 'vote and wait' to see what happens.
This is OUR state. This is OUR deal. We don't just pull a string and wait for the top to spin in our direction. Rock the boat after you rock the vote.
GO to your county meetings. Shake hands with YOUR representatives. Honour those who serve regardless of which party they are in and NEVER let a representative of yours get away without a comment if they do something out of line.
Burst that bubble of helplessness because truly, it is up to us to act and improve things in your community, just as Krist's article points out. make the right choices in your community.
I am volunteering in the Libertarian party because I like their take on social issues and fiscal responsibility. But I look at and vote for the candidate, not the party name because fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice and. . well, We won't get fooled again. YEAH!!! (cut to WHO video)
Scott~
P.S. perhaps writing to your sec of state and letting them know how this 'top two forward' primary is a joke would be a great idea.
Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 4 2008 @ 10:29PM
Scott says:
Krist.
Can you please stop referring to our Country as a Democracy?
We are a Constitutional Republic and thats the way it has always been.
There's a big difference.
Democracy is Mob rule when 51% of the population can enslave the other 49%.
Thanks.
Scott.
Posted On: Sunday, Dec. 7 2008 @ 3:22PM
Jonny says:
Scott, that is only one very narrow (albeit very valid) definition of democracy - and I am sure you will find most writers and scholars referring to the US as a Democracy. If you are advocating an Athenian stle direct democracy for the US, I really don't see how that could every practically work! Unfortunately it is the inherent nature of society that no idea or system can ever really work in its 'pure' form, but this doesn't mean to say compromise is a bad thing; nor does it mean to say the US system is anywhere near perfect (which it cleary isn't!).
Surely the best way to address things is to be less neegative and more open-minded
Posted On: Sunday, Dec. 7 2008 @ 4:47PM
Krist Novoselic says:
"Democracy is Mob rule when 51% of the population can enslave the other 49%"
I'm with you Scott - the US is set up with a process to protect the majority from the tyranny of the majority.
However, when I say democracy - it's about the process - people volunteering for a political association are practicing democracy. Voting is only part of the trip!!!!
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Posted On: Monday, Dec. 8 2008 @ 9:58PM
sarah says:
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Sarah
http://www.thetreadmillguide.com
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 6 2009 @ 6:40PM