And This Kids is What is Wrong With the GOP
June 16, 2009 7 Comments
This is going to come off as a rant and that’s exactly what I intend it to be. When some diet coke and cheez-its can’t cure my frustration, I turn to blogging. Tonight I and another IDA member attended our local county GOP meeting. I won’t tell you the name of the county, but it rhymes with glory. We figured we would at least make some attempts to get involved locally with the party and offer our services to make a difference. Not to brag, but we have lots of ideas on how to move the party forward and we are REALLY good envelope stuffers. This other member has offered ideas to party leadership but has been rudely ignored but we rolled up to the meeting anyway.
First, we were not greeted or welcomed by anyone. Nobody, even the chair, came up to introduce themselves. I’m not that high maintenance but I would at least like a greeting when I go to a meeting/group I’ve never been to before and there are only 15 or so people in the room. Really not a good impression for new people wanting to be involved in the party. Second, the meeting was BORING. A complete snoozer. The most heated topic was about the donuts that are provided by the sheriff’s department to their employees. I don’t know about you, but that sure gets me fired up. Yeah, right! Third, I think I was the youngest person in the room at 26. I was one of 5 women, the rest were middle-aged White guys. That’ll bring in the new voters and party volunteers. Fourth, the other IDA member with me gave a passionate speech and after was treated rudely by an elected county official in front of the whole group. Thanks for making us feel welcome. Guess we won’t be bringing up any more ideas. Fifth, it really is a good ole’ boys club. And I just ain’t one of the good ole’ boys. I never want to be and I never will be.
So, what did I learn from my experience? My county GOP doesn’t really want to move the party forward. They don’t want help or input from new people. The GOP really is the party of middle-aged White guys. The leadership of the party really are just party hacks and good ole’ boys. They do not fully understand the needs and wants of voters and seem to be in it for themselves. If this same dynamic is reflected in county GOP meetings across the country and in the national party, you have have the recipe for why the GOP is in such a mess.
I can at least say I’ve tried to work with my local GOP. After tonight though, all my political activity will be outside the party either with HuckPAC (like the Bob VP event) or independently. What else is a girl to do?
Run for office
Come to Wapello County, we welcome new ideas and events. Can’t do everything because of volunteers, time and money. But new people are always welcome.
At every opportunity…ask, “How is the party actually reaching out and communicating directly with the 18-40 demographic?” Jot down those answers. Better yet, video the answers and we can create a montage. Then it will be self explanatory.
These are difficult times. Few across the nation know what it means to reach out and embrace “those people who don’t even come out and vote anyway” or to leverage tools online without chuckling about how they’re “now a TwEEter” with a hearty guffaw.
Gen Y, X, and Millennials are tired of gov’t “happening to them” and around the nation, races are being plotted now to dump incumbents by using that awesome combination of “Face 2 Facebook” communication. That is, combining the power and reality of door knocking and in person events with a clear, real, and winning online campaign strategy.
How many races last cycle had “nobodies” shoot up and challenge incumbents and only lose by a few points? How many Republican victories were achieved by less than 200 votes? If the 18-40′s are engaged and brought in as being valued contributors (other than their money) we’ll see a new dynamic evolve in politics and some very interesting vote counts emerge…and that’s the way it should be.
I’ll second Shane’s comment…ready to run? Thanks.
Am sure HucPac will be glad to have your time.
Doug– good question to ask! I’ll get back to you on running
It may have to be as an Independent because I don’t think I can play the party games necessary to run as a Republican! I just want to say that this post wasn’t meant to be some deep thinking piece although I believe what I experienced last night is reflective of the overall problems with the GOP. I also don’t want those reading to think that me and the other IDA member just sit on our butts and complain about the GOP. We have been actively involved in campaigns here in Iowa and I have been involved in campaigns in other states. Right now though we believe our energy is best used through other outlets than the party.
This post kicks some serious butt and confirms what I have thought all along; the GOP will not be changed from the inside but instead it will change due to the pressure that we give it from the outside.
I am proud to be associated with the two of you. You have tried to make a difference. You have a stronger stomach than I do. I didn’t even venture into my county’s GOP (hint: it’s the biggest county in the state). They are always looking for committee members, parade walkers, etc…and I throw-up at the thought of it. Why would I want to represent a party who hates its own base?
I have found a place in politics by standing for principle rather than party. By promoting strong conservatives instead of promoting the party. When the party starts doing the same, that is when it will make a change for the better.
Sorry to hear about your experience. The GOP can’t see an opportunity when it is right under their noses.