But Let Us Begin
"All this will not be
finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the
first one thousand days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor
even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."
--John F. Kennedy, Inauguration Speech, January 20, 1961
I am 28 years old. I've never been a political activist. I'm not even really an extrovert. My humble and somewhat shy Midwestern upbringing is a creed with the motto "to each his own". As a result, I'm not exactly the kind of person you'd usually see shaking hands and kissing babies trying to be elected.
But I've taken chances before. I work in sales. Not exactly the kind of profession for a shy introvert who thinks convincing people to do something is a little bit rude and intrusive. I'm more the anti-salesman. I keep the conversation going until people convince themselves that they need what I'm selling. But would this sort of subversive style of persuasion translate in a campaign? My gut answer is no.
For some ridiculous reason, however, I've made it a goal to run for public office. Maybe I just like to torment myself. Maybe my subconscious likes to watch me twist in the wind until I come running back to my comfort zone with my tail between my legs. Maybe, though, just maybe I've convinced myself it's an opportunity to do something bigger than who I currently am, to grow beyond myself and help change the world around me.
Regardless, one fact is very clear. I am wholly inexperienced in political campaigns. Don't get me wrong, this isn't some cockeyed ideal to get elected in a year, or even two or four or even more years from now. This is a long term goal, not a Sarah Palin seat of my pants and in over my head style goal. I'm deluded, yes, but not that deluded. I know Africa is a continent and I can't even see Nebraska from my house.
Here's my initial groundwork in operation Moldy Squirrel (I checked and the DoD has yet to use this name for a field operation in either Iraq or Afghanistan):
Only after I've put in hundreds of sleepless nights and countless hours of overtime, only after I've stuffed thousands of envelopes, dialed thousands of numbers, and knocked on every door in town twice, and only after I've gained the respect (and notoriety) of those around me, then and only then will I be ready for my own campaign. Like I said, I'm in this for the long haul. I'm in this for the endless hard work, for the marriage crushing nights away from home, and soul wrenching dirty work of political ground warfare.
But, most of all, I'm in this to do more than sit on the couch and yell at Fox News. I'm in this to make a difference in my little corner of the world. Afterall, isn't that how any good thing has ever been done ever?
--John F. Kennedy, Inauguration Speech, January 20, 1961
I am 28 years old. I've never been a political activist. I'm not even really an extrovert. My humble and somewhat shy Midwestern upbringing is a creed with the motto "to each his own". As a result, I'm not exactly the kind of person you'd usually see shaking hands and kissing babies trying to be elected.
But I've taken chances before. I work in sales. Not exactly the kind of profession for a shy introvert who thinks convincing people to do something is a little bit rude and intrusive. I'm more the anti-salesman. I keep the conversation going until people convince themselves that they need what I'm selling. But would this sort of subversive style of persuasion translate in a campaign? My gut answer is no.
For some ridiculous reason, however, I've made it a goal to run for public office. Maybe I just like to torment myself. Maybe my subconscious likes to watch me twist in the wind until I come running back to my comfort zone with my tail between my legs. Maybe, though, just maybe I've convinced myself it's an opportunity to do something bigger than who I currently am, to grow beyond myself and help change the world around me.
Regardless, one fact is very clear. I am wholly inexperienced in political campaigns. Don't get me wrong, this isn't some cockeyed ideal to get elected in a year, or even two or four or even more years from now. This is a long term goal, not a Sarah Palin seat of my pants and in over my head style goal. I'm deluded, yes, but not that deluded. I know Africa is a continent and I can't even see Nebraska from my house.
Here's my initial groundwork in operation Moldy Squirrel (I checked and the DoD has yet to use this name for a field operation in either Iraq or Afghanistan):
- Read. Everything I can about organizing, recruiting, fundraising, and just getting my message out there. Oh, and I'll probably want to read something about forming a good message too.
- Volunteer. You learn best by doing, right? The City Commission elections here are in 2009. Might as well hitch my cart to one of the candidates and get a firsthand education in the whole process.
- Study. Democracy for America Training Camp. Camp Wellstone. Take time off to study and learn with the best.
- Talk. I am an adequate speaker and have little trouble in front of crowds. I am not a seasoned persuader nor do I argue well. Again, the whole Midwestern "to each his own" mantra poisoning my work. I need to learn to talk to people and communicate my message with them succinctly and effectively.
Only after I've put in hundreds of sleepless nights and countless hours of overtime, only after I've stuffed thousands of envelopes, dialed thousands of numbers, and knocked on every door in town twice, and only after I've gained the respect (and notoriety) of those around me, then and only then will I be ready for my own campaign. Like I said, I'm in this for the long haul. I'm in this for the endless hard work, for the marriage crushing nights away from home, and soul wrenching dirty work of political ground warfare.
But, most of all, I'm in this to do more than sit on the couch and yell at Fox News. I'm in this to make a difference in my little corner of the world. Afterall, isn't that how any good thing has ever been done ever?
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Bravo. Keep us informed, okay?
November 6, 2008 11:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Chris, I'd like to say something about "sales" since I've had an opportunity to study character. In my view, and being in the change and "character" business, I've found that people in sales seem to fall into two groups. Narcissists, who believe that every sale is a wondrous proof of their persuasive abilities, and "empathizers," (for wont of a better word), who care about people, who can't sell a product they don't honestly believe in, and who try to suit the product to the person needing or wanting it.
I'm betting you fall into the second category. I'm betting when you go out to persuade voters, you'll be persuading them not that you're "god's gift," but that you'd like to put yourself at their service. That you have character, knowledge, beliefs, abilities, and above all a desire for public service, to make things better for the voter, for the community, the state, the nation - depending on how far you get.
You'll be able to tell them that you've studied the issues and you've studied history and you're prepared to put your studies and your concern for the community to work - to make things better. I'm sure you'll find ways to say that - that are true for you. And if you speak from your heart I bet you'll be able to "reach" voters, because they'll see that what you're selling is honesty and "service."
Good luck. And yes, keep us informed. You have many qualities I admire, Chris. And you're young. At my age I'm already ready to turn a lot over to young people, especially people, like you, who are honest with themselves and with others. Who approach a task deliberately. Who feel called to a task by circumstances and the urging of others, rather than because they want status or a chance to feed at the public trough.
Best wishes. This makes me happy. (I've known Chris via an email group for some years now, and I'll be honest: I begged him to do this.)
November 7, 2008 4:53 AM | Reply | Permalink