Re[4]: [at-l] MORE l] AT on FOXnews

[DaRedhead@aol.com (DaRedhead@aol.com)]

In a message dated 8/31/01 8:23:14 AM US Eastern Standard Time, 
ellen@clinic.net writes:


> To label reality as cynicism, is the greater cynicism. Does anyone think my 
> Representative to Congress doesn't listen to me more carefully when I urge 
> protection for the wildlands of Maine because he has seen me at so many 
> political events -- some fund-raising -- over the years that he knows me by 
> my first name?  

In reality, when speaking of politics, cynicism is a given.  It isn't 
something ignorant people make up, and it isn't something smart people hold a 
license to.  Are you *really* trying to say that if you've been doing that 
for all those years, making yourself prominent in advocating anything, be it 
land preservation, Trail preservation, or simply caring about any issue - he 
*doesn't* know your name?  His helpers, his administrative assistants - and 
HIM/HER most certainly know your name.  You showed yourself to be committed 
and caring and serious about the issue at hand.  He probably not only knows 
your first name, but your middle name, and your kid's names, if you have any, 
your wife's name, if you have one, any previous husbands she might have, any 
previous wives you might have, their current status including new 
husbands/wives/lovers and your tax status to boot.  They know how many 
parking tickets you've had, and whether you've ever burned a flag.  They know 
if you've ever served in the military, and if so, what your personnel record 
shows.  They know if your Mom is in a senior care facility, and whether you 
need money for that.  Come on. . . 

Political persons don't get there by playing fair . . . they get there by the 
process, the system.  The system requires money.  The system is mostly better 
than any other in the world.  When the system breaks down, the only recourse 
we have is playing by that system, gathering enough interest with the public, 
and making things happen.  Your "bubbly, friendly" personality means nothing 
to them.  What you are willing to do for your cause, and how much publicity 
it will stir up, does.

Let us not confuse issues here.  What any of us are willing to do, however we 
choose to go about advocacy, means something.  But if it doesn't come to the 
attention of people *able* and *in a position to* make a difference, it won't 
mean much, except a nice pat on the back - and no matter whether it is 
ourselves or our friends, that pat on the back doesn't mean anything when it 
comes to votes.

The Redhead




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