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Asehujiko posted:What can a Dutch goon do to help stop Wilders in 2017? Labour is currently in a coalition with the VVD and is giving no signs of ever planning to listening to their voters again and our other left leaning parties all had knee mounted gatling guns surgically installed to be able to shoot themselves in the foot faster(CONSERVATIVE DEATH PANELS!!! BAN EUTHANASIA!!!) Find out who the local members and representatives of your Labour Party are. Talk to them, go to their meetings and make sure you register your absolute disgust with the fact that they're willing to work with Wilders. Talk to them directly. Do not use email or social media Find other people who think like you and get them to do the same. If they don't listen, if they try to ignore you, threaten to withdraw your support and go to another party if they do the same again next time. If they still don't listen? Maybe you'll have an easier time getting one of the other parties to stop shooting themselves in the foot? I'm not sure I can give more advice than general stuff like this since I don't know Dutch politics in much detail. You can also try, if you find enough people around you who feel the same, to organise a protest against Wilders. The absolute worst thing you can do is be silent. Never be silent.
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Nov 16, 2016 11:46
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You don't need to bother with the dutch labour party at all when the SP exists, not that I've heard anything of Labour working with Wilders/PVV
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Nov 16, 2016 13:09
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I posted this in the Democrat thread in CSPAM on Monday, but I went out and got involved.quote:I drove an hour to attend my County Democrat Meeting and got to speak during open forum. I plan to stay involved and hope people in this thread go get involved.
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Nov 16, 2016 15:21
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OhFunny posted:I posted this in the Democrat thread in CSPAM on Monday, but I went out and got involved. You're good people.
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Nov 16, 2016 15:31
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Okay. So I've done some reading up on it all and I see where I've made my mistake. I was under the impression that Wilders' party was the VVD. This is incorrect, Wilders used to be a member of the VVD before going on to create his own party: The PVV. The VVD is the Dutch Liberal Party and currently the largest party in their Parliament. Current Prime Minister Mark Rutte is VVD. They are currently in a coalition government with the second largest party, the PvdA also known as Labour. All governments in The Netherlands are coalition governments since they use proportional representation and it's basically impossible for any one party to win an outright majority. The last time there WASN'T a coalition was in the 1800's when it still used first past the post and only male landowners were allowed to vote. Wilders and the PVV are currently the third largest party in Parliament after winning big in the last elections. I'm sad to say Asehujiko if your only goal is keeping Wilders out of government then unless there's a significant change in vote share or the VVD declares they are unwilling to work with them then a Labour/VVD coalition is your only option as far as I can see. Labour, Socialists and Greens just don't have enough to create an alliance larger than the PVV and the VVD working together. Joining groups willing to protest and denounce Wilders is always a good idea though. Campaign not just for yourself and your party of choice but also AGAINST him. Don't just do this in election season either. Do your best to make people believe in how poisonous his ideology is and how dangerous his policies are. Don't ever stand by and let his rhetoric go unopposed.
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Nov 16, 2016 15:48
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OhFunny posted:I posted this in the Democrat thread in CSPAM on Monday, but I went out and got involved. Thank you for doing this. Keep it up. I want to also say this to everyone else too. Keep it up. Consistency is important. Just showing up once to get a bit of frustration off your chest and then never going back isn't going to change anything. The status quo is an extremely potent and powerful thing and it will slide in and reassert itself without continuous pushback. Think of it like gardening. You've got to start working at it now and keep tending to it in order to get beautiful flowers in a year or two.
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Nov 16, 2016 15:57
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The beauty of proportional representation is that a vote for the people you like is always a vote against that one shithead who sucks.
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Nov 16, 2016 16:27
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HorseLord posted:The beauty of proportional representation is that a vote for the people you like is always a vote against that one shithead who sucks. Haha, yeah, wow what a crazy dream, PR... *sobs*  
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Nov 16, 2016 16:29
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yellowyams posted:Rumors of Russian influence ops in Europe. https://twitter.com/JeffersonObama/status/798598839468847104 Don't know if it's true but I can readily believe it and it sounds very very dangerous for anyone opposed to the rise of fascism. I don't really know how to combat this, but it needs a lot more attention than it's getting, maybe contact reporters and call for an investigation from the government? I don't know much about European govt but I imagine most of the leaders probably don't want to be overthrown by fascists so if someone informed them they need to nip this in the bud urgently then I would hope they'd listen. Russia already played a huge role in getting Trump elected, it would be a tragedy for that to happen to the rest of the world. That's also a stock photo of a white guy tasting wine. Everything about that account is fake bullshit.
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Nov 16, 2016 17:31
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On the subject of good books on organizing things, has anyone read Bill Ayers book Demand the Impossible: A Radical Manifesto?
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Nov 16, 2016 17:56
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menino posted:That's also a stock photo of a white guy tasting wine. Everything about that account is fake bullshit. Never mind that, it's vitally important that we save the world by informing the prime minister, the queen, whoever's in charge of nato these days, he-man, GI Joe and Thunderbirds that some nobody made a tweet.
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Nov 16, 2016 19:45
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What (preferably US-based) political organizations that promote feminism and women's right issues, and/or promote the election of progressive female candidates are worth donating to? PP or NARAL seem like obvious choices but are mostly focused on reproductive rights. EMILY's list has received criticism for supporting female candidates who may be pro-choice but are otherwise more conservative than their progressive male primary opponents. She Should Run, from what I can tell, does not seem to specifically focus on progressive candidates. Are there any other organizations that are effectively advancing women's issues in the US?
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Nov 16, 2016 20:41
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Anybody remember Democracy for America? Howard Dean's old thing? I checked in and they were still around. I guess Howard Dean's vying for the chairmanship to try to get back to his 50-state strategy. It was the first thing I thought about. I mean, why not try a comprehensive strategy in all states when it looks like you need a, well, comprehensive strategy in all states. They just had their monthly meeting the night before so I didn't get a chance to check in.
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Nov 16, 2016 21:27
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So it would be pretty remiss of me to sit here and start this thread and not do anything myself. Well I've been trying to get it touch with my councillor on various issues of local concern but I haven't been able to get an answer yet when I call. If this happens to you, don't just give up and assume they can't be reached! I'm going to be drafting up a letter to print out and send off instead. Remember that physical mail is always better than email in these situations! An actual printed letter can't get lost in the spam filters.
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Nov 17, 2016 00:28
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Would the op put NLG on the list? It's a non profit lawyers guild based in the US. If you have ever been in protests (unsanctioned or sanctioned) you will have seen the NLG there wearing bright neon colored hats observing. They help protesters and activists with legal advice and support. https://www.nlg.org
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Nov 17, 2016 00:38
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Rocko Bonaparte posted:Anybody remember Democracy for America? Howard Dean's old thing? I checked in and they were still around. I guess Howard Dean's vying for the chairmanship to try to get back to his 50-state strategy. It was the first thing I thought about. I mean, why not try a comprehensive strategy in all states when it looks like you need a, well, comprehensive strategy in all states. They just had their monthly meeting the night before so I didn't get a chance to check in. I liked his earlier stuff (fifty state strategy, small donor fundraising) but his more recent album is too mainstream (healthcare lobbying).
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Nov 17, 2016 01:22
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Rocko Bonaparte posted:Anybody remember Democracy for America? Howard Dean's old thing? I checked in and they were still around. I guess Howard Dean's vying for the chairmanship to try to get back to his 50-state strategy. It was the first thing I thought about. I mean, why not try a comprehensive strategy in all states when it looks like you need a, well, comprehensive strategy in all states. They just had their monthly meeting the night before so I didn't get a chance to check in.
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Nov 17, 2016 02:20
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menino posted:That's also a stock photo of a white guy tasting wine. Everything about that account is fake bullshit. The same pro-Putin people who campaigned online for Trump are doing the same thing again for France https://www.reddit.com/r/Le_Pen/ I can't stress enough how dangerous it is to underestimate them even if their behavior is ridiculous, these people organize drives and volunteer and are very effective at radicalizing young people into fascists and mobilizing them, there is way too much at stake to ignore this threat regardless of if you think it's a joke or not. They also know to hide their support for fascist when asked to confuse the polls and boost their opponent's confidence, it's not very reassuring that most European people I've spoken to in recent years are from the far-right, the huge amount of immigrants and Muslims has caused xenophobia to flare and the far right is surging on it right now. Speaking of, can people please contact their congressmen to openly criticize the Russian interference and possibly have a public hearing? It's very alarming that it's being swept under the rug when even NSA admitted it and it's such a huge warning sign. Only Lindsey Graham has spoken out about it so far. http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/11/nsa-chief-wikileaks-democrats-emails-were-conscious-effort http://www.businessinsider.com/nsa-chief-nation-state-swayed-president-election-2016-11 yellowyams fucked around with this message at 02:46 on Nov 17, 2016 |
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Nov 17, 2016 02:43
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I have a full-time job and the like. What can I do to help push for change in my area (Boston) outside of donating and voting? I can't exactly devote much time to running for office (not that I'd want to  )
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Nov 17, 2016 03:02
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Pollyanna posted:I have a full-time job and the like. What can I do to help push for change in my area (Boston) outside of donating and voting? I can't exactly devote much time to running for office (not that I'd want to Call/email/send letters to your city/county commission and your state/federal legislators, especially about one specific issue or problem. Find local activist organizations or parties that you'd like to work with and attend their events and meetings. Really the value of just being a warm body that shows up to stuff when you're able to cannot be overstated.
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Nov 17, 2016 03:12
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yellowyams posted:The same pro-Putin people who campaigned online for Trump are doing the same thing again for France https://www.reddit.com/r/Le_Pen/ I can't stress enough how dangerous it is to underestimate them even if their behavior is ridiculous, these people organize drives and volunteer and are very effective at radicalizing young people into fascists and mobilizing them, there is way too much at stake to ignore this threat regardless of if you think it's a joke or not. They also know to hide their support for fascist when asked to confuse the polls and boost their opponent's confidence, it's not very reassuring that most European people I've spoken to in recent years are from the far-right, the huge amount of immigrants and Muslims has caused xenophobia to flare and the far right is surging on it right now. gently caress off, dude. We're not "underestimating" anything, you're just mistaking the completely ordinary way election campaigns happen, i.e people giving money to candidates they like, for a conspiracy to control the outcome of western elections. I've already asked you exactly how it is you think Russia's actions are unique, and you have no idea. You look like a drat fool talking about how we need to "warn the government" like you've discovered something on twitter that they haven't loving noticed.
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Nov 17, 2016 10:50
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Hey folks. Just want to let you know I'm away for the weekend and as such there'll be no revisions to the OP till Sunday at the earliest. No way in hell am I going to do long-form text editing on my phone.
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Nov 17, 2016 11:31
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gonna try to help my dem party in oklahoma turn the state blue. maybe sometime in my lifetime oklahoma will see some reinvestment into itself and become something greater than it is now
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Nov 17, 2016 11:49
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I want to try to make my home of Arkansas less of a decaying wasteland.
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Nov 17, 2016 12:40
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Geostomp posted:I want to try to make my home of Arkansas less of a decaying wasteland.  don't let the hateful liberals in states like new york, california, etc. get you down, our states can be revitalized
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Nov 17, 2016 13:04
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Condiv posted:
 Y'all are doing real important work. Putting up candidates, having meetings, doing anything is better than rolling over. Thank you so much!
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Nov 17, 2016 16:38
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I've considered crashing Democrat town halls and meetings and the like and speaking up, but I don't feel like I'd be listened to or really, get anything but laughed at and escorted out. Is it still worth trying to speak up at Dem meetings, or is it more effective to ignore that party?
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Nov 17, 2016 16:53
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Pollyanna posted:I've considered crashing Democrat town halls and meetings and the like and speaking up, but I don't feel like I'd be listened to or really, get anything but laughed at and escorted out. Is it still worth trying to speak up at Dem meetings, or is it more effective to ignore that party?
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Nov 17, 2016 16:56
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Kilroy posted:You've got the slightly wrong attitude when you say "crashing" I think but otherwise you should definitely go. But go and continue to go, as in go until people there know your name and recognize your face. You will not be laughed at nor escorted out. I said crashing mostly because me just being there would weird people out, like what is a person doing here? Never mind, it's an anxiety thing. gently caress it, might as well try. edit: Looked some events up for this week:   Thanks, Massachusetts. 
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Nov 17, 2016 17:00
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HorseLord posted:gently caress off, dude. We're not "underestimating" anything, you're just mistaking the completely ordinary way election campaigns happen, i.e people giving money to candidates they like, for a conspiracy to control the outcome of western elections. I've already asked you exactly how it is you think Russia's actions are unique, and you have no idea. You look like a drat fool talking about how we need to "warn the government" like you've discovered something on twitter that they haven't loving noticed. Just to head off a potential response: it's quite a bit more than "funding," but it's still not out of the ordinary at all for state actors to influence elections. The US has done it a ton, and in much more nefarious ways than building up foreign propaganda and buckets full of money (but of course we've done that too!) https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/10/13/the-long-history-of-the-u-s-interfering-with-elections-elsewhere/ But yeah, the US government is more than aware of this happening, and I don't really know what anyone expects to gain from forcing congresspeople to publicly denounce it. Pollyanna posted:I said crashing mostly because me just being there would weird people out, like what is a person doing here? Never mind, it's an anxiety thing. gently caress it, might as well try. Yes, those are fundraisers. Those are different. You want to find the committee meetings. Look up your town/ward, there will be local meetings for that on occasion; many of them will have their own sites (e.g. google Boston Ward X) but you should at least be able to find contact info. BRAKE FOR MOOSE fucked around with this message at 17:13 on Nov 17, 2016 |
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Nov 17, 2016 17:05
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Worth pausing for a moment and asking yourself, if a bald guy preceding over the shattered ruins of Russia can supposedly control the US election, why didn't that happen when Russia was like, 10000 times more capable and important? It's just conspiracy theory poo poo pedaled to people too weakminded to accept Hillary lost because she's very bad at running for president, and so nobody voted for her.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:14
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The USSR wasn't more capable in the specific ways that actually mattered to this election. It's not a new thing but modern communications and nongovernmental groups give a lot more means to publicize huge amounts of private communication.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:17
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HorseLord posted:Worth pausing for a moment and asking yourself, if a bald guy preceding over the shattered ruins of Russia can supposedly control the US election, why didn't that happen when Russia was like, 10000 times more capable and important? It's a thing because the GOP of all things is starting to believe it. BRAKE FOR MOOSE posted:Yes, those are fundraisers. Those are different. Alright. I'll take a look around. EDIT: A cursory glance reveals...slim pickings  Goddammit Boston, I would have hoped you'd be better than this.
Pollyanna fucked around with this message at 17:23 on Nov 17, 2016 |
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Nov 17, 2016 17:19
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Pollyanna posted:It's a thing because the GOP of all things is starting to believe it. I've been trying to help people find local meetings and in some areas it's stupid hard. Like, how loving hard is it for the state or county to put up a website with a calendar and just keep track of all that poo poo? Unless you're a total weirdo, you'll probably have an okay time at the meeting. Like 80% weirdo is okay, just don't reach 100%.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:25
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Pollyanna posted:Alright. I'll take a look around. You could also just look for your local district office, give them a call, and ask what they need help with. Not even at a meeting necessarily; in a big city like Boston, odds are you'll find people just hanging about the office even after hours. Just showing up and chatting with people regularly will give you an immense amount of clout. The number of people who show up once then disappear is, well... 
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Nov 17, 2016 17:26
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as much as i like trashing hillary and the old guard, could that not be part of this thread?
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Nov 17, 2016 17:29
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Toph Bei Fong posted:Just showing up and chatting with people regularly will give you an immense amount of clout. The number of people who show up once then disappear is, well... Attendance is so important. Even at the State level meetings where you have people who have theoretically done a decent amount of work to get elected to the state committee, attendance is usually around 50%. Being the guy who shows up every time to local meetings will basically guarantee you progress upwards.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:29
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If you're finding it hard to get info about local things online then just try going in person. Go to your town hall or council offices or whatever and just ask. I know it can be scary at first but they're not going to scream and run you out of town with torches and pitchforks. Most will simply glad to have someone turning up and showing any sort of interest at all.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:35
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I'm new to this whole involvement thing, but I've noticed that newspapers have more local information than the web. I live in a pretty big urban area, but even our free local newspapers that you can find outside of restaurants and bus stops have more info than most groups' webpages.
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Nov 17, 2016 17:35
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Pollyanna posted:I've considered crashing Democrat town halls and meetings and the like and speaking up, but I don't feel like I'd be listened to or really, get anything but laughed at and escorted out. Is it still worth trying to speak up at Dem meetings, or is it more effective to ignore that party? I got my first taste of actually affecting grass roots level change in my own community about two years ago. There was an issue on the ballot in just my individual precinct of my township to allow alcohol sales at the corner gas station right near my house. Now, the corner gas station was small (the inside convenience store was 800 square feet) and pretty dilapidated. As such, of course, less than desirable looking people hung out there and a lot of (white) people avoided going there if they could. So anyways, I get a letter in my mail box from the company that owns the gas station, it has plans and renderings of what the new gas station will look like. Basically, they were investing about a million dollars into it by tearing down the old gas station and rebuilding a brand new beautiful 2400 sq ft convenience store with state of the art HD security cameras in the parking lot and led lighting. The catch was, they couldn't justify the investment unless alcohol sales were part of the new business plan. The letter mentioned a community meeting to discuss the potential approval of the ballot measure. So I went. What I found was a lot of old, scared white people that were afraid that their (in their eyes) already-worsening neighborhood would get even worse by introducing alcohol into our then-dry precinct. I stood up and made the argument that they're all complaining that things are bad now and that the only way things will get better would be to change (I believe I actually repeated several times "If nothing changes, nothing will change"). I also pointed out how ridiculous it was to tell a company that wants to inject a million dollars into your neighborhood that their money isn't welcome. After the meeting I had no less than 5 people come up to me and thank me for coming and say that I changed their mind on the issue. Now if those 5 people and their spouses voted yes, then I alone caused the measure to pass, since it won by 19 votes. THAT is the power of democracy! Keep in mind that any town hall you go to is likely to be an echo chamber filled with a bunch of old people that have nothing better to do. If you're young (young in this instance being under 50), and I assume most of you are, then you will have a unique voice. And though there may be some strong vocal opposition, keep in mind that the silent people are there listening and CAN be swayed by your point of view. (In my example, the people that came up to me afterwards hadn't said a word the entire meeting) So, I hope this gives you guys confidence going into any meetings or town halls because I had no idea what to expect going into mine and I ended up being the most compelling voice there.
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