Talk about the things that really matter to you to others.

[Bouncy Ball]

Are you concerned about raising the minimum wage?

Are you concerned about the budget cuts for social programs?

Social Security?

Talk about it, as often as you possibly can, with others. Online, in person, in emails, letters to media outlets. I know a lot of you already do, but I want to encourage ALL of you to. You don't even know what one thing you may say or what one particular person you may talk to that it sticks with. That they turn around and tell someone else.

The best thing is when we can speak with one very loud voice. I've noticed because of the unveiling of the budget there has been a renewed interest in issues such as the minimum wage and social programs.

Keep it up. THESE are the kinds of things Democrats need to talk about. The war is important, other things are important, but I think we don't realize how much WE CAN determine what is talked about on the national stage.

There are media people who pride themselves on keeping their finger on the pulse of what really matters to people. When they get an inordinate number of emails on one particular topic, they feel more compelled to address it, which causes ripples in the media echo chamber.

And don't accept their timeline for how long a story should last. These issues aren't issues that are going to go away, especially not under bush and company. Resist the urge to accept the "story lifespan" idea. Keep it up, keep it up.