Tell Me *HOW* I Can Have the "Most Influence" in Politics, Please.

[IdaBriggs]

I am registered as an Independent. Prior to the 2000 election, I considered myself a Moderate, with Liberal leanings. To me, that translated as someone who respected fiscal discipline, but at the same time understood the importance of "big government" -- meat inspectors, firefighters, well equipped and trained military, etc. I have no problem with my tax money helping people get on their feet, but I'm not interested in helping people make welfare a way of life. I'm Pro-Choice, Pro-Police, and Anti-Drug. I like Unions and what they stand for, but I've also got personal knowledge of members who took advantage of them, and didn't pull their weight who I believe were unfairly protected from getting fired; I get both sides of the issue. I have a strong faith which I don't usually go around babbling about, and I don't want to hear about "God" in the science room or "sin" in the sexual education class.

Like I said, a pretty middle of the road, common sense approach to life, until the Right Wing Wackos apparently decided this made me a Liberal Commie Pinko. I did NOT nor have I EVER supported George W. Bush for ANYTHING; the man is pure EVIL as far as I am concerned, and I looked into him enough to know in NOVEMBER OF 2000 that he would take us to war with Iraq. (Yes, I have that in writing.)

But locally, I have voted for both Democrats AND Republicans, and even some Libertarians and other third party people. If I wasn't familiar with the folks running, my vote would usually go the "woman's ticket" route, on the assumption that getting as many women into office was probably the best thing. I voted for Gennifer Granholm (D) for Governor, and Terri Lynn Land (R) for Secretary of State; I'm pleased with the performance of both women. I have always believed CHARACTER counted more than party affiliation, because I really believe both parties have "good people" who want to do the right thing, and I *NEVER* gave either time or money to EITHER party --

Until 2004, when I found myself pulling money out of my pocket and time out of my life to get Kerry elected. Suddenly "Independent Ida" was actively volunteering for the Democrats!

To be honest, I wasn't really impressed with a lot of the folks who were running the show; yes, there were some good people, and everyone seemed to have good intentions, but I swear to God a few times I was actually wondering if they were TRYING to lose the election. It was small stuff mostly, like not having bumper stickers for anyone who wanted one, and charging people $5 for yard signs (that cost a buck!), but there was big stuff too -- like letting the Republicans bray about their patriotism on 9-11, while the Democrats praised each other on how they weren't "politicizing the issue" -- which was frankly a big issue for me -- LIHOP, MIHOP, Whatever! 3,000 dead Americans on this guy's watch, and NO ONE discussed this as a PROBLEM???

So, now I'm asking you folks, and I'm hoping I don't get too many flames for the question: Do I, as a "coveted" Independent voter have more influence on the political process, or should I throw my hands in the air, and sign up with the Democrats? I'm ornery, cantankerous, independent, and not much of a team player -- frankly, it seems like a good fit. Then again, if I make my "party affiliation" Republican, I can always claim to be "super upset and dissatisfied" but wouldn't that be extremely dishonest because I can't stand Bush, and want ALL REPUBLICANS *OUT* of power in Washington ASAP (even though I voted for my local Sheriff who is in the "R" category)?

So, back to the question:

Which "party affiliation" -- Independent, Democrat OR EVEN REPUBLICAN, will help me THE MOST in making my views "heard" by my representatives?

Thanks much! :) Best, Ida

[SCDem]

1. I say sign up with the Dems

find out who is chair in your local precinct, see if there are County Dem meetings and begin small. It is not a fast win quick process but neither is taking back our democracy.

Being active at the local level has lead to me being vocal and active at the state level.

In our state there is no party registration. I just always vote Dem!

[IdaBriggs]

14. How do you handle the "people politics?" I'm not a big one for

stupidity, and frankly, a lot of folks seem to be big on making stupid decisions. (See my original post.) I don't have a ton of respect for either party, to be honest, and I'm not really a good "team player."

[SCDem]

15. I understand your frustration

At our local (county) level the party bigwigs were ineffective and unattentive and ungracious about the help and support and activism that us Deaniacs brought to the table. We (about 7 or so) Deaniacs in the area met after the Dean loss in the primary and talked about what we were going to do. We'd get involved in the county party. We initiated events (forums) and newsletters and web sites and fundraising events and informed the party structure as we went along. We have become a critical part of the county party and by next election it will show.

It takes work and it takes working outside the structure of the party sometimes but never talking bad about the party big wigs (in public anyway) but always going along with the smile. Doing all this will eventually earn you trust and respect and a place at the table. This is the way the progressive agenda is going to climb up the ropes I believe.

On edit: I understand that you don't have respect for either party. But I believe by being affiliated with one party or the other (whether you always vote that way or not) gives you a podium and an established avenue from which you can voice your objections, affirmations or need for a new resolution/policy.

[liberal N proud]

2. $$$$$$$$$

$$$$ is the only way

[dr.zoidberg]

8. Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

You are absolutely 100% correct. As an add on: own a big business. Politician from both sides would go as far as to give you a blow job if you guarantee to support them.

[wallwriter]

11. My answer exactly

[abluelady]

3. Good Question

I have always been a Democrat but years ago I did vote for the person rather than the party, if I felt the person would do what I believed best.

Nowadays, I only vote the party because the Repugs have made politics so partisan.

It seems to me that you need to decide which policies are the most important to you and then go with that party. Maybe someday we can, again, vote for the better person.

[moof]

4. Buy these two companies " Diebold and ES&S."

http://nightweed.com/usavotefacts.html

[bunkerbuster1]

5. To thine own self be true, Ida.

I hear a lot of myself in your story, especially the bit about being "middle of the road, common sense approach to life, until the Right Wing Wackos apparently decided this made me a Liberal Commie Pinko."

There are times I'm a good local Democrat, make my contributions and volunteer my time, and sometimes I'm disgusted at the spinelessness of my fellow local Dems and lay low.

You gotta identify yourself where you feel it'll do the most good, where you are. But you know that, right?

[GreenPartyVoter]

10. Seconded

[TahitiNut]

6. It's kinda tough for people "to get on their feet" ...

... when they've been chopped off at the knees. :shrug:

[Fridays Child]

7. Your self-description places you squarely in the Dean camp.

If you agree with that characterization, you should actively support Howard Dean--both as the Dem party chair and as a candidate, if he chooses to run again.

As to the question of party affiliation, for me, the whole point is that, being registered as a Dem, I'm able to vote in the primaries. In your state, it may not matter. Some states open the primaries to all registered voters.

Were Dems trying to lose the election, last year? They made no more gaffes than did B*sh and other Republicans. The difference was in how, and to what degree, the corporate media reported such gaffes. And remember that Dems had nine or ten presidential candidates and, thus, nine or ten times as many opportunties to make mistakes, as did the Republicans. Then, when it came down to B*sh vs. Kerry, the media slime machine shifted into high gear against Kerry.

[Eloriel]

9. Good to see you, Ida!

:hi:

But I haven't a CLUE how to advise you. Sorry. It's an intriguing question, tho. Think too about whether or not your state has a closed primary (can only vote your party affiliation), and what that might mean. Would you prefer a voice in the Dem primary, or a voice in the Repug primary?

[IdaBriggs]

13. Hi, back! My state has "open" primaries, but I've never voted in them --

on purpose. I always felt that as an Independent, it was my job to let the parties pick their candidates, and then decide between them. (Did I mention I'm a "real" Independent?) Prior to Bush and the Republicans, I really believed the party system was sort of like a cheering squad for your favorite college football team, because even though folks disagreed, everyone was out for the best FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Now that I know that Bush and His Cabal are nothing more than despicable disgusting lying murderous TRAITORS TO AMERICA, its impossible to vote for Republicans on a national basis. Locally, however, I'm still in the "they can't all be crooks, right?" category....

[LSK]

12. before 2000, i considered myself left leaning moderate

Before 2000, I was not as politically aware, however for the most part I voted Democrat. I hated Bush 1 and loved Clinton. When Bush was elected in 2000, I wondered what would happen to us with this moron in charge. But at the time I considered myself a moderate and did not understand the world liberal.

Then I encountered a rightwing nut on a messageboard a few years ago and I found myself butting heads with this guy a lot. Arguing this guy made me become more politically aware and made me hate the right more and more.

Then I found DU and fast forward 2 years, I have a real hatred for Republicans. I even question anyones character and intelligence if they vote Republican, regardless of their issue. I have thrown myself to the Democratic party and I love it. I embrace being called a liberal now, it is a compliment to me.

I am convinced the Republican party has been infected with GREEDY FRAUDS for decades and I will never vote for them ever again.