posted on February 8, 2004 03:47:50 PM new
I was never a member of a party until Bush Jr. ran for office, joined the dems at that time. My family is about split down the middle both ways. My wife wont tell who she votes for, and we do not discuss politics...My ex is a Republican, but a Goldwater type, she doesn't care much for the neo conservative stuff or those who tout it, my oldest daughter follows in her mom's footsteps. I have forgiven her
oops didn't answer the questions:
1.no
2.no
3. no
4. re-energized
5. republicans: no longer conservative
greens: naive vote-flushers
6. I have this year, local cogressional race
7. not often
8. Yes, county supervisor, I ran because "friends" begged me to.
9. never again
___________________________________
[ edited by profe51 on Feb 8, 2004 03:56 PM ]
posted on February 8, 2004 04:03:06 PM new
Typical teacher -- can't answer nine simple questions in the form provided!!!
(Just joshin' ya, Profe. But your reply did remind me of my Dad, with whom I once took a Programming in BASIC class. He thought the various prompts and commands were stupid and illogical, so he was constantly requiring extra attention from the teacher, who just happened to be my beloved algebra teacher from junior high. Finally, utterly exasperated, Mr. ______ chided my Dad: "I know you're a really great teacher yourself, but you're a terrible student, Dr. Smith!" )
Edited to add: Ah, heck, you went ahead and answered the questions and ruined my story!!!
posted on February 8, 2004 04:10:12 PM new
Okay, I'm dying to ask you to tell us about your experiences as a candidate, Profe. You stated that you'd never run again, so I gather you didn't enjoy your active time in politics. I'd love to hear why... what happened... anything...
posted on February 8, 2004 05:59:48 PM new
Yes I too am prepared to be amused. Please do tell.
I am neither party and won't bother with the questions as they make too many assumptions about a common starting point - except.
I'd rather sell dope cut with rat poison on the street corner than be a politician.
posted on February 8, 2004 06:47:41 PM new I'd love to hear why... what happened... anything...
It was a long time ago. I was approached by a group of the "old timers" around here who felt, and rightly so, that the board of supervisors was heavily influenced by developers. They wanted an "old timer", one who owned significant property, one who was decidedly anti-development and not afraid to speak up, to give voice to the concerns of people interested in maintaining our rural lifestyle...so they settled on me. I refused to run as a democrat, because I wasn't one. The democratic party decided not to support me as a result, so we split the votes that could have maybe beaten the incumbent republican. That's why when I call the Green Party a bunch of vote-flushers, I know what I'm talking about. They haven't got a prayer. That's all I want to say about the whole affair.
___________________________________
posted on February 8, 2004 07:34:01 PM new
Thanks, Profe. I wonder how many times your experience could be multiplied as a reason why so few genuinely concerned citizens go into politics...
posted on February 9, 2004 10:44:16 AM new
1)no
2)no
3)yes
4)Strong supporter of big military/defense
5)dems =tax and spend party + special interests + ultra liberals = socialistic
6)I have in the past via the phone
7)all the time
8)no
9)no
posted on February 9, 2004 01:11:11 PM new
Hey, Fred, would you be willing to tell us about your political experience? Nothing specific, of course, but I'd be interested to hear your experience of the process.
Well, Linda, I guess we're both pretty happy that neither of us will ever seek public office
posted on February 10, 2004 03:19:46 AM new
I was born into a democratic family.
My father had political aspirations and connections. He helped co write the Plain Language Bill in NJ, and at that time republican and Insurance Industry magnate Brenden Burne pocket-vetoed it. My mother always said politics is a dirty, dirty business. Every year I've grown older, I agree with that observance more and more. I haven't voted in years. I dont consider myself affiliated to either party but continue to observe from afar the mainstream shenanigans.
posted on February 12, 2004 09:03:17 PM new
" would you be willing to tell us about your political experience "
No problem Pat. For the past 30yrs I have held the same elected office. I have enjoyed every second of it. I have been President of the County Council for the past 28 years.
Sorry I was not able to get back to you on a timely manner..
posted on February 12, 2004 09:25:11 PM new
1) Were you influenced by previous family ties to one party or another?
No, My mother and her family were republicans, my father and his Democrats.I am an independant.
2) Did you purposely rebel against your family's political leanings when choosing your political affiliation?
No
3) Did you start out in one party when younger and switch to another (and another) as you got older?
No
4) If you had to choose one word or phrase to sum up your chosen political party, what would it be?
N/A
5) Which word or phrase would you use to describe other political parties?
N/A
6) Do you actively campaign for your chosen candidates?
Not since the 60's
7) Do you ever write to politicians?
Yes
8) Have you ever run for public office?
No
9) Would you?
Yes All religions are equally right
posted on February 12, 2004 09:45:33 PM new
Well you know what, Fred? It has long been my contention that there are good people in both of the major parties. I'm going to guess that the good people of both parties in your community think so highly of you that they've kept you in office for your performance, and not through mindless party-line votes.
posted on February 12, 2004 11:16:01 PM new
Pat, I've thought about running for the city council. I probably never will as I am really shy but if I weren't I think I would run for office.I would do it if the right situation cropped up.
I do think if I ever moved to a smaller place I would get more involved.
All religions are equally right
[ edited by rawbunzel on Feb 12, 2004 11:18 PM ]
posted on February 13, 2004 01:21:48 AM new
Robin, a funny thing happens to people when they take on something new, something bigger than they think they can handle. Especially if they do so with a pure heart. But one has to dive in to have that expanding experience.
Don't wait for the chicken; if you've always wanted to get into local politics, go lay an egg!