Old Style Democracy

With all the political hype around the Presidential race it is pretty easy to forget that their are a lot of people running for other offices in 2008. This seems sad to me, because the founders intended for the people to be involved in all levels of government. Their is an argument, that we are meant to be more active in local politics. Yet how many of us can name our own Congressman? anyone? How about State Senator? Assemblymen? Anyone got any answers???

I'll admit it... I'm guilty of ignoring local politics for the flashy National stuff too. That is why I am so glad I went to a local Democratic Club meeting last Friday. Club meetings are the very definition of "grass roots politics". What was even better about this club meeting was that there was a debate between two people running for a State Senate seat. It really was democracy at it purest form. Two guys at makeshift podiums answering regular peoples questions...this is what politics is meant to look like.

Some of the best quotes of the night where:

"Its not about the economy stupid, its about the people stupid."
Mark Desaulnier
"I believe the enviorment is one of the biggest issues of our lifetime."

Mark Desaulnier

"One thing we have not done in schools is teach our students about the principle that the economy moves in cycles, that needs to be taught more in schools"

Joe Cansamila

When asked if he had taken tabacco money Joe said...
"Yes, and a fairly substantial amount, tobacco is legal in CA. As long as the business is legal....and as long as the product is legal..."

There is something emopowering about haveing two people up on stage haveing answer to the people. Thats what democracy is all about...take charge, put your Repersentatives on the spot! They work for you after all!!! And their was something refreshing about being in a room with so many politically active people, I strongly reconmend doing it!!!
(Discliamer: I work for the senator who currently holds the seat these two men are fighting for...and I support Mark!!!)