Let’s stop whining and do something
Published 1 November 2006
Hi! You've stumbled upon a blog post by a guy named Ryan. I'm not that guy anymore, but I've left his posts around because cool URIs don't change and to remind me how much I've learned and grown over time.
Ryan was a well-meaning but naïve and priviledged person. His views don't necessarily represent the views of anyone.
I whine a lot about politics. Not only do I read too many blogs and bring policy up in inappropriate situations, but I whine. I whine because I can’t figure out why it feels like Americans just don’t get it. I whine because I worry for our future. I whine because I feel powerless to do anything. And many of my otherwise intelligent, articulate and politically-aware friends do as well.
Today is my birthday. I don’t want any presents; all I ask is one thing: let’s stop whining and do something. Something good.
MoveOn.org is sponsoring a Call for Change program all this week. Members and volunteers call voters and encourage them to vote. The idea sounds simple, but it’s powerful: get people to the polls. Voter turnout will be key in this election in order to help restore sanity to Washington.
As for efficacy, MoveOn has proof. Numbers don’t lie:
And the best part is, this works. We tested this method in the April special election in California’s 50th district. The result: our calls had a greater impact, per voter, than any volunteer phonebank ever measured! And we’ll continue to use experimentation and technology to increase our effectiveness.
On Friday afternoon, I’ll be making calls for MoveOn. I’m hoping some similarly disgruntled patriots will join me as well. It will take only an hour, and even twenty minutes could make a difference. Contact me if you’re interested in joining in.
Consider it a birthday present.