So you learn about real life by becoming a politician. Okay then.

I think this fine comment could apply to being a citizen, and to a somewhat different extent being an entertainer or journalist. Pity is that right now the ones seeking to be politicians have to focus so much on getting monied interests behind them, and then catering to them, being of a resonant mindset with them, etc. Anyway, I see by my Facebook Newsfeed that Citizens United is being challenged -- thanks to Ruth Bader Ginxburg and Stephen Breyer... "(NEWSER) – The Supreme Court has agreed to take a case that justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer say will give it a chance to rethink its infamous Citizens United v. FEC decision. The court is being asked to look into a Montana Supreme Court decision stating that its law restricting corporate election spending in state elections is fine, because it 'arises from Montana history,' UPI reports. Essentially, Montana is arguing that Citizens United only applies to federal laws and elections, not state ones." (Is my local People's Rights Resolution committee leaping at butterflies of hope, or is this real...) Critical mass may yet be achieved, and not by growling and stewing ad infinitum.

The Milkweed and the Iris

The Milkweed and the Iris
Are wont to dehisce -
Fertile ground they do not wish to miss,
For when you've got the seed,
To release becomes the need!

Your concept of the meaning of the word 'disinterest' is as skewed as the Democrat concept of what is and is not 'entitled.' Congratulations, though: both have become widely accepted. Only one is dangerous.

Thanks for the reminder about "Home Grown Democrat". It is my favorite of your books (except for the Lake Woebegone books) and I will recommend it to several of my friends. I always appreciate your political comments, civil and to the point.

I don't know if it's appropriate for you to post this, and my feelings will not be hurt if you don't, or if you cut it to make it something you can use.

I was moved by Nancy's letter and Garrison's response. I have begun to feel that there is no reason to be involved in politics, because people of substance never win or even run for office. I don't mean just people who agree with me, but people who can listen carefully, take a stand when called for, compromise if neccessary, and deal with real problems.
As a result, I tracked Nancy down using the internet, and called and had a pleasant conversation with her. She didn't know you had posted her letter on the website. I am going to send a small check to Maxwell for House to support her in her race, and encourage others to find people they can support and, more importantly, to get involved and take responsibility personally. I am inspired to do much better.

Garrison: That is a beautiful essay that captures the essence of responsible civics—something that needs to be said over and over again if democracy is to thrive.

My only language quibble is that you seem to have joined those who conflate “disinterest” with “lack of interest.” They are radically different ideas (I want a disinterested judge but surely not an uninterested one) but the distinction is slowly disappearing in the land.

Well, the Democrat Party has been guiding the hands of voters,voting the graveyards,prisons,"insane asylums",in all the large cities of the Nation since 1850. Consequently,we have a skilled machine that creates a certain version of "democracy" for export to areas of the world that seem to need nation building after wind-down of our latest military adventure. Of course the book, "Hometown Democrat", which I read ages ago,doesn't address such chicanery. This is the age of "sanitization" of language,politics,street crime,bureaucracy,and general thought.However, I liked the book then, and still do, although I still chortle over the author's genetic predisposition and slavish adherence to a deeply flawed political cabal.

The League of Women Voters in some parts of the country have begun holding workshops for girls in their junior and senior years in high school about getting involved in electoral politics. Called "Running and Winning," these workshops provide participants with opportunities to interview women office holders at many levels of government about their experiences, and then some role playing about being not only candidates but also members of campaign staffs. The girls are selected by their schools from among students in various social studies classes. The LWV's concern is getting more women to run, of course, but also to get more women involved in helping others to run. Actually, the LWV itself, with its concentration on thorough study of selected issues, reaching consensus on them, and then taking action to achieve goals related to those issues, has proved to be good background for women (and men) who then run for office. And win.

I wish that more American History and Civics were taught in the schools at all levels. We have such short memories, it seems. I wish that we as citizens knew more about how government at all levels works. I'm hoping that Nancy with her admirable intentions makes sure that she knows what she's getting into, and that studying the history of her state is part of her preparation. When I was in school, the expectations for students were low. I would guess, too, that the McCarthy effect made school boards nervous about what was taught. I love learning about our history.

Go for it Nancy! People like yourself who care
about the common good and want to help out are
really needed in public life. More power to you.

I particularly liked the advice to walk the streets and knock on doors: only one local politician took the trouble to do this and I was very impressed that she bothered to take the trouble. I think one is far more likely to vote for someone with whom one has had a conversation and - perhaps - found common ground.