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In our December PC Tip Sheet we discussed why Dems must speak
up and not be cowed into thinking this is a
"Republican" state. We pointed out that registered
Republicans may hold a 5 percentage point lead in voter
registration, but only 42% of Arizonans are registered to
vote! Therefore, based on November 2001 figures from the
Secretary of State's office, registered Republicans comprise a
grand total of 18% of the state's population. Now, we offer an
example of why it's important to speak up as a Democrat.
An elected PC was having a "heated but jovial"
discussion on the tennis court with his very Republican
buddies. Someone on another court overheard the Democratic
positions being voiced by our PC. Later, the stranger greeted
our PC and admitted he too is a Democrat. "He told me
he'd make a donation to the party if it needed some
money." Our PC was so shocked by the off-the-cuff remark
that he let the issue drop. However, when he ran into the same
guy again a couple weeks ago, our PC said, "I remember
your offer. We're always in need of money for postage and
other things to keep spreading the Democratic word."
Friends, the check arrived a few days later for $500.
Our PC says: "Having been a salesman all my life, it
boils down to 'always ask for the order.'" It also boils
down to the fact that Democrats live throughout Arizona and,
in many cases, are looking for an opening to get involved or
make a donation. Political party leaders regularly and
rightfully talk about "activating the base," but you
can't activate anyone until you give them access to the Party.
That connection may be a postcard to your precinct voters, it
may be a personal invitation to a Democratic event, or it may
be just the simple act of being seen - and heard - as a
Democrat.
It's a new year. Make a resolution this month to write a
letter to the editor. Consistently, the letters page of any
newspaper is one of the most popular and best read sections of
the paper. Don't dismiss the idea of yourself as "a
writer" or make the excuse that you just don't have the
time. Collette Jenkins, a PC in Scottsdale, had not written a
letter to the editor before becoming active in the Democratic
Party here. Now, she regularly appears in the Republic and
Tribune papers. (Editors LOVE hearing from new people!)
Because many publications allow e-mail letters, you only need
a few minutes to write and then a few more minutes to polish
your letter.
Keep in mind the following:
* Adhere to the guidelines of the local paper. If they
limit letters to 200 words, do NOT submit a 1,000 word
diatribe. (Use your computer's word count tool. You may be
surprised how quickly 200 words come together.) Most paper's
require your name, address, and a daytime phone number.
* No 10 sentence paragraphs here. You're writing a simple
letter, not the great American novel. Keep paragraphs to 2 to
5 sentences.
* Take a stand and then clearly argue your point of view.
* Give a little background, but keep it short. If you're
responding to another letter writer or newspaper story, be
explicit. Give the date and title of the item, if you can and
a summary of what you're disagreeing with in your letter.
* Read your letter aloud. This simple action will reveal
all sorts of bumps in the grammatical road. Also, if you have
trouble wrapping your mouth around the words, readers will
have trouble wrapping their minds around it, too.
What should you write about? A better question is what
interests you? Some ideas:
Write in support of a declared Democratic candidate;
explain why a particular Republican action is ill-advised or
could be better handled; find a Dem issue that resonates with
you, such as preservation of Social Security and Medicare,
civil rights and equality, a quality public education system,
preservation of natural resources, affordable and available
health care, and an economy that benefits everyone, not just
the chosen few.
Good luck! Let us know what you accomplish
Letters and e-mail:
Rick, Thanks for the tip sheet. I especially appreciate
your acknowledgement of this "problem" that some of
us democrats seem to have pertaining to embarrassment and
reluctance to come out of the closet! It's bizarre ... we have
the most to be open and proud of, and yet we somehow end up
feeling like we have to make excuses or apologize for being on
the liberal side of things. I will keep your advice handy,
beginning now, so that I might become more vocal and willing
to make positive statements on behalf of democrats.
Thanks again, Debbie Broome.
The PC Tip Sheet is produced by Rick McGuire, Joshua Weiss
and Ron Owen.
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