2004: Get involved.
Upset by what’s happening in the country? Thinking the lunatics have taken over the asylum? Get involved in a political group, any group. You’ll feel better. When you’re on the sidelines, you start thinking you’re alone, and makes you feel worse. When you’re involved in a political group, you discover you can make things happen and that you are not alone.
As most of you know, I’m deeply involved with ANSWER LA. In 2003, we spearheaded several major demonstrations, as well as organizing dozens of smaller events. On Feb 15, in one of the biggest turnouts ever in Los Angeles for such an event, 100,000 came to the Hollywood peace march and rally. It made front page news in LA and news of it went worldwide. It was an amazing experience to have been involved in, and I’ve had many such experiences this year in ANSWER. Not only are such experiences empowering and rewarding, not only do they have an impact, they are also fun!
ANSWER, and many other groups, make a difference. Find an organization you like and get involved with it. Doesn’t matter if it’s ANSWER, Howard Dean, United for Justice and Peace, a neighborhood vigil group, or the anarchists down the block – join it! You’ll feel vastly less powerless and way more hopeful.
2004 is the year to do it. It’s looking to be a pivotal, momentous year. Don’t watch history happen. Participate in it. The stakes are now too high to do otherwise.