Getting Involved in Local Political Campaigns

September 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

You don’t have to run for president or mayor to get involved with politics. Several activities and volunteer spots allow you to get involved with a local political campaign without having to be a front-runner.

If you are looking to get started on the local campaign front, here’s a look at some ways you can get involved.

Show Your Support with a Sign

The easiest and most passive way to get involved with your local political system is to show your support for a candidate by placing a sign in front of your house or a bumper sticker on your car. These signs allow you to back a specific candidate without getting too involved with politics.

If you wish to display a political sign in front of your house, contact the local candidate or the political party with which they are running to obtain a sign.

Make a Monetary Donation

It costs a lot to run for office so political campaigns are always looking for monetary donations. Donation money can be used to pay for benefit dinners, travel expenses, pamphlets or advertisements.

To make a monetary donation you can contact the candidate directly or look up the local political party office in the Canada 411 and call them for more information on how to make a donation.

Donate Your Time

Political campaigns need dozens of volunteers to help in a number of areas. If you have the time, you can volunteer to collect signatures, answer phone calls, make campaign calls, ask for donations or help in the campaign office.

Get involved today and volunteer your time, energy or money to a local political campaign that you feel strongly about.

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Letting Your Work Be Your Campaign

July 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarba...

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There are an endless number of websites, books, magazines, and people who will tell you “the secret to a successful campaign.” Some of these campaign secrets do not work, some work some of the time, and some work most of the time, but no single campaign secret works in every situation. Campaigns are always different and must be treated differently depending on the target audience, your stances, recent events, and many more factors. However, there is one factor that can always be used in a campaign, for you or against you: your past work.

One person that discovered the importance of past work is Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev.  President Nazarbayev was re-elected to office for five more years in April 2011 with over 95% of the votes in his favor. He had a good campaign and he is very qualified for the job, but his real secret was simply the good work he did previously in office, such as seeking peace between religious groups and fighting political corruption.

Besides being a feather in your hat, past work can also be used against you. There have been countless campaigns that have been destroyed by a candidate’s past work (or lack there of). During almost any campaign now you can simply watch a couple of television campaign ads and see that everyone is more than willing to talk about an opponent’s past failures.

While in office, everything you do is under scrutiny. People watch you for mistakes and for good deeds. Doing a good job and accomplishing what you promise are the only sure-fire ways to secure a re-election.

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4 Important Criteria to Consider Before Becoming an Elected Official

May 15, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The primary role of an elected official can be summed up in two words “problem solver.” People look to an elected official as someone in charge who can address their concerns. Here are four simple yet very important criteria that you must address before becoming an elected official.

1. Why do you want tPolitician at Podiumo become elected?

If you truly desire to help people, then be prepared to be a servant. After all, that’s the core of being an elected official; a servant of the people. If your ideals are not about servitude but instead to make a name for yourself, then you should not be an elected official.

2. What can you do for the people?

Although you can’t single-handedly do and fix everything, there must be something you can offer the people to solicit their votes. Talk with the people to become more familiar with their concerns and carefully select the ones you are most capable of meeting.

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3. How will you execute your promises?

You need to have a political strategy of how you plan on fulfilling your promises of positive change to win votes. This is your opportunity to utilize your skills, resources and contacts to have a solid workable plan.

4. When will you deliver on your promises?

Your constituents need timelines of when they can expect things to get better. Be honest and don’t set unrealistic goals just to win votes. If you get elected, you would’ve already set the pace for their expectations.

Answering these four questions can determine if you really have what is takes to become an elected official.

 

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Teaching the Art of Charities

February 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Teaching the young the act of charity can be a daunting task. Everyone likes to get stuff. It’s not so easy to give stuff away. Our world is full of want. But teaching charity can help us to learn the difference between wants and needs and also the joy of giving. Parents and family members have to make a conscience effort to teach children about charity in everyday life. They can also make a conscience effort to help their children find opportunities to give to others through charitable organizations in their society and community and also through daily acts of service and kindness to others.

There are lots of great ways to help children instill a tradition of charity in their hearts and actions every day. The Christmas holidays always create tons of great opportunities for giving to charities and other service organizations. But the act of having charity in mind needs to be something we consider all year long. Society doesn’t just need charity at Christmas. There are people in need all around us every day. You don’t need to turn on the television to be reminded of that. Some great things that families do include doing a monthly donation run to a charitable organization like the Salvation Army. Some families will take a monthly load of groceries or even a small bag to the local food pantry. Kids need to know where these places are and understand that they are a wonderful gift to a community. Children need to see their adult family members going into these places and having positive experiences there. When schools offer charity events, families can support their children in giving generously if finances allow. Let children get excited to be involved in charity events and acts of service. Families can also enact their own charity activities and let their children help plan and do them.

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Educating Voters

February 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

How does a candidate win an election? How important is the election process to Americans?

Often times the public chalks up a winning candidates’ success to the amount of money he or she raises for the campaign. While financial funding certainly helps with advertising and tours, it is not everything.

Election processes can get complicated as candidates use mud-slinging techniques, or complex issues are raised in debate, or one tries to decipher the varying techniques used to win over target populaces.

The truth is though, in the grand scheme of elections, money, catchy punch lines, and appealing advertising does not truly entice the public enough. It is estimated that approximately only a third part of Americans actually vote during a Presidential election. So the winner’s triumph actually does not represent the nation’s overall view. Whether it is lack of interest or ineligibility to vote, many Americans simply don’t participate in elections.

Then among those who do vote, it is not always clear that they are voting on principles and knowledge. They may vote for whoever seems more popular or seems a more charismatic speaker.

How many Americans are educated enough about the varying candidates to determine which one will truly best represent and lead the country? Not very many.

This has brought about an increase desire in conservatives to be educated about government and American history. There are conservatives who are reading, attending seminars, doing research online to learn more about the founding fathers, the bedrock principles of government, and the proper role of government. This among other literature and materials is sure to enhance the ability of Americans to make educated choices. It will help Americans take hold of their rights of liberty and ability to properly facilitate political action. It will decrease the complexity of  governmental issues and open the doors for a stronger people.

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2011 CPAC

February 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The weekend before Valentine’s Day 2011 marked the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). This is a highlight in conservative events and sets the tone for the Republican Primary for the Presidential race in 2012. Many view the CPAC as a rite of passage for the potential Republican nominees.

Below is the review of the speakers and how they fared at the 2011 conference.

Ron Paul of Texas won the straw poll the second year in a row. He was obviously the favored conservative of the weekend. Many feel though he is more of a sensational speaker rather than one who can turn the liberal tide of the country.

Orrin Hatch received the most boos from the crowd. He was asked to explain his supporting vote of the bail-out. Although he admitted it might have been a mistake, he felt that the country would have entered a severe depression if the government had not stepped in. The crowd was so rowdy and obviously opposed to his voting choice, many never heard his response. Hatch will have to do much to repair his reputation, some feel, if he hopes to gain candidacy in 2012.

Mitt Romney of Massachusetts delivered a powerful speech which was very well received by the crowd. He is considered to be the front runner for the conservative race for President in 2012.

Mitch Daniels of Indiana hit the national debt hard in his delivered address. Although his speech was only met with polite applause, he was considerably praised by the national media and made the Drudge Report.

Michele Bachmann of Minnesota also could be considered a “winner” at the CPAC. Her address produced a standing ovation. It is reported that she was surrounded by admirers where ever she went at the conference.

Although there is still much time before the 2012 Presidential Elections many feel that the CPAC has set the stage for conservative nominees. As the public was reintroduced to these conservative super stars, it can better determine who should be selected.

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Mitt Romney is Still a Conservative Favorite

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Mitt Romney continues as a favorite politician among conservatives. He is a church going politician with views that are favored among conservatives.

His political views have changed over the years and his current stance on abortion is it should only be legal in cases of incest, rape and if the pregnancy is life threatening to the mother. This is a stark change from his earlier pro-choice stance in the beginning of his political career.

Eventually, he also changed is view on gay marriage. He originally supported domestic partnerships and was against banning gay marriage. He did flip his views an ended up supporting the Federal Marriage Protection Amendment. This amendment defined marriage as a union between a man and women.

His stance on stem cells has also changed during his political career. Currently, he is not opposed to using embryonic stem cells in the context of research. However, he opposes federal funding of such research. At one point in his career, he stated he would appeal to President Bush for stem cell research.

It is conceivable that Mitt Romney has changed is views simply because he has matured in his personal life and in the political arena. It is also conceivable his views changed simply to garner political support. It is not uncommon for politicians to amend their views to appeal to the masses. A politician’s goal is to be elected.

The notion that conservative politicians with a strong religious faith are somehow more trustworthy is ridiculous. Politicians flip their beliefs to match the majority sentiment to gain votes. Once they are elected, they quickly flip their beliefs again.

Mitt Romney is still a favorite among conservatives. However, he should not be glorified as anything but another politician that amends his views to flow with the current tide of majority beliefs.

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14 Trillion Dollar Debt

January 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The 14 trillion dollar national debt continues to rise. Government spending has spiraled and is out of control. This has many Americans adopting conservative views on government spending. Unemployment is still high and Americans continue to lose their homes to foreclosures.

Government has grown too large to manage. Many Americans no longer trust or have faith in their government. Change was promised and it never came. The solution is to reduce government involvement in the lives of Americans.

The government should not be involved in handing out money through a welfare system. There are many non-profit organizations that continue to provide support and help for the poor. The welfare system is a handout to those that choose not to work and help themselves. Millions of people on welfare feel they are entitled and make little effort to remove themselves from the welfare system. It is time for people to be accountable for their own lives.

The country is in dire condition and gaining control of excess spending is critical. Hardworking taxpayers are tired of their tax dollars being wasted. Many are struggling to hold on to their homes while the government doles out billions of dollars to corporations for bailouts.

It is clear that bailouts and welfare are not in the best interest of the country nor its citizens. The middle class has always managed to survive on its own. It is now time for the rest of the population including large corporations, to manage on their own. Government spending for any type of hand out program should stop. With the increasing national debt, the government and the American people can no longer afford to carry the burden of those that refuse to help themselves.

There are enough charitable organizations available to provide assistance for people that are truly in need.

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Creationism Theory Among Conservatives

January 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Many conservatives based on their religious views, believe in the creationism theory. They want the public school system to include this theory in the curriculum. Several politicians admit to believing in this theory. This is another way Christianity is encroaching on the lives of others that do not believe in this religion.

The public school system is already on a shoestring budget. Teachers have to purchase classroom supplies with their own money. Yet conservatives, who want the government to stop spending money, think it is acceptable to spend money to ensure the creationism theory is taught in school.

It seems that conservatives are willing to spend money as long as it furthers their religious agenda. There are millions of Christians that do not believe in the theory. Why should children have to learn a theory based on one religion? There are a number of religions that may also want their version of creation taught as well.

If people want to abandon the science that has provided advanced medical technologies and much more for a religious theory, then they should do so in the privacy of their own homes. The creationism theory has no place in the public school system. It is a religion based theory and should not be forced into the public school system curriculum.

If conservatives and the Christian right wing organizations want to teach this theory to their children, they are free to teach their children in the home or at church. However, this theory should not be forced on the children of those who do not believe in this theory.

Conservatives tend to overlook separation between church and state and sometimes step on the rights of others who choose to believe in a different religion. We are a diverse nation and no religion should advance its beliefs and theories into the public school system.

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Conservatives and Abortion

January 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Abortion is a hot political topic. Conservatives want to make abortion illegal. Most conservatives would allow for abortion in certain circumstances. If the mother’s life is in jeopardy by giving birth, an abortion is acceptable.

Many women believe it is their body and if they want an abortion it is their right to choose. When you think about this, you realize how ridiculous this thought is. A responsible woman would take precautions to ensure she does not get pregnant with an unwanted child.

If a woman has chosen not to use precautions, then she has already made a choice and pregnancy is the result of her choice. With so many available birth control methods, one would think a woman would choose one of these methods to prevent pregnancy.

Millions of abortions are performed each year. This seems unnecessary given the ample choices of birth control. However, it seems many women choose abortion as a means of birth control.

Science argues the fetus is not a developed human being. This may be a reason why women choose abortion as a birth control method. If it is not a life, then what is the big deal?

The abortion issue will continue to be debated. Even if conservatives were to succeed in make abortion illegal, the debate would still go on. At that point pro-abortion advocates would continue to fight to legalize it once again.

Many Americans feel that abortion is a personal choice; however, there must be some consideration to the fetus. In addition, abortions should not be used as a method of birth control. Abortion is simply a way for a woman to avoid the consequences of her actions.

If abortions were illegal, maybe women would make sure to take precautions to prevent an unwanted pregnancy in the first place.

　

 

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