If you've signed a petition in the last several days/weeks/months, you are likely too late to effect any type of political change. The election was over in November, and those able to do anything political have already taken an oath of office, and are virtually invulnerable until 2014 or 2018 (House and Senate only). Petitions are great emotion stokers, but they rarely work.
However, it's never too late to start from the grassroots. This is an over-used term, but it's what works.
The folks in power now were not always there. They started at the very bottom, and worked their way to the positions they have today.
You must understand the other side. They may not be coherent to you, but they obviously have someone's ear, or they wouldn't be where they are. Ignorance is the most expensive commodity in the world.
Mao's Tze Dong's "Long March" did not originate in Beijing. Your's can't start in Washington, D.C.
This is not a fast process, but you must have patience, persistence, and money. Victory won't come easily, and there will be losses along the way. Keep the goal in focus.
You can probably surmise that none of the above actions are earth-shaking changes. But the process doesn't run on revolution; it operates most smoothly and effectively as an evolution.
However, it's never too late to start from the grassroots. This is an over-used term, but it's what works.
- Get involved at the lowest political level possible - local councils.
- Volunteer for your local political party. Attend the caucuses, regular meetings, and participate. Make phone calls. Stuff and mail literature.
- Do not threaten anyone. Disagree, if that's your position, but do not threaten. Officials don't like it, and they ignore most threats. Besides, its easier to get things done when you have allies, not enemies.
- People in elected office get there because people know who they are. Get to know your representatives, local/state/Federal. Knowing who your allies and foes are is the first step in being effective politically.
- Incumbents, unless they've really screwed up, get re-elected. However, most are vulnerable during the primary. So you have to be involved early on.
- Find out who agrees with your beliefs, and become allied with them.
- Join the NRA, RKBA, and other activist groups. They have money, contacts, and organizations already in place. They know who to contact. There are also many state and local groups who are effective at those levels. Join.
- Join a pistol/rifle club, and be active. As clubs and associations tend to speak with united voices, and they are effective, where your single letter to Joe Councilman may not be. Many clubs are associated with the NRA. Learn to use the NRA's money through your club. They have a lot of cash, and know a lot of people.
- Support your allies with your money. We make financial choices daily. If you buy the new magazines for your 1911, would that money be better spent by your local party in a 2nd Amendment teaching campaign? Sure, the $50 bucks may not be much, but if 20 people gave...
- If you buy those new magazines, gun parts, etc., purchase from a company which has a check-off amount going to the NRA. Every dollar helps.
The folks in power now were not always there. They started at the very bottom, and worked their way to the positions they have today.
You must understand the other side. They may not be coherent to you, but they obviously have someone's ear, or they wouldn't be where they are. Ignorance is the most expensive commodity in the world.
Mao's Tze Dong's "Long March" did not originate in Beijing. Your's can't start in Washington, D.C.
This is not a fast process, but you must have patience, persistence, and money. Victory won't come easily, and there will be losses along the way. Keep the goal in focus.
You can probably surmise that none of the above actions are earth-shaking changes. But the process doesn't run on revolution; it operates most smoothly and effectively as an evolution.
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