Hello Again,
I am experiencing a challenge getting into CADEM and was surprised to learn that the only way for me to attend (although I am registered candidate for POTUS) is as an "observer."
Admittedly, I am new to this political process, and while the most politically active consider me late to the contest, please bear in mind that for the everyday citizen, the Democratic primary is just getting started. Of course, I could be mistaken. I never claimed to have all the answers to anything, but given my diverse life experiences, I am able to view things from more perspectives than most.
Anyway, the customer service rep suggested I email the Executive Director. I did so, but have not yet received a reply.
As for CADEM, Mr. Biden is not attending, so if I do not get in, I guess I am in good company, since he is polling as the frontrunner. But we know how not to pay attention to the polls, and the way I see it, if we have a repeat of pre-selecting the candidate, regardless of how "qualified" he or she is or seems to be in the traditional sense, very little will change for the better.
Additional thoughts on civic engagement:
I find it ironic that in order to serve the public, people have to enter a completely different world and spend so many years working their way up and through the ranks, that by the time they are considered "qualified" enough to run, they have been rendered completely clueless to the world inhabited by their constituents.
We the People
We will always need the people to be engaged in the process, to speak to elected officials. The way the system is currently set up, at least from what I have observed so far, is the people are brought into the conversation a bit late in the game. This is certainly true of planning. Over the years, especially since that sidewalk fiasco, I have noticed changes in other neighborhoods that give me hope. An increase in awareness, for one thing. We can thank DT for that.
The most pressing challenge we have now, in addition to ocean pollution, climate change, homelessness/increased economic divide, etc., is the system that elects our representatives.
We are making progress in these areas; the internet is helping in some cases and hurting in others.
Challenge: Please consider who is drafting and passing these archaic laws that are attempting to abolish a woman's right to choose and laws that are criminalizing protest. People in office.
Solution: We need to replace people who are pushing personal agendas with more everyday people who want to be public servants. A mixture of professional and personal backgrounds in the House and Senate will produce a more accurate representation of the people.
It's not going to happen overnight, and it will not happen without a fight. And it will not happen without more people of all genders, sizes, shapes and colors in positions of power. Until that happens, let us harness our own unique powers where we stand.
In Service And With Respect,
Mari Tamburo
p.s. Please consider donating to my campaign. Money isn't everything, but in this day and age, we can't do much without it, certainly not run for President.
I am eager to get on the road, meet and listen to the people. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mt2020
