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When Democrats Attack!
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Let me start off by saying that I am, in fact, a Democrat. So, that gives me free license to not only criticize the Republicans and their policies but also my own party as well. Not that there is anything wrong with the Democratic Party. No, not them. They are just fine. They totally have their shit together.
Sorry, the Democratic Party as a whole is really a subject for another rant. Not this one. This rant is more immediate. More “in your face.” What am I referring to? I'm referring to being subject to repeated requests to "help the Democrats take back Congress" every time I try to enter or leave my favorite Starbucks. And I do mean every time.
I don't know how many of you have had this happen and perhaps I go to this particular Starbucks too often so it affects me more. However, it happens every day at least twice a day. Once when I go in and once when I go out. I am approached aggressively by one or more grinning teenagers with clipboards who try to convince me that the Democrats are going to take back Congress and that my donation, no matter how small, will ensure that this happens.
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I don't mind being approached and asked to help. Once or even twice would be fine. But to approach me each and every time I enter or leave as if my several previous "no thank yous" would somehow be transformed into immediate action on my part to whip out my checkbook or credit card is just wrong. Besides, I do donate to the party. Quite a bit. I just don't give my credit card number to someone on the sidewalk who asks for it. Even if they do have a clipboard.
Maybe they talk to so many people that they forgot they already asked me before? That's possible. Or, maybe they think browbeating people is the way to achieve success? Interesting thought. Or, maybe they don't have a clue how to talk to people and are just aggressively annoying? I'm gona go with that last one.
I'm not the only person this has happened to at my local Starbucks. I observed one woman recently who was almost brought to tears from the frustration of being hounded while waiting to cross the street. Finally, the green hand allowed her to escape. But before that, the little blonde Democrat would not leave her alone and insisted that she help even when it was clear to everyone looking on that the woman was not going to change her mind. All she wanted to do was get away.
Believe me, I don't mind enthusiasm and commitment. I like it. I wish I had some more of it. It's a welcome change to the usual cynicism and apathy in this town. People should not be criticized for wanting to do something and for getting out there and doing it. Commitment is a good thing. I only question the technique. If the goal of having these people out in the field representing is to help the Democratic Party then I feel like they are failing at their mission.
Despite these tactics, they must have met with some success or they wouldn't keep doing it. After all, we are pretty liberal here in LA and some people will say "yes" because they want to just get it over with. And some people genuinely want to help the democrats and feel this is the time to do it. But I have seen many, many occasions where their insistence and aggressive attitude has done nothing more than piss people off. People don't offer support and instead walk away in anger. Not exactly the reaction the Democrats are hoping for I would expect.
So, what's the solution? Is it an easy fix? Probably. Will they listen and try? Probably not. Being nice isn't really that popular these days and I'm probably stupid for even suggesting it but I think it's worth a try. Have them be nice to people and be polite to people. Being nice isn't a weakness. It's strength.
Besides, couldn't we all use a little more niceness these days?
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