1/15    Question for you registered Republicans.  I've been a registered
        Democrat now for a couple of years, and I've given money to the
        Democrats consistently throughout this presidential campaign.  Now
        they're deciding on a national chairman for the party, and I get
        all kinds of mail asking for money, and not a *single*
        mention of the chairmanship.  They clearly have no interest whatsoever
        in what I, as a member of the party, think.  Is this the same in the
        GOP?  Do they care what average members think as far as the direction
        of the party goes?
        \_ Think about it.  Big political parties (in almost any country)
           provide an enormous amount of patronage, jobs, means for lobbying,
           and ways to climb the political (career) ladder.  They are
           businesses the same way a lot of nonprofits and advocacy groups
           don't really want to see the topic of their activism (such as the
           homeless problem, environmental issues, whatever) go away.  They
           are self-perpetuating organizations, in many of the same ways as
           large corporations.  They attempt to appeal to voters as customers,
           viz. as sources of votes and cash-this is done via focus groups and
           trend analysis.  I seriously doubt whether a campaign strategist
           beyond the local level gives a whit what you, the lone party
           foot soldier, think.  -John
           \_ I understand that.  That doesn't mean it isn't bullshit, and that
              doesn't mean it's equally bad in both parties.  I would also
              argue that as the party out of power, the Democrats have a
              stronger interest in listening to new voices and bringing
              in new constituencies.
              \_ That's what any intelligent person with the benefit of a Cal
                 education would recommend, isn't it?  Nonetheless, your
                 description of the "gimme!" note you received doesn't seem
                 to indicate much inclination to do so.  -John
              \_ Well, how about getting off of your ass and actually getting
                 involved in your party's process? Nobody's going to give
                 you a voice unless you are willing to participate. That either
                 means giving up a lot of dough or a lot of time, which
                 equates to the same thing.
        \_ I have been asked, via email, to participate in a survey on the
           parties future. I gave $2k to the Kerry campaign though.
           \_ uh, you realize that Kerry forgot to spend a few millions
              of the campaign money, and found out a week after the
              election? His campaign is unorganized and run by lame
              bozos. I have no more faith in the Dem party. Go Nader!
              \_ I remember them saying it was incase of a protracted fight.