Political Masturbation
Yes, it’s a crude expression. Unfortunately, it’s an act I’m afraid too many of us are guilty of…and I do, believe me, include myself.
We believe that the Bush regime must be removed, not only because it represents "the other party," but because we view that regime as either wickedly incompetent or simply wicked—a regime that seems hell-bent on running counter to the values that we, as Americans, take to define what we are as a people; as a nation.
This is enormously painful to most of us. More painful, I believe, than what we experienced during the Viet Nam war.
Unfortunately, much of what we do to relieve the pain serves only to make us feel better, rather than actually working toward a removal of the cause of our discomfort. We go to "fun" political events, gatherings of the faithful to raise money, film showings that reinforce our feeling of solidarity with other sufferers, we go on marches and candlelight vigils. We put on bumper stickers and post yard signs.
An old ward healer from my Chicago days gave me the secret, the only secret, to winning elections. It was not a guarantee, but it was the best shot we had: "Listen, Kid," he said, "just deliver your block !"
What he meant of course was clear. Whatever else you did you had to visit every one of your neighbors, walk your neighborhood, keep a list, call on election day to make sure your supporters voted. In order to win everyone must deliver his or her block.
Anything else you do may be useful, and it certainly makes you feel wonderful, but if you don’t deliver your block it’s just so much, er, well you know…
