Volunteerism in politics.

Volunteering in politics has taken a huge change in the last few years. With the rise of blogs, people that volunteer and are active in campaigns are able to discuss ideas and they are given more of a voice. Interestingly, there are those in the party establishment of both parties that feel that volunteers should only have a role in stuffing envelopes and marching in parades, but should not have a voice to express their ideas. It at least seems this way. I have noticed a disinterest in politics among many regular people. Volunteers are regular people too. If you want people to vote and to participate in the process, you need to give them a voice to express their ideas and their news to the candidates. It kind of upsets me that some people within the party establishments want to treat us volunteers and bloggers like minions. Furthermore, it seems that these people also feel that if it isn't "mathematically" possible to win in certain races, we shouldn't compete. This is a losing and defeatist attitude. As someone with a Mathematics degree myself, I know that there are so many variables that go into running races that it is difficult to predict how it will come out, with the exception of polling and that is iffy. Furthermore, if you didn't run a Democrat in a more Republican area, where they "cannot win", then the Democrats in the area will feel abandoned and will not vote for races where the Democrat can win. If they don't have someone running for state house or congress, then the Dems there won't turn out to vote for a Governor, Senator or a President. This is all about outreach. Giving people access and giving them a voice. It is even about giving them experience with politics. This is why I like blogs, the expanded role of volunteerism and the "50 state strategy" approach to campaigning. The Democrats need to continue down this path as a party if we have any hope of continuing to function as a unit.