One of the things we think needs to be discussed is how to deal with the hatred and insults we are bound to receive from those on the left. Those of us who live in predominantly leftist areas have dealt with this for years. We'd love to have Pro-Palin bumper stickers on our cars but can't afford the insurance deductables we know we'll have to pay. Cars have been keyed and tires slashed for less. Wearing a Conservative t-shirt or button can make you a target of physical violence, or at the least a cacophony of vile, disgusting, and threatening comments. It can be frightening living in the hostile environment that many of us have to deal with on a daily basis.
Even those who have taken on the mantle of leadership are afraid. Photographs are censored, names deleted from articles, personal information is protected as much as possible. All because we are afraid of what the loony Left will do. I have often seen and heard comments from folks outside of these regions as to how they would deal with it, but it's one thing to hear about it second hand, and quite another to live with it. What do you do when you're verbally attacked when you have your children with you, just because of a bumper sticker? How do you handle someone poking you in the chest and screaming obscenities at you when they don't like the message on your t-shirt? What's the proper response to a co-worker who takes offense at the Conservative book on you desk?
There are those who enjoy the adreneline rush of going toe-to-toe with these leftist loons. Andrew Breitbart comes to mind as someone who walks right into the middle of a crowd of these folks and doesn't let them intimidate him. We admire him for that.
However, most volunteers have to think about their personal safety. It's wise to be cautious and not take on unnecessary risks. If you're canvassing a neighborhood make sure you have a buddy with you, preferable a big burly guy or someone with martial arts skills. Ignore verbal attacks and don't engage with those who attack you in that way. They are, after all, only words, and by answering back you're giving them what they want, an opportunity to amp up the situation. Physical threats should be taken seriously and reported to the police. No one should be able to get away with a physical attack. Defend yourself if you need to, and make sure you file charges against your attacker.
The left is getting desperate and their working relationship with Union goons does not bode well for a non-violent campaign. However, we are not without our defenses. Regardless of what they do or say, we have the right to speak our mind, and to vote as we wish. There are more of us than there are of them so we need to band together, defend each other, and hope that the basic human decency of the American people will shame the left away from their vicious tactics.
We also firmly believe that those of us who live in liberal urban areas have the right to express ourselves as well. We may not be able to do it as boldly and freely as those of you in the Heartland, but we can still let our opinions be known. We are hoping to introduce a line of subtle "Urban Conservative" items that someone could wear in places like Berkeley and San Francisco without fear. We hope that these ideas will be "conversational" not "confrontational," we'll have to see how that goes!
In the meantime, keep safe and take care.
For many Americans the last few years have been the first time they've volunteered for a political campaign, attended a rally or protest march, or posted on a political site.
The fact is that the irresponsible actions of the Obama Administration have awakened a sleeping giant. The American people are awake and now realize that they have to put their money and time on the line to effect real positive common sense change.
For many of us putting ourselves out there in that way is intimidating. We want to help, but we don't feel comfortable making phone calls to strangers or canvassing our neighborhoods for votes. If you volunteer for a campaign you will probably be asked to do these kinds of things. If you don't want to do them, just say "no" and offer your services in another way.
Perhaps you're an experienced carpenter or electrician, offer to help set up for events. If you're painfully shy about making phone calls but you make great chocolate chip cookies, drop off a batch to the people working the phone banks. If you know web design, or graphic design, or can make a great sign, let the campaign manager know. Offer to make copies or coffee, help with the books, pick up materials from the printer, or even offer to run a mini daycare at the campaign office so Moms can man the phones.
If you have a link to a campaign that you are a volunteer for, send it along and we can post it here. The more "boots on the ground" the more likely we are to be able to kick Obama out of office in 2012.
Political activism takes many forms. In the 19th century, Carrie Nation carried her axe into saloons and pubs in support of the Temperance movement. She was one tough lady, and the axe came in handy for chopping the taps off of kegs.
Nowadays, one of the most important forms of activism is called "Hands on the Keyboard." For many people heading out to a campaign office or attending an event isn't possible. Many of us are so busy with our families, jobs, and other obligations that it can be difficult to carve out the few hours it would take to do those things. However, if you have a computer there's a lot you can do, even with just a few minutes. Start a blog, comment on political sites, encourage others, send out emails to friends and family, Tweet, text, update your status on Facebook. The internet is an amazing place to connect with people and show your support for your favorite candidate.
It's also the best place to get "real" news, not the biased reporting of the mainstream media. Read up on topics, do research, become a resource for others!
We are firm believers in the power of the internet, that is, after all, where we met. It's also how we communicate with our customers and political partners. So, get your hands on your keyboard and join the revolution!

