Comments on: Building the GOP online

By: momof5

momof5 — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:19:11 +0000

I agree. I used to support the RNC, but they got “big tent” focused, and lost the confidence of LOTS of us.

Making it easier to communicate doesn’t matter a whit if what they’re communicating isn’t grounded in conservative principles.

Oh, and I’m much more influenced by offline community leaders. I have a politically connected friend who I rely on for recommendations for elections, for example.

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By: NJLawyer

NJLawyer — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:32:44 +0000

The RNC does need to use the Internet better, but what they really need to do is revamp their approach to people. You have to have something behind you other than a great website.

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By: Michael Martin

Michael Martin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 06:45:31 +0000

My little church has about 100 members. Of that, maybe about half are competent with a computer. Of those perhaps 30 or so use the internet, but mostly just for email and other assorted odds and ends. I think I am the only one who actively participates on a blog. Most are not comfortable with their writing and research skills, nor are they aggressive enough to participate in even a mild give-and-take blog like this. They vote and discuss politics and religion with like minded friends, but energetically arguing with belligerent foes and running the risk of embarrassment is not what they want to do. Besides, their plates are already full with family, church, work, and other Christian ministries.

As for me, I don’t participate on the internet to bolster the Republican Party. It is for my faith, my country, and the values they represent for me. If the Republican Party and its candidates offer the best and most effective choice in seeing those values put into practice, then, for better or worse, I vote and lend my voice for them. In the meantime, I spend far more time with my family and other ministry activities than here online.

With that said, would I participate to some degree in “Building the GOP Online?” Maybe—but not if it was just endless appeals for money, like I already get from them via “snail mail.”

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By: Peter L

Peter L — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 01:23:40 +0000

I am more influenced by offline leaders, especially local ones, as I can question them face to face and get to know them as a real, live person, rather than an impersonal, unknown personality.

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By: Xion

Xion — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:19:11 +0000

“… rebooting the RNC”. That’s funny.

All of us here are active online. But what is “online social activism”? Does that mean signing on to a local cause? If so, I have a few that I participate in:

- A cycling club that posts events online.
- A local advocacy group to convert abandoned rails to trails.
- I’m starting to look into a local alternative energy co-op.
- A town group for purchasing land for hiking trails.

But I don’t trust either the RNC or the DNC or any other NC. I will never participate in big party politics either online or offline.

Liberal passion for politics borders on a religious fervor. They want to become saviors of the world. Conservatives on the other hand have religion and a Savior already. Politics is a cheap substitute.

are as passionate about politics as conservatives are about religion and American values.

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