In which I write shitloads about having nothing to say

[axver]

I have blogged about this before, and a recurring theme when I open the update page and stare at the blank screen is that I have nothing to say any more. I remember a few years ago, I wrote daily updates, often on political or theological topics, and then had rather lengthy discussions in the comments with you folks. I miss those days. Part of

Comments

[fugebabe8819]

I think protests and demonstrations are less about catching the attention of a politician than getting the attention of their constituents--raising awareness of an issue, educating people about a cause, and getting media attention. In a direct way, protests don't accomplish a whole lot, but in a roundabout way it might. It all depends on the level of success that a protest/demonstration has. The media attention is what catches the attention of a politician, that is, if an issue is getting enough press then a politician will feel compelled to share their position on the issue

[axver]

'I think protests and demonstrations are less about catching the attention of a politician than getting the attention of their constituents--raising awareness of an issue, educating people about a cause, and getting media attention.'

Which is fantastic if you just want to get the attention of a lot of people who can't do anything more than say "yeah, that's a nice idea". At the end of the day, awareness doesn't matter. What matters is people in positions of influence making decisions that actually have a meaningful outcome. If you can't contribute to those decisions somehow, then it's nothing more than hot air. Talk is cheap. Results are what matter.

'If nothing further is done, the issue will die out. I think at this point what would be needed is for the politician's constituents to contact them and give the politician further proof that the issue is one that needs to be addressed.'I don't agree here. Except in the most exceptional of issues, where the government's policy has been exposed as particularly disastrous, any media

[pineapple_head]

Agreed. I hope this doesnt sound condescending, but often this realisation comes naturally with age.

[axver]

No, it doesn't sound condescending at all. If anything, I find myself sitting here thinking "I should have a few more years of idealism left in me yet; where did all my youthful naivety go?"