Technology will only go so far in transforming the Republican Party -- or for that matter, transforming anything. What a movement needs is people committed to activism -- rather than just people committed to typing on their computers.
The latest rage [to just about anyone who is not Mike DeVine :-)] has become #TCOT [Top Conservatives on Twitter] which has sprung to life in the last quarter of 2008 to become THE conservative definition of activism.
As the #TCOT numbers have swollen, from a couple hundred to what is closing in on 1800 conservatives tweeting away at each other. Some are tweeting their columns, websites and blogtalk radio sites, while others are simply commenting on the day's events. In all too rare instances, #TCOT is being used for actual grassroots organizing.
One of the best takes on the #TCOT phenomenon and how it is [not] being used, comes from a #TCOT stalwart, TxSkirt. With her permission, I re-run her blog below:
#TCOT Cannot Save the Republican Party
I've been a member of Top Conservatives on Twitter since day one. I've been on conference calls, monitored and participated in petty power squabbles, and asked Mike Leahy a lot of annoying questions. I have come to the conclusion that TCOT cannot save or resurrect the Republican Party.
However, TCOT members sure as hell can.
I came off the conference call last night with RNC Secretarial Candidate Sharon Day excited for the first time since Sarah Palin took the stage in Ohio. Sharon talked at length about the frustrations with the slow moving national party that she experienced as an organizer in Florida this past election. I know what she means. We Republicans are so ingrained with respect for our elders that we forget to pursue our next generation. I have been a young woman that walked into a Republican Women's meeting and found no room for me or my ideas at the table. Technology is the WMD in politics--use it or it will kill you.
Twitter has made me realize that there are literally thousands of men and women that are incredibly busy with raising families and working jobs that still want to effect change in their society. We don't want to JUST gripe about what is being done, we want to change it to reflect our conservative values. We have been busy and silent for too long. Social Media has me given an outlet to express my opinions and I will be silent no longer.
So how are TCOT members going to change the Republican party?
1. Get to know your local Republican leadership. This is where future leaders and party platforms are decided. You cannot skip this step and expect any change nationally. They're a bunch of good 'ol boys/gals that aren't welcoming to new people and ideas? Well, nobody ever said this was going to be easy. Open your mouth at meetings and express your opinions. That is how change happens.
2. Get to know your state government. How much to you really know about your local state reps and senators? Join a blog or news site that just covers your state and stay informed. When they are about to do something you don't like, LET THEM KNOW. That is the ultimate use of twitter--instant communication. Rouse the troops and start writing and calling your reps. They work for you, and should be reminded of that on a regular basis.
3. Get to know your states RNC delegates. Many of them have been delegates since Nixon and that needs to change. However, until that time, it's good to let them know what you think.
Basically, it's time to become major pains in the butt. We need massive changes in our party in the next 2 years and being "polite" and "fair" is what lost us this last election. As conservatives and TCOT members we must be willing to do what ever it takes to save the Republican Party.
Something comes to mind about talking the talk, and walking the walk. It appears that TxSkirt is walking the walk. Are we all ready to do the same?
Click Image to view the archive
You bet I am ready. I have been walking the walk at a fast pace for the past four months. Lots of work to be done for our America.