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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 22:48:51 GMT -5
Alright, so here's the deal...
It's election year in my small town of Triana, Alabama. I have been heavily involved in the Historical Society, and I've worked in trying to establish a Neighborhood Watch (though I withdrew due to concerns about some members). I've always tried to promote the history of this town, but also to facilitate growth. I've tried to get some delivery services to service our area, as well as promote the town online and through business with surrounding towns. So, I've been asked to run for the office of City Councilman.
My question is; should I do it? I am a college student right now, trying to get a degree in Political Science so that I can go to Law School. I also have a job working at Cabela's, though it is only part time. I'm also looking to get a job working at a law firm (doing whatever I can so I can see first hand experience). The good news is that the job requires only two days of my time out of a year, and pays a pitiful, but useful monthly salary (it's not enough to live on).
What do y'all think I should do?
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 22:49:21 GMT -5
By the way, I still plan on being here, so I'm not going anywhere.
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 23:04:40 GMT -5
By the way, this post is not to get political, it is just asking if y'all think I'll have the time to do this, and if I should do this considering my current status.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2016 23:24:15 GMT -5
Yes, and here's why...
Experience. Any level of political experience will help you just as much as your education will. Hell, you might be able to forego internships or other things that people in college would be expected to do based on your experience in office, or even just running for office. It could be college credits in the bank, if you're able to swing that with your educational institute.
Once (and if) you attain your degrees, and if you're able to move upward when a seat opens up in Alabama Senate or Congress, you will at least have the backing of your area, provided you do a good job at this. It will open doors to your personal campaign funding for whenever you do make the move to becoming Mayor, or a State seat, or higher.
Also, education does help in politics, but it is not necessary to have an extensive educational background, as long as you can connect with people on important issues and can attain financial backing.
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Post by Seth on May 18, 2016 23:33:40 GMT -5
I disagree with virtually everything you believe in but yes! If you want to, and people want to vote for you, go for it. Viva democracy, and all that.
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2016 23:38:01 GMT -5
I don't believe in the government anymore. All governments should burn and anarchy should be the standard. I was just pointing out the benefits of running at the very least.
All I ask is that if you ascend high enough, take some power away from the government. They really don't need it, unless they want a revolt on their hands in the next 50 years in their own backyard...
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 23:44:08 GMT -5
I don't believe in the government anymore. All governments should burn and anarchy should be the standard. I was just pointing out the benefits of running at the very least. All I ask is that if you ascend high enough, take some power away from the government. They really don't need it, unless they want a revolt on their hands in the next 50 years in their own backyard... I'm a Jeffersonian, so yea... extremely limited Federal government. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the National stage is ready for a Constitutionalist right now, maybe in four more years. |
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 23:48:08 GMT -5
I disagree with virtually everything you believe in but yes! If you want to, and people want to vote for you, go for it. Viva democracy, and all that. Vive la République! I'm sure you've seen, and some of the others on here have seen, my many political debates on Facebook. One thing I have always tried to have is civility. We can disagree all we want, and the odds are, we will, but we must remain civil about it. If we can't discuss such things in a civil manner, we have no business discussing them in the first place. I have always applauded your maturity in this matter. |
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Post by Seth on May 18, 2016 23:51:58 GMT -5
I disagree with virtually everything you believe in but yes! If you want to, and people want to vote for you, go for it. Viva democracy, and all that. Vive la République! I'm sure you've seen, and some of the others on here have seen, my many political debates on Facebook. One thing I have always tried to have is civility. We can disagree all we want, and the odds are, we will, but we must remain civil about it. If we can't discuss such things in a civil manner, we have no business discussing them in the first place. I have always applauded your maturity in this matter. Right, absolutely. If everyone with your views and everything had your attitude the world would be a much better place and maybe we could get stuff done. I have a friend who would describe himself as conservative, I guess, but all he does is post anti-liberal memes, stuff that either isn't true or is just alienating people or whatever. Once someone questioned something and once it was proven it wasn't factual he said he "just liked pissing liberals off! lol" and it's like.. Jesus. And it's ALL DAY every day. I don't know how someone lives their life like that. Okay, end rant. My point was, yes, the only thing I don't like about you Bates is that your well reasoned arguments make me question what I already believe. Hah. |
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 18, 2016 23:53:36 GMT -5
Thank you. I do hope I can change some things. This town really needs to be united between the Old and the New, and I hope to be able to do that.
As for the political opinions, I think we can agree on quite a bit; but perhaps we should move this to Facebook if you wish to continue it. I would be interested to hear more about the State politics, especially considering how they have effected the country as a whole. Again though, let's move it to Facebook.
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 19, 2016 0:03:52 GMT -5
Vive la République! I'm sure you've seen, and some of the others on here have seen, my many political debates on Facebook. One thing I have always tried to have is civility. We can disagree all we want, and the odds are, we will, but we must remain civil about it. If we can't discuss such things in a civil manner, we have no business discussing them in the first place. I have always applauded your maturity in this matter. Right, absolutely. If everyone with your views and everything had your attitude the world would be a much better place and maybe we could get stuff done. I have a friend who would describe himself as conservative, I guess, but all he does is post anti-liberal memes, stuff that either isn't true or is just alienating people or whatever. Once someone questioned something and once it was proven it wasn't factual he said he "just liked pissing liberals off! lol" and it's like.. Jesus. And it's ALL DAY every day. I don't know how someone lives their life like that. Okay, end rant. My point was, yes, the only thing I don't like about you Bates is that your well reasoned arguments make me question what I already believe. Hah. Ah my friend. "Celui qui n’est pas républicain à vingt ans fait douter de la générosité de son âme; mais celui qui, après trente ans, persévère, fait douter de la rectitude de son esprit." or rather translated to “He who is not a républicain at twenty compels one to doubt the generosity of his heart; but he who, after thirty, persists, compels one to doubt the soundness of his mind.” a quote by Jules Claretie in 1875 often attributed to Winston Churchill. "républicain" at this time was more liberal. Your friend reminds me a lot of what I've seen on both sides of the political aisle. Liberals who live to anger Conservatives, and Conservatives who live to anger Liberals, all the while both not actually understanding what their own political affiliation is. I wish I could say it is the minority that behaves this way, but recent political news has convinced me that I am in the minority. |
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Post by Seth on May 19, 2016 0:04:42 GMT -5
You're right in that this isn't the place!, but I also need to get to sleep, haha, so maybe later! Anyway though best of luck either way.
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 19, 2016 0:06:00 GMT -5
Thank you. I may delete the entire thread tomorrow, just to make sure it doesn't go into more political rants.
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Post by Gemini Battle on May 19, 2016 5:07:23 GMT -5
I say no just because you should finish school first. If I'm not wrong you're pretty close to being done.
But I dropped out of school to start my career and I'm doing pretty good so who am I to judge. You do you bro. Good luck in whatever you do.
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Post by Thomas Uriel Bates on May 19, 2016 6:35:35 GMT -5
I say no just because you should finish school first. If I'm not wrong you're pretty close to being done. But I dropped out of school to start my career and I'm doing pretty good so who am I to judge. You do you bro. Good luck in whatever you do. A very valid point. I'm not close though, I'm just a Sophomore going for my undergraduate right now. One more year at this place then I Transfer to another for two years. Then I try to get into Law School. |
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Post by Gemini Battle on May 19, 2016 7:00:32 GMT -5
There's the thought of what's the worst that happens if you run. You lose. Tough shit you try again, right?
But politics are a fickle creature. A devastating loss could diminish you in the eyes of your constintuents if you're not careful. If you honestly and truly feel that you have a legitimate chance not necessarily to win but stand up on a platform that a sting amount of people could get around and bring forth ideas that you feel need to be heard then all the power to you.
I honestly would be more fearful of winning lol. I'm a thankless job that (at least on Long Island) is relatively low paying and leads to a to. Of enemies and 'friends' who don't always have your back. And what it may do to your education.
like I said. Good luck batesy boy.
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Post by Oblivion on May 19, 2016 7:03:57 GMT -5
I am split on this issue. Just because, of finishing school is important first. As always. That's all. But, I am proud of you for your political goals.
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Buzzsaw Bundy
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Post by Buzzsaw Bundy on May 19, 2016 8:56:32 GMT -5
The nice thing about local politics while still in school, not only does it provide you with a foot in the door, but as in your case, you get a trial run to know if that is what you really want to do with your life while you still have time to switch paths(college & career)
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Post by Steve Orbit on May 19, 2016 9:18:01 GMT -5
I CHOOSE NOT TO RUN! /Seinfeld
Do it bruh. Can't hurt you at all. It's life experience and could potentially open doors for the rest of your life. If you're passionate about it go for it.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2016 11:25:11 GMT -5
Politics are supposed to be based on facts. You know the facts; that's evident in the things you say and use to prove your points. Purely from a qualifications standpoint, you're very clearly worthy of a try. If you go for it, good luck!
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