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Tag(s): Activism; Democracy; Elections; Gonzalez-matt; Independent; Nader-Ralph; Students-Youth
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May 22, 2008 at 08:25:38

Would You Like to Sign to Get an Independent Candidate on the Ballot?

by Kevin Gosztola Page 2 of 2 page(s)

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It wasn’t the rejection. I can handle people saying they don't like Nader or want to vote for Obama (I disagree principally but it doesn’t stop me). I just was losing confidence and didn’t feel like approaching people anymore.

The IL state coordinator agreed to work with me around 4 pm in the afternoon after I had been sulking, pouting, and being a fool. He coached me and helped me establish persona to approach people with.

I got some pep in my step and started really aggressively going after people.

I matched yesterday’s 10 signatures and got 11 signatures on Wednesday.

Tomorrow, I’ll find out if I have worked through my personal hang-ups like I’ve been telling people. But, Wednesday, I was ready to give up.

I wanted to give up until I thought to myself how essential it is to my future in political activism and public service to be able to fearless approach people. I’m not ashamed to say that I am not a good capitalist, but I need to develop a capacity to sell democracy.

The non-white population has helped me get comfortable with petitioning. It’s the white males that really are a pain

“Ralph Nader! Not again! He takes votes away from people.” And then, “I agree with what you are doing but I just can’t.” And they just watch you giving your pitch to get them to sign with that underhanded grin.

I’m out here giving Illinois voters more voices and more choices.

To petition successfully for anything, it can’t be about you. It has to be about having fun and promoting your candidate or the initiative you are petitioning for.

This is a political civil rights struggle as well as the acquiring of a new skill. And the options are innumerable if you push through the impediments and obstacles to truly take a stand for a more robust and vibrant democracy.

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Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral system, its military-industrial complex, its foreign policy of American exceptionalism, its media which has become the Fourth Branch of government,etc.)
His ambitions have him currently organizing and raising money for a Chicago Conference for Media Reform in April or May of 2009. It will be organized by college students to promote youth involvement in media reform and justice. Those interested in attending or helping with the organization of the program should contact him.

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3 comments

I'm a 61year old white guy, Veteran of 66-68, operate my own business with my wife and love to travel. Built a big sailboat in the 70's and went sailing for a few years, which ruined me for real work. Now, I fly hot air balloons for a living. Have been initiated as an Andean Paq'o. Yes, I am a liberal.
RogerI'm a 61year old white guy, Veteran of 66-68, operate my own business with my wife and love to travel. Built a big sailboat in the 70's and went sailing for a few years, which ruined me for real work. Now, I fly hot air balloons for a living. Have been initiated as an Andean Paq'o. Yes, I am a liberal.

Good 'ol Kevin

If I read this posting correctly Kevin is against what he is doing, 'in Principle'. What the hell, that's the American way....Keven is apparently in it for money as well as education into selling products that are offensive to him. I find this an excellant look into why our country is in the fix it's in.

by Roger (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 388 comments) on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 12:49:27 PM

Kevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Kevin GosztolaKevin Gosztola goes to Columbia College in Chicago where he is studying film. He hopes to become a documentary filmmaker. He is currently working as a production assistant on a documentary called "Seriously Green" which traces the development of the Green Party throughout the 2008 election. He has a passion for journalism and writes articles or press releases in his spare time. Kevin Gosztola is also a student activist who believes in questioning the way America's systems work(its electoral sys...

to see more of bio, click on member name

No Roger

Read again.

What I am doing is necessary for political organizing. That I am getting paid per signature is an added perk to increase my dedication. However...

I have not been able to commit myself and that is because I have this fear of approaching people, which I need to overcome in order to be a good political organizer.

I am not trying to make money. Far from it.

by Kevin Gosztola (231 articles, 127 quicklinks, 72 diaries, 895 comments) on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 8:36:57 PM

The author is no one special, staggering through life trying to figure it out.
NettieMaeThe author is no one special, staggering through life trying to figure it out.

Well, I do agree

the 'disagree principally' is a little confusing about with which one or what he disagrees principally. I do think he stressed, though, that it was a character building exercise for the greater good of society. Opening the process up for more than a lumbering giant (known to rampage in recent years) and a jackass (enough said) is a good thing. Maybe the means justify the ends?

Thank you for sharing that, Kevin. I enjoyed reading it. It reminded me that after dumbass' first inauguration protest, reading articles like this made me feel connected to faceless, nameless people who REALLY WERE OUT THERE, wondering how this transparently unqualified idiot managed to be appointed, just like I was. Oops. Sorry. That was just a little repressed anger popping out which has nothing to do with your piece except, maybe, the idea of connecting with other citizens.

I got the selling part. I have an innate antipathy to sales.

by NettieMae (0 articles, 2 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 27 comments) on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at 8:16:29 PM