Brian, There are several reasons why you don't have retail grassroots politics like that in Knoxville/Knox County? Not all of these reasons are "bad" and several are the direct result/manifestations of your strengths. #1.) Republicans are conservatives (not all conservatives are republicans) and as such gravitate more toward an authoritarian MO, which necessitates a top-down method. This isn't 'bad" or "good" it's just one of thiose things that is. It's a strength in that lends itself strong organization, planning and coordination. This I think is the biggest reason. There are others: #2.) "grassroots" anything (organizing, sign distribution, etc ...) tend to be a younger crowd thing. Republicans aren't attracting a young enough crowd. #3.) The Republican message is lame. No one is going to bust their butts for something lame. This reason is rather subjective and many might/will disagree. It is also time and space dependent; "pendalum swings" and NY20 vs TN1.#4.) Localizing it a little: The local GOP leadership doesn't inspire "grassroots" activities. "Grassroots" activities necessitate surrendering a certain amount of control. Leadership tends to resist losing control. (that's true of almost any leadership structure/membership. #5.) Complacency: Republicans pretty much "own" TN. At least the eastern part. So ... Why would any TN Republican see a neeed for that type/quanity/quality of "grassroots"?
It's possible to go on, but I hope you can see my point, even if you disagree (and you probably will, and that's cool too).
Brian,
ReplyDeleteThere are several reasons why you don't have retail grassroots politics like that in Knoxville/Knox County? Not all of these reasons are "bad" and several are the direct result/manifestations of your strengths.
#1.) Republicans are conservatives (not all conservatives are republicans) and as such gravitate more toward an authoritarian MO, which necessitates a top-down method. This isn't 'bad" or "good" it's just one of thiose things that is.
It's a strength in that lends itself strong organization, planning and coordination.
This I think is the biggest reason.
There are others:
#2.) "grassroots" anything (organizing, sign distribution, etc ...) tend to be a younger crowd thing. Republicans aren't attracting a young enough crowd.
#3.) The Republican message is lame. No one is going to bust their butts for something lame.
This reason is rather subjective and many might/will disagree. It is also time and space dependent; "pendalum swings" and NY20 vs TN1.#4.) Localizing it a little: The local GOP leadership doesn't inspire "grassroots" activities.
"Grassroots" activities necessitate surrendering a certain amount of control. Leadership tends to resist losing control. (that's true of almost any leadership structure/membership.
#5.) Complacency: Republicans pretty much "own" TN. At least the eastern part. So ...
Why would any TN Republican see a neeed for that type/quanity/quality of "grassroots"?
It's possible to go on, but I hope you can see my point, even if you disagree (and you probably will, and that's cool too).
SteveMule