Regarding the Oct. 23 letter, “Voter apathy: Lazy two-party system is to blame.” Writer Mark Nagel said, in part, our current two-party system (Democratic and Republican parties) has become lazy. The use of the term lazy is interesting. The dictionary defines lazy as “disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous.” I cannot be sure why Nagel used that term, but I wonder if it is because he does not see us doing some things he expects us to do.
As corresponding secretary of the Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee, I have many responsibilities. The chair uses my help in organizing business meetings. Typically I am involved with the candidate endorsement committee at some level more than attendee. Distribution of press releases and resolutions approved by the central committee and its executive board is my responsibility. There have been some hours invested in our Evergreen State Fair booth by many, including me. In the past, I served on the Washington State Democrats Rules Committee.
Surprisingly, I have a personal life. My employer expects 40 hours a week, or more in some cases. At St. Dunstan’s Church of the Highlands Parish in Shoreline I am a lector and serve on the Vestry. Family has made its demands, too.
Mind you, I am not complaining about my full life. Others work harder than me. Still, I do not think “disinclined to activity or exertion” describes me or most of the other volunteers in the Democratic Party in Snohomish County.
Did you notice I said volunteer? While campaigns have some paid people (legislative candidates typically have only one employee, if any), the person you normally see doing the work is a volunteer.
So, if Nagel expects more out of the political parties, maybe he could roll up his sleeves and join us. There is always room for another volunteer to get something done.
Everett
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