Organizing for America

[¿Que?]

I'm looking to pad my resume a bit this summer. How traitorous would I be if I interned for OfA. I probably won't do it if it's not a paid internship, but the opportunity did present itself, and I'm somewhat considering it.

Any thoughts?

[Martin Blank]

OFA used to be Obama's electoral machine ("Obama For America"). Draw your own conclusions.

[¿Que?]

OFA used to be Obama's electoral machine ("Obama For America"). Draw your own conclusions.
What's the difference between what I'm proposing (working for the Democrats) and working for a corporation. Does politics not play into how we make our money? I mean, I don't support the Democrats, the purpose however, is to pad my resume with political organizing experience.

I know of several self proclaimed communists who work for corporations, and I would go so far as to question their level of militancy "on the clock" so to speak. How is this that much different?

[Os Cangaceiros]

If you do that then this entire board will throw virtual rocks at you while chanting "TRAITOR!" in unison.

Just something to think about while you consider your decision.

[Crusade]

Do whatever you can to help and whatever you need to get by. All efforts are appreciated.

[Martin Blank]

What's the difference between what I'm proposing (working for the Democrats) and working for a corporation. Does politics not play into how we make our money? I mean, I don't support the Democrats, the purpose however, is to pad my resume with political organizing experience.

I know of several self proclaimed communists who work for corporations, and I would go so far as to question their level of militancy "on the clock" so to speak. How is this that much different?

I'm not going to take a moralistic view on this. I can't. It would be hypocritical. All I'm saying is consider carefully what it is you'll be doing as a part of OFA. It's one thing to be a go-fer or to work on voter registration; it's another thing entirely if your job is to "sell" the Democratic Party as the greatest thing since sliced bread. What is it you would be doing to pad your resume, anyway?

[¿Que?]

I'm not going to take a moralistic view on this. I can't. It would be hypocritical. All I'm saying is consider carefully what it is you'll be doing as a part of OFA. It's one thing to be a go-fer or to work on voter registration; it's another thing entirely if your job is to "sell" the Democratic Party as the greatest thing since sliced bread. What is it you would be doing to pad your resume, anyway?
I'm really not sure. Although it's unlikely that it's a paid internship anyway, so this whole argument might be moot. Someone sent me an email about it, but I have yet to contact the professor whose organizing it. Although I'm fairly confident, given my academic record, that I will get it if I apply for it.

I don't know though. I definitely see your point. There's definitely a difference between selling widgets and selling a political platform, and I think if I'm not totally committed to "the cause" then it'll show and reflect poorly on my work. Or alternatively, if they catch wind of my real politics, they might not offer it to me.

I appreciate the input though. I just don't see any clear answers on this one.

[¿Que?]

If you do that then this entire board will throw virtual rocks at you while chanting "TRAITOR!" in unison.

Just something to think about while you consider your decision.
They don't have to know what I ultimately decide on. Not unless someone outs me...:lol:

[Animal Farm Pig]

It could be an interesting job. You'll get an inside view of the tactics and techniques used by the political parties. Some of them may actually be useful for organizing for real, more fundamental "change."

You could also take advantage of the position. Use it to radicalize your co-workers and the people in your district. When interacting with the general public, you won't be just some random guy-- you'll be a representative of the president. Use that credibility to push radical policies. Form "bolivarian circles" in your communities that look out for their own interests.

[Raúl Duke]

You could also take advantage of the position. Use it to radicalize your co-workers and the people in your district. When interacting with the general public, you won't be just some random guy-- you'll be a representative of the president. Use that credibility to push radical policies. Form "bolivarian circles" in your communities that look out for their own interests.I have my doubts this is possible...especially for an organization like OFA (if it's just a Democrat campaign machine). I mean, no one seriously believes here that "entryism" in the Democratic party would amount to anything so why believe the same for a DNC controlled organization?


it's another thing entirely if your job is to "sell" the Democratic Party as the greatest thing since sliced bread.

One of the things OfA does is "Supporting leaders who share our values and are ready to carry forward the fight for change" which probably entails 'grass-root' lobbying and/or helping Democratic candidates get elected.

[Dimentio]

I'll say go for it. It would give you valuable experience in politics and how to organise people. The important thing for you is to get money, but you could also attain knowledge of how to organise genuinly progressive movements in the future.