jacobin1949
2nd February 2008, 13:25
Anyone have any ideas on recruiting veterans? Of course in the USA, veterans tend towards the conservative side, but their are quite a few disillusioned by the experience in Iraq. The Fox News picture of them loving the experience of making a difference in peoples lives,etc just ain't true. In addition a large number of military people are people of color. There are obvious reasons to recruit military people both for the propaganda value, and for their practical experience especially in battling Fascists. Its a two way street, many on the left have a disparaging view of military people, especially in an all volunteer army.
I would say its too bold to go to veterans and try to get them directly into your preffered party. But you could try establishing front groups. Groups that are just meant to "help" vets. You could then host political discussions. You'll find that a surprising amount of them have antagonistic feelings towards the Iraq War. You can take it from there. I guess Iraq Veterans Against the War is a good place to start. You could just see if they let you volunteer and help out and let the vets do most of the talking, and you'll be surprised how politically conscious they already are.
Plus while most of us probably have very few connections to people inside the military, many vets probably do. So if you can recruit a few members, that opens the door to wider recruitment within the military.
We should make wider uses of front groups. I know it may not be honorable or chivalrous and may seem devious, but front groups work. Its a good way to get people who are just beginning to be politically conscious into the movement by joining groups with innocuous sounding names.
I would say its too bold to go to veterans and try to get them directly into your preffered party. But you could try establishing front groups. Groups that are just meant to "help" vets. You could then host political discussions. You'll find that a surprising amount of them have antagonistic feelings towards the Iraq War. You can take it from there. I guess Iraq Veterans Against the War is a good place to start. You could just see if they let you volunteer and help out and let the vets do most of the talking, and you'll be surprised how politically conscious they already are.
Plus while most of us probably have very few connections to people inside the military, many vets probably do. So if you can recruit a few members, that opens the door to wider recruitment within the military.
We should make wider uses of front groups. I know it may not be honorable or chivalrous and may seem devious, but front groups work. Its a good way to get people who are just beginning to be politically conscious into the movement by joining groups with innocuous sounding names.