I didn’t realize phone banking and canvassing with other Anderson County Democrats would be so cathartic, gratifying, and reassuring. 

First and foremostly: I know now that I am not alone in feeling alone as a progressive Tennessean. Therefore, WE are not alone.

Secondly: Those neighbors with aggressive conspiracy theory signs in their yard? They do not taint the rest of the neighbors. They only create suspicion amongst us. We fear sharing our views. We assume we are alone when we truly are not. I’m joyously connecting with many enthusiastic and like minded neighbors through canvassing and phone banking. 

Thirdly: Individual progressives want to help us get out voters, they just don’t know how to find the time, what to do, how to figure out who’s receptive, who’s not. They don’t know how to initiate discussions with friends, neighbors, and acquaintances that would persuade them to vote. 

Fourthly:  We Tennesseeans are fluent in pleasantries and bravo for that, but we don’t have the same vocabulary, idioms, for approaching each other on more serious topics. It feels like many an older white male Tennesseean feels comfortable sharing his opinion on liberaIs. I’d like to find a more thoughtful, more inclusive, progressive liberal version of this. 

In conclusion, I now want everyone to have the experience of canvassing so that they too will know they are not alone. Besides, don’t we always feel better when we feel like we’re part of the solution?