So... in the wake of the more recent decision by the SCOTUS, I feel there's a disturbing trend in the United States toward a surface theocracy that serves as the 'moral' front for a corporate oligarchy. I have, over the years wondered if I might be suitable for public office. I certainly have more on the ball than at least half of the committee for scientific advancement in our nation's congress. Meaning my beliefs aren't dictated by folklore, but rather proven fact, observation and experimentation. Finally... as something of a mental exercise, I thought I'd come up with this blog. And who knows... maybe this will lead to more than just some political rant page. I'd actually like to get into the business of legislation and government.
So... today, after having made a post to facebook about it, my director in an audio show I regularly take part in said, "Why DON'T you run for office, Edward?"
And in spite of my misgivings, I had no clear answer why not.
So... first thing I did? I hopped over to the page for the North Carolina Democratic Party. Got me an email address, and wrote them this letter:
To Whom It May Concern,Like the man once said on Mystery Science Theater 3000. What do you think, Sirs?
Hi there. My name's Edward WinterRose. And I have a desire to get into political service. I'd quite like to run for office and eventually be able to attain the office of being in the state house or senate, or in the US house or senate. Honestly, every single thing I read says to start off in local office and see where you can go from there if you do good work. So, the next step is to start reaching out to people who would know where I might best fit and where I might be needed.
Now... A bit about myself. I have no civic experience, as far as having worked in government before. The last time I did anything like that was to work in the campaign office of the democratic representative in Concord, NC back in 1989 or 1990. I am a creative professional, a trained actor and voice-over artist, graphic artist and tech support advisor currently looking for work. I'm married and presently trying to have a child with my wife. I'm carrying at least 50,000 dollars in student debt like quite a lot of people nowadays. I'm not rich, nor am I likely to inherit any sort of wealth. I'm 42 years of age. I've never been convicted of a felony. I don't drink. Don't smoke. I've never been drunk or high. I've a tested IQ of 145.
I'm not in the least bit religious. I'm not what someone would call the most morally pure of people, but I'm all the way around the world from being a bigot, sexist, racist, greedy, or compromised by moneyed interests. (Which puts me ahead of the game as far as several people holding office are concerned.) I find myself to be ruthlessly practical, yet compassionate. I think of myself as being a sensible and educated individual, ready to research and get the sense of any given concept I'm not immediately familiar with. I'm rather intolerant of social injustice and hypocrisy with a rather strong need to achieve a position where I might be able to do something positive for the world if I'm going to bring a child into it. I'm not swayed by false science, meaningless rhetoric, or religious fervor. If anything, I could be (and probably will be) described as a secular humanist. I am honest to a fault. I tend not to butter people up, or sweet talk people. I tell them what I think and what I believe. I'm entirely unafraid to call an opponent on a lie or untruth, and will take pleasure in debunking any falsehood I'm presented with.
I see myself as a marketable candidate who wants to learn and do good by my state and country. I'm likely a sympathetic figure with anyone carrying any kind of student debt, or debt in general. I'm not 'one of them', as it were. I have no friends among the one percent I have to tithe or pay homage to. The church has no say in my politics, and likely will not any time soon. At least apart from regarding them equally and equitably while separating them from the affairs of state. I'm a registered democrat, and likely to run as one if you'll have me. My sensibilities are activist for people, not corporations or organizations. And I've lived in the world the rest of us live in. So I'm not entirely abstracted from the trials and needs of everyday life as some people in office today have repeatedly demonstrated they are. There are no liens on my morality from those who might seek to influence or lobby at me with more than fact. I am upfront with my life, and wear it on my sleeve.
If you have any suggestions about how I might get started in seeking office from which to advance into a legislative capacity, please let me know. If you know of any offices in my own districts where I might make a tactically good fit for ease of initial insertion into government work, do let me know. I'm presently located in Raleigh, NC, in NC Senate district 38, and in General Assembly district 14. I've included my professional resume, which you can also find reflected on my LinkedIn page. I'm most easily reached at <MY EMAIL ADDRESS>. I'm curious as to what you might have to say on the matter. Do not be afraid to ask me questions you think I should be able to answer. Even if you find I don't meet your party's needs, this is still something I'd like to use as a mental exercise or write about.
Edward WinterRose
