Now What?

The dangers of getting involved in politics is that you never really know how it shakes out.

The danger in getting too involved in your very local politics, is that you are left with a sense that you are more powerful than you really are.

So here we are.

Community leaders and Rabbis backed the wrong horse in a County wide elections, assuming their fear tactics and vote pushing would send a bloc vote to the polls, to put the guy they wanted in. The problem is, there are more people in the County who are tired of the shenanigans in this particular Town, then there are people in that Town who can override a vote.

So yes, within the enclave of multiple family housing, illegal single family home conversion, and underhanded "don't worry, no one is looking," there is a powerful bloc, and politically strong group. It apparently does not extend beyond the borders of the Town, but the rhetoric against the eventual winner makes me feel the efforts were a bit Icarusian.

This is an example of what was sent from the school. Innocuous enough not to lose tax-exempt status, but the tip of the iceberg in terms of what it said:

Securing political support with regard to the issues that affect us deeply depends on each and every registered voter taking the time to go to the polls on Election Day. The government officials look at which groups vote, and take their positions on the major issues of the day accordingly.
Specifically at this election, there are many areas at hand that can dramatically affect the quality of life and yiddishkeit in our community. The County and Town Officials voted in by us in this election will directly impact us. It is very important that we all go out to the polls and vote. Our voices must be heard. (emphasis mine)


The sentiment s certainly true, but certain entities and people should stay out of publicly speaking about politics, because you never know how it will shake out. So  if they heard our voices, loud and clear, in letters and phone calls and cars blaring election advice what are we left with?

In many instances it is fine for communities to rally to a candidate, for leaders to support one politician over the next. In an atmosphere of mistrust,  and out right hatred it may be more important, but also more dangerous. The simmering tensions that threaten to explode in this particular community have not, in my opinion, been made better by the campaign.

We've shown that we are defeat-able, we've shown what we think and what our tactics are, and now, how do we get a seat at the table?