Foo - Awww MAN! DANGI!! (What to do??)

I just got an invite to a picnic with George Miller, Jerry McNerney (California Congressmen) Ellen Tauscher (Representative) and Lt. Gov John Garamendi. Also attending will be members of the Central Labor Council. This is a big party. I don't like hub bubbing with too many politicians all at once because I am too vocal about certain issues. But then again, I'd sorta like to see what they have to say.

It's on the same date that I will be in Tahoe for my vacation. This is a yearly event with a bunch of friends and the first time the Moots will be going. I was planning on riding my heart out.

What would you do?

I guess if you like politicians, that invite might seem appealing....

Me, I'd go on vacation.

+1 on the vacation. Ride like crazy.

Oooh, tough call. I dunno what line of work you're in, or if your "extracurricular" activities involve politics, but if that's your bag, then that's a pretty big event to be invited to.

On the other hand... a much deserved vacation in Tahoe??

HMMMMMM....

But judging from your description of the vaca, I'd probably go that route this time. :D Go ride and enjoy the weather while it's still beautiful. There are always going to be politicians to meet.

I'm very active in worker's rights issues. (Hence my love for Wal*Mart) ~
I've met a couple of them before but I'm curious as to why the gathering is taking place. Frankly, I'm getting really burnt out.

Then take the vacation.

I'm with donnamb, take the vacation. You know you wanna. :)

What's potentially the most positive result that could come from the picnic? Does it outweigh the fun you'd have at Tahoe? If not, go Tahoe. If so, I'd be packing the pic-i-nic basket.

Siu, after about 10 minutes with the politiks, you will realize that they are all saying the same thing, just different words. You will wishing you'd taken the trip instead. SO...cut out the middle man and go on that trip! AND bring back lots of pictures! I miss Tahoe, so you must share pix with me.

Vacation. You can always make an appointment to talk with any elected official. ;)

I would end up in jail after an hour with the politicians. Go on vacation (and end up in jail for doing something fun!)!!

Vaca.

Hillary was at the shipyard today. I had NO desire to go see her.

oooooooooo very tuf call. I do sidework for a graphics company that produces most all of NY state election materials (waiting to be called in as all their graphics guys are on 11 hr days right now) and I enjoy the political hubbub and have attended some different dinners, etc. and done the brush elbows kinda thing - enjoyed a great dinner - and they all smiled at me and talked politely and it was fun to be included to hear all the stuff, but ...

But, I think I'd go enjoy the Moots. Politics will always be around, having a grand time riding is unforgettable.

It all depends on your priorities. If you want to make an impact, don't pass up opportunties to meet and perhaps influence elected officials. You never know what comes out of a brief introduction and the future. But I agree with the others; take the vacation and have a good time.

Since you said you are getting burnt out, a break is what you need to be effective both in your job and your political goals.

It all depends on your priorities. If you want to make an impact, don't pass up opportunties to meet and perhaps influence elected officials. You never know what comes out of a brief introduction and the future. But I agree with the others; take the vacation and have a good time.

Since you said you are getting burnt out, a break is what you need to be effective both in your job and your political goals.


hehe, I've met several local and higher politicians at these dinners - partaking as a representative from the company for a funding dinner - and when I thought I had their ear - I brought some bicycle issues (also an advocate) and it was amazing to see the eyes glaze over as they look over my shoulder at JOE SHMOE, yes it's JOE SHMOE, and they say "I'm sorry - you're name again? Well it was great talking to you, etc."

:D Politicians hehe

hehe, I've met several local and higher politicians at these dinners - partaking as a representative from the company for a funding dinner - and when I thought I had their ear - I brought some bicycle issues (also an advocate) and it was amazing to see the eyes glaze over as they look over my shoulder at JOE SHMOE, yes it's JOE SHMOE, and they say "I'm sorry - you're name again? Well it was great talking to you, etc."

:D Politicians hehe

Yeah, it's the old sudden glazed-over eyes look, then a polite smile while they look around the room to see who they can suddenly run over to. Cycling issues aren't a priority even when they face busy, overcrowded roads and high fuel prices.

Yeah, it's the old sudden glazed-over eyes look, then a polite smile while they look around the room to see who they can suddenly run over to. Cycling issues aren't a priority even when they face busy, overcrowded roads and high fuel prices.

Exactly. Even when talking with them about the booming Crit we have in town that is bringing the city money. 3 day event next year and 5 day in 2010. Meh. Plenty of time to bug them. :D

It's unanimous. Go hang out with boring politicians. :p

I'm very active in worker's rights issues. (Hence my love for Wal*Mart) ~
I've met a couple of them before but I'm curious as to why the gathering is taking place. Frankly, I'm getting really burnt out.


It's most likely put together by local labor groups and the politicians attend to cement ties with large groups of voters. We have these in the South Bay also.

Vacation

Vacation. Politicians suck!

With the exception of Libertarians who operate on the principal that they don't want your money, politicians are all the same, sleaze bag jackasses who will do anything for money. Talking to these ****heads will do about as much good as watching the view for educational purposes.

I guess if you like politicians, that invite might seem appealing....

Me, I'd go on vacation.

+Eleventy Billion

31% of Americans would rather watch a hot dog eating contest that watch the 2008 presidential debates.
Does that tell you something?

Vacation. They're your friends, for pete's sake! And Tahoe? On your Moots? I have a feeling I sympathize with your politics, but if I were in your shoes, I'd forgo the picnic.

Dress all in pink like a big giant flamingo and try to scare the crap out of them.

31% of Americans would rather watch a hot dog eating contest that watch the 2008 presidential debates.
Does that tell you something?

Yes it does. It tells me that Red House stuffed the ballot box. :rolleyes:

Vacation, all I ever wanted
Vacation, happy to get away

31% of Americans would rather watch a hot dog eating contest that watch the 2008 presidential debates.
Does that tell you something?

A. The "Debates" are meaningless.
B. Nothing new is said.
C. Hot dog eating contests can be exciting.
D. All of the above.



FWIW, it would depend on what could potentially be gained at the picnic.

Write them a letter. Thank them for the invitation, tell them you'd like to attend but will be on vacation, write out some of the things that concern you, mail the letter (snail mail, not e-mail) and prepare to go on vacation.

I know from having lived in his district, that Congressman Miller's office will not blow you off. I suspect the others will at least read the letter also. You miss out on the "rubbing shoulders" portion of the experience, but that's not such a huge loss IMO.

I would personally rather take a vacation. Especially in Tahoe! :) Go check out the health food store on the North side. They have yummy raw food there. :)

Depends on if they'll be playing Pin The Live Hand Grenade On The Politician at the picnic.

If not, definitely the vacation.

Vacation. Lots more fun.

If your active in local politics, and want to get more active it sounds like the Picnic is a must. Who knows what person you meet there could help you out in the future. As much fun as vacationing is, I'd do the picnic.

31% of Americans would rather watch a hot dog eating contest that watch the 2008 presidential debates.
Does that tell you something?

That the debates completely alienate 31% of the American people? I would have thought it was more.

stop by then head for the mountains?

Thank you everyone for your opinions and ideas but it seems like the idea is more toward vacation.

The picnic is on the last day of my vacation, sooooooooo..... I am going to go to Tahoe. I look forward to this every year and am very excited for this time I'll be road biking.

I've met a couple of them before and the last time I questioned him on things that.......well let's say he said that in order to spend more time with other people, he will contact me later in regards to my concerns. I understood that (and didn't want to be selfish) but I'm thinking it was more out of saving himself from stumbling unprepared.

I can always meet up with a couple of them here and there. It's just that all of them at the same time sounds like it would have been fun.

I need time to chill. The bike is a-callin'. :)

Tahoe, for the sole reason that it's closer to me than you are now.

Deal with it.

I would go to Tahoe and then invite some guy from Sparks to go riding. But hey, that's just me.

31% of Americans would rather watch a hot dog eating contest that watch the 2008 presidential debates.
Does that tell you something?Well, considering that the world-champions of hot-dog eating are two thin Japanese folks, it makes for some damn good entertainment!!! Those hot-dogs probably have more intelligence than some of the presidential candidates anyway...