People over fundraising.
It's time to seek ideas, not money.
Typically, on Thursdays, I find myself on stage at Jirani’s open mic in Manassas. It’s my comfort zone. I’m surrounded by a bunch of creative, family-oriented people, and my kids can come to enjoy the experience with me. But on this Thursday, I found myself in the uncomfortable arena of political events. I was attending a fundraiser for Hung Cao the republican candidate for Congress in district 10.
I walked into the Middleburg Barn; I was early. The room was filled with round tables covered in red, white, and blue tablecloths. There was a stage and a band at the back of the room. A buffet was set to the side, and the room looked to be set up more for a party than a political fundraiser. I’m new to the “current” political scene, so I guess political fundraisers are just big parties.
When I arrived, I was asked to check-in, and I told them I didn’t register. They told me I had to pay and to wait. I waited and waited and waited. Finally, I walked up and asked again. The woman I spoke with instructed me the fee to enter was $30. I asked them “why”, after all, it is my favorite question to ask. Her reply was “for the food.” I said, “what about a person who doesn’t want food or a band, but only wants to be part of the political process and have access to the candidate like everyone else who pays?” The lady was very kind, she said it was a great point and she went to check with someone in charge. When she came back, she said I could enter and thank you.
I hate going to events like last night. Big rooms filled with people I don’t know make me uncomfortable. Therefore, I always carry a book with me; I sought out a place to sit and read allowing myself a moment to relax. While looking around a woman asked me about my book Destiney of the Republic, turns out she had read it. I sat down next to her, and we talked about history, books, and politics before I knew it the empty room was full, and the band had started to play.
As the room filled, I began to see more and more familiar faces. Great people, I had met on the campaign trail while I was running against Hung in the primary. Suddenly I didn’t feel so uncomfortable, and I got up to walk around and chat. I was taken aback by so many people who came up to shake my hand, give me a hug, and tell me they were proud of me. They told me I had something important to offer and they asked me not to give up. It was humbling and refreshing.
After the food was served and Hung spoke, the room started to empty. I waited around chatting with people until Hung was free. I haven’t spent a great deal of time with him, but I am supportive of anyone running for office who prioritizes their family as Hung does. He greeted me with a big smile and a firm handshake. I asked how things were going and what his plans were, and I offered to help wherever I could. He said he wouldn’t need me until August as that is when they are going to hit the door knocking hard. Until then he is planning on traveling around to fundraise.
I understand why his campaign wants to do things the way they are, but I firmly disagree with the strategy and reasoning. The democratic party is faltering and lots of people are fed up with the lies and elite ruling class telling them their problems aren’t real. Instead of traveling outside the district to fundraise, Hung should spend his time reaching out to the community and learning from them. Engaging them with policy ideas that can help people, instead of begging people who are struggling to pay their bills for money.
The party leaders and consultants inside that room all believe fundraising is fundamental to success. The dirty secret they won’t tell you is they define success not by-passing meaningful legislation to help people, but rather by how much money they raise and by winning at all costs. A GOP victory without policy plans backed and inspired by the people is not a victory, it’s just changing the hands of the elite class from one party to another. Leadership is not having one man who knows all and can do all. Leadership is having a man humble enough to ask for help in his areas of weakness and listening to people who tell them the truth, rather than listening to those who want something from him. Seeking money instead of people and ideas will leave us in the same place we have been for generations and for that to change we need real leadership. I hope Hung can be that guy.
Most of my days are filled with people telling me that I am wrong to believe this country is better than we see, and that can be extremely discouraging. It gets to me from time to time and the encouragement from people last night gives me the strength to continue. I am aware of how flawed our country and system are, probably more than most, but I also know it can be better. I will never be able to convince those who don’t believe me with words, but I can show them with my actions, and I intend to do just that. I hope others will follow.