Better, and Not Just More Information, Effort

Hawaii Republican Chair Sam Aiona said he’d like to see me write a few words on this blog about this past Saturday’s workshop on grassroots organization and mobilization presented by the National Republican Party -- and how it differs from the old paradigm of grassroots organization. Chief among that is properly identifying one’s base -- and targeting the message and effort to that constituency -- unlike the old, of broadcasting to everyone randomly and equally, and consuming most of one’s time and efforts in those people and actions that are the least productive, which is usually, arguing with those whose sole purpose is to consume as much of one’s time and energy as possible. Upon identifying such people now, we quickly move on to the untapped multitudes, eagerly waiting to hear our message.

The Democrats still haven’t figured that out yet and still are relying on the increasingly ineffective and even counterproductive, random, broadcast approach, under the able guidance of Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean, and their attempts to steer the nation back into the ‘60s, by which they have perfect hindsight in knowing what to do. Meanwhile, Republican Chair Ken Mehlman, is charting a course through the 21st century, recognizing that the demographics of the present time favor a move to the “R” column, as people mature, with greater awareness of many choices and possibilities.

What’s most strikingly impressive of Republican gatherings is the manner in which they address one another -- as peers and associates, rather than as the rank and file, line managers, and the old assembly-line organization roles and charts. The Republicans are ahead of the game because of their early adaptation of the new technologies of information processing -- while the old mass model, doesn’t have that refinement and enrichment of information. In fact, in their world view, everybody is the same in one faceless, anonymous, generalized mass identity -- rather than having unique profiles that the new information technologies now make possible in identifying. That’s why it is not as important any more to mobilize masses on the Capitol Mall -- as to know how to reach, mobilize and empower the individual.

The Iraq War is a very fitting metaphor for this difference. One army hasn’t a clue as to where the others of their own army are, much less the enemy, relying on imprecise information and rumor, while the other army has virtual knowledge of where every soldier and ordnance is. Guess who will win?

The Democrats were the success story of the 20th century, but the 21st century is another story of which we are in the transition stage -- because of Republican values of individual initiative and improvement. It’s not a mass world anymore. It is a personalized world, according to one’s own tastes, abilities, predispositions -- and that is a better world, for everyone. It is not just the same world for everyone; it is the best world for each, individually, as much as they can make it, and have the freedom to make it happen. Far from being impossible, it is the only thing that makes sense anymore. One size doesn’t fit all -- never did and never will.

That is the essential understanding that distinguishes the organizational efforts of today’s Republicans -- and everybody else.