Hi Everyone,
I have been thinking about the Political Chats and
maybe it's time to get some more feedback and
suggestions.
Before I held the first Chat at the Royal Ground, on
Geary, I asked for some suggestions and feedback,
which I got. This was all good and proved that people
were interested. Based on this feedback, both online,
and in person from those that attended, we moved it to
another coffee shop near Civic Center. We held it
there a couple times and never had less than eight
people show up. This was all good, as well. Always
looking for improvement and suggestions, many people
shared their opinions and based on this, we moved it
to the Sheesh Mahal, where it has been held for at
least the last four weeks.
The decision to move it to the Sheesh Mahal was for
several reasons. One was to keep it consistent, at the
same place, and since the DAF was also on a Wednesday,
to have it at the same place as the DAF. Also, they
serve food there, and many people expressed that they
were coming from work and would like somethng more
than a coffee and cookie. However, since it was moved
to the Sheesh, an average of two people have been
showing up. This is a far cry from the 8-9 people that
were showing up at the coffee shops.
Another concern is if we should advertise this,
without being sure if anyone will be there. My
original idea, or vision, was that, by now, more than
two people from the LPSF would be showing up, and
bringing friends and aquaintances along who had other
political affiliations, discussing specific political
topics and solutions. Also, in case I couldn't be
there on a specific Wednesday, others would be there.
Also, we wouldn't have to advertise it every week by
now because it was supposed to be known by now that
this was every Wednesday, at the same place.
Well, one reason I'm a Libertarian is because I've
come to realize that when an individual has what they
think is a good idea, things don't always turn out as
one thought, due to all the unexpected dynamics
involved, human nature, economics, etc. I'm glad I
didn't spend millions of taxpayer dollars trying to
get this to work according to my original vision,
unlike others that actually get Federal and State
money to try their good ideas out, which also don't
turn out as expected.
Since we advertised on the postcard that it will be
held at the Sheesh until September, I was thinking,
after September, alternating it at different places.
At least a few days in advance, I'll advertise where
it will be and what topic will be discussed, and
hopefully we can bring some friends and aquaintances
to join (and hopefully turn them into Libertarians). I
think we should skip the idea about having it at the
same place, since it will be advertised once a week,
anyway. This might make it a little more interesting.
By the way, I've always e-mailed the group when I
wasn't going to be able to make it. One was my wedding
night (I even showed up on my birthday), and the other
was one other Wednesday. I am leaving town this Monday
or Tuesday, and I will be gone until the end of the
month. It seems that someone has always showed up,
even when I couldn't make it, and this is a very
positive thing. Also, I was always prepared if I wound
up being the only one there, and brought some
Libertarian reading material to catch up on. This way,
if no one showed up, my time was constructively spent
by reserving time for this reading.
I think the Chats have been very successful; someone
has always been there, people have been very
supportive and have showed an interest, either in
person or sharing there suggestions online, and I have
learned a great deal and have expanded my mind
engaging in the discussions I've had with people thus
far (so far? thus far?).
Again, I'm leaving town in a few days, and I won't be
back until the end of the month. I wish I could make
it to Rob's Social, but I'll be busy eating Buffalo
Wings in Buffalo, NY.
Dave Barker