Watching the convention kinda made me sad...

[mongo]

Seeing all those folks who have dedicated their lives to public service makes me feel like I have wasted my life.

I mean I'm 42 and besides a few bucks in the salvation army pot and supporting a few causes back when I was a proud member of the middle class, what good have I been to society?

My 18 years as a systems analyst at fortune 500 companies was mostly detrimental to society - My last job was with American Electric Power, the largest coal burning utility in the US. And even though their slick marketing materials say otherwise, they don't give ONE SHIT about the environment.

Now at the erotic boutique I do get to help some people out, provide a little excitement and spark along with a new sex toy to some couples, I give all sorts of advice on sexual matters (complete strangers tell me their bedroom problems), and I feel like it's the most socially conscious job I've ever had (and I sell porn - go figure), but I really haven't made a difference in the world.

Just watching all those good people out there who are trying to make a difference in the world really inspires me. I know that some of you here on DU are doing good in the world. Thanks so much for your service. I hope to catch up to you someday.

[Melodybe]

1. That is what volunteering is all about, I do it all the time and it makes

me feel great.

[graywarrior]

2. Yeah, call your local Dem office and volunteer

I just did that for a month and met some committed people out to get rid of Bush.

[mongo]

6. There doesn't seem to be a local Dem office

for Muskingum county. There is a meeting once a month that I will be going to. I made up a newsletter - mostly from articles and posts on DU, that I distribute in the lobby of my store.

Right now, my schedule is a big problem. I work 60-70 hrs/week.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

3. Mother Theresa didn't get started til later in life

It's only too late if you don't start now

[AlCzervik]

4. Mongo, it's not too late

I drive the older people to the polls on voting day, no matter what party they belong too. This year i'll be a poll watcher which i'm very excited about.

[DenverDem]

5. Dude, you are on the front lines of the sexual liberation revolution.

You are doing more good than you give yourself credit for.

It is almost impossible in this culture to NOT be a tool for corporate globalists. I worked for the PGA TOUR for years, and while I was working for the good of the game I love, I saw I was just a tool for corporate tax dodgers, so I started my own struggling company.

But, volunteer for John Kerry, it will make you feel GREAT.

[mongo]

7. Thanks

and you're right about being on the front lines.

[DeadHead67]

8. It's NEVER too late !!!

I've been a Bartender for 25+years. While I haven't changed occupations(I do have opportunities to do good doing this), I have changed course somewhat. I no longer use as much energy on 'party-time'. Now I use at least some of that trying to make things better. I contribute time, but more often treasure, to causes.(Gave $100 to the Howard Dean campaign, contribute to the local food pantry/crisis relief etc.) I think your biggest enemy is despair, and the antidote is activity. Take some free time and do a little volunteer work, whatever form that takes for you, but above all DO SOMETHING. Whenever I feel depression coming on, I scrape my ass OFF the couch and DO SOMETHING! End of sermon.:hippie: