**To what extent should a non-member of a group be involved in their inner-politics? **
I live about 10 miles from the Minneapolis/St Paul Convention Center where the Episcopal church’s general convention is held. The confirmation of Rev Gene Robinson as the first openly gay bishop was done earlier this week and now there’s been approval to a measure on blessing same sex couples. Elsewhere, the DNC is starting to decide what candidate to put up for their presidential nominee. There’s also California’s gubernatorial race.
These three things don’t really affect me directly, I’m not an Episcopalean, a democrat, or a Californian. So I have a feeling it would behoove me to be aware of what’s going on with these groups even though I really don’t have much of a say. But should one try?
Or is it all contingent on the size of the situation? Should I be more involved with the political problems with Burma (Myanmar) even though I’m not a member of the SLORC or NLD (but fully have supported Aung San Suu Kyi’s party)?
At what point does outside involvement need to trump isolationism or should it ever?
I think it depends on how much these decisions can affect you. You are a member of society and while the affect may not be immediately direct to you as a non-member you do have a right to your opinion to affect it.
The next democrat candidate for president might become president. Further, I think regardless of which party you favor it behooves the system to see the best possible people participate in the process.
The Espicopaleans have the right to decide among themselves who heads their church but whether the confirmation of a gay bishop happens or not says something about society and you can and should speak up (whatever side of the fence you fall on).
People are always trying to persuade others to their way of thinking even if it is on a topic that doesn’t immediately concern the person. I don’t see anything wrong with it as you can have your say but ultimately it is up to the people who are directly concerened to make their decision (who’s nominated to run for the democrats, who’s confirmed as bishop, etc.).
In some cases the membership of a group is a bit vague, and may even depend on a leader.
For instance, if there was an environmental-type charity. You have tossed them a buck a few times, but are desturbed by their president, who makes sure the adgenda is centered around to try and kill all non-vegans. However someone else is standing for president who’s views are sensible, achievable and worthwhile. Should you try and get him elected?
Until you’re told to butt out and get lost…you’re welcome…
And even when you aren’t welcome, until they send the security guards to escort you away, you can stay!
The limitations are: 1) How assertive (and/or rude) you want to be; 2) how protective they want to be.
I’ve sent money to out-of-state political campaigns, to “interfere” with someone else’s selection of their U.S. Senator; I felt justified on the grounds that every Senator has a significant role in laws that affect me personally.