Writers & politics
This month I've spent a lot of time with my city council member. He's a friend, but he's also running for re-election. Two years ago, using his low-key charm and modesty, he won a seat representing the university community.
Now he's up for re-election and so I've been walking through the district, meeting people door-to-door.
Hard to say how I became so engaged in local politics, but as a writer, I'm not alone. Victor Hugo was a national hero for his political passions and was sent to exile on Guernsey Island by Louis Napoleon (nephew of the conquerer).
Emile Zola, too, was loudly critical of the anti-Jewish attack on the French captain during "L'affaire Dreyfus."
For me, it's amazing how important local votes are to the big picture, especially the environment. I can't save the world, but I can try to save a few acres.
