Politics vs. Public Service
Wednesday, August 6th, 2008
Originally Published at Think.MTV.com
Why in the world would anyone want to run for public office? For some young Michiganders, the reason is simple: Someone has to do it. It might as well be a person who cares and has a sincere desire to serve the community.
It’s 10pm, and Rashida Tlaib (pronounced tah-LIB, as in Kweli) is just getting back to her campaign office after a long day of door knocking. Her voice rings with a tone of self satisfaction. The candidate for state representative in Michigan’s 12th district proudly proclaims that just today she finished visiting every street in her district for the second time. Tlaib has knocked on 7600 doors in the last ten weeks, introducing herself to residents, speaking with them about their concerns and asking for their votes.
“Every time I knocked a door, and I talked to a person,” says Tlaib, “I was completely reminded - and I know this sounds corny, but it’s so true - I was reminded every single time I talked to a resident, why I’m doing this.” (more…)
