The Lesson of 2008 – Think Big!

This is a theme that’s been developing in various circles, and not just with the impressive display of political know-how that lead Obama to up-end the selfishly guarded Clinton dynasty-as-legacy. We’re also seeing it e-commerce, with innovations like the Amazon Kindle. And we’re seeing it the ever-higher gas prices pushing car buyers and makers alike thinking about revolutions in the automobile industry.

It’s an important lesson for us all, but especially those young folks down in the University of Florida GDI movement. As Christian Duque pointed out today, one reason why the “Independent” movement at UF to upend the power of Florida Blue Key has largely been unsuccessful is persistent has been that it has been thinking small. Not just that the GDIs self-limited their membership in various ways, but their tactics have often operated as little more than a pro-reform version of the FBK party, organizing the typical GDI constituencies, flyering in Turlington, campaigning on the same issues, etc. And both FBK and the Alligator has fueled the expectations of defeat that serve as perfect excuses for not trying harder, being more creative, in finding ways to win.

But I will give them credit – the Orange & Blue Party from this last Spring appeared to have that innovative spark that might lead to better thinking from the GDIs, to get them thinking beyond the narrow boilerplate of typical SG campaigns.

Since it’s long since past my time at the University, I’m not going to offer any advice in this post, although I may do so in future commentary. But suffice it to say, the opposition at UF could do better. And I just have one piece of advice they should always remember:

Think Big!