Want to make a difference? Aspies can't, apparently

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People posting here tell me that people on the spectrum can't make a difference in the world and be leaders. It's been my dream to make a political difference starting on the local level. We have a corrupt, greedy system. I possibly even aspire to be a national or state leader. I know some people here may find it hard to accept, but I want to overcome my challenges and succeed. By the way, I don't want to be seen as a "weak, entitled minority that needs government assistance" either.

Good for you.

Good for you. You know what I worry about, though? Politicians, in order to win their particular seats, often have to look the part. That means they'd have to be married with kids, no criminal background, no mental health issues and swear they won't be corrupt (even though we know that's unlikely).

I'm guessing here, but quite a few spectrumites aren't married, and probably never will get married, and a high percentage are even prone to bouts of depression and anxiety. This gives us slim chances come election time.

You don't have to be a leader to make a difference. Or a politician.

It does NOT matter what other people tell you what can or can't do, follow your dream. Go for it.

I was made a foreman and in 2 weeks I was fired for being a liberator.

I've been married more than once, there are several AS adult members of WP who are or have been.

Anyhow, more to the point, I think the hardest part of a political career for an Aspergian is the fact that you have to be willing and able to compromise and make deals, even when those deals and compromises are distasteful to you and mean bending your principles in order to obtain a partial victory, rather than end up with nothing at all. Add to that our tendency to be brutally honest and forthcoming with what we think, rather than hedge the truth just to spare people's feelings; everybody wants to hear you're on their side and you just can't be all things to all people no matter how deftly you straddle the fence.

I can only speak for myself, but I'd get run over trying to stop the political machine. The sort of greedy, pathological narcissists that are normally drawn to careers in politics (present company excepted, of course) are heartless, seasoned, lying bullies who eat decent, honest people for lunch. They think fast on their feet, are able to quickly and accurately read nonverbal cues and body language, size people up and tell them exactly what they want to hear. They excel at countering any and all arguments with meaningless BS and empty promises and curry favor and forge alliances by making shady backroom deals to solidify their power. I've worked with Executives like that and the best I can do is to avoid them at all costs.

That said, I'd like to believe there are a few reasonably honest politicians here and there, probably more at the local level than in the Machiavellian Labyrinths of higher government. God knows we need as many as can survive, so good luck and godspeed.

I agree with Willard, the wheeling and dealing would be very difficult.

Also politicians may start out with principles, but the pursuit of power and influence means the principles are put on hold until it is convenient and their power is safe.

Also because of the interlocking agencies of government and societies they are quite constrained in what they can change and do.

Democratic government has been constructed as conservative system with checks and balances so that no one agency of government can make drastic changes. Also big business does have a large influence on government.

I encourage you to take a good long look at Keynesian economics from a couple of different angles, which many (most?) economists think really is the way to go during times of recession.

The alternative of austerity is like purging a patient who is already dehydrated.


PS And some people think President Thomas Jefferson was aspie.

i made a difference in papa. i forced him to get exercising!

there is a liberal democrat politician in the UK with down syndrome;
http://disabilitylibdems.org.uk/en/arti ... s-syndrome

people shoud follow what ever passion they have,just because they have labels over them doesnt mean they have to follow what ever limitations people expect of them.
have personaly never said or seen anyone saying we cant make a difference but we certainly cant make a difference if we dont do anything about it,politics isnt the only way of getting a voice out there though.
anyone can do autism and/or LD activism-there are lots of ways of doing it,am supported and backed by social services learning disability team to be an activist for autism and LD [intelectual disability].

I could never be president. That's WAAAAY too hard of a job for someone like me!

I have been politically active in the radical Left for almost four decades and am awaiting assessment/diagnosis for possible Aspergers. I believe my Aspie side has been the main motivator for my involvement and my greatest strength. A lot of high IQ/high AQ people gravitate to action groups and influence public opinion.

I have helped start up small scale action groups and self help groups for a number of minority causes - some tiny protests have hit headlines due to imaginitive themes, strong spokespersonship and clear logical argument. You can make a difference no matter who you are.

"From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs" is the socialist motto. This principle resonates with logical thinkers who reject social inequality. I first heard about global warming in 1978 but, 35 years later, society is still hooked on over-consumption. As our world economic and environmental crises continue, I am convinced Aspies are going to stand out for our ability to say, "The Emporer's got no clothes and the Emporess has too many clothes - the rich have acquired their wealth by exploiting the poor and plundering poor nations without a care for the environment."

Look, go for it. Trying does not guarantee failure; not trying guarantees you will not succeed.

I am bitter and cynical. To the end. I've been bitten so many times that I do not allow optimism to grow in my thoughts. It just seems safer that way.

I tell people what I think because I want them to be prepared for the possibility that I'm right.

Based on my experiences, you're going to be ground into the dirt by people with a lot of social poise. But-- so what?? If that happens, you'll be another failed politician. There are lots of them out there; their lives go on.

Advice from my corner: You might want to keep your mouth shut about your condition. It will come to light eventually, but let the media bring it up. Then you can all nonchalantly be like, "So?!" At best, they hand you a bully pulpit, at worst, they look like as*holes. Better than tossing them a bone to tear apart.

I have heard of politicians with AS. I was told about one when I was diagnosed but I forgot his name.

Anyway u should have a go at it.

Australian councillors with differences/disabilities

http://briffa.org/about

http://preston-leader.whereilive.com.au ... undraiser/

That's a commendable goal. And not impossible, so go for it!