For purposes of achieving a political objective, is DU activity pointless?

[closeupready]

Serious question. Because someone recently mentioned some amount of time, like half an hour, as the maximum which anyone who is really serious about achieving something political should be spending on DU, and that they should be spending the rest of the time at their local dem organization, writing letters, etc.

Everyone is entitled to their point of view, but my own is different. I think that being able to discuss the issues here with others helps prepare you for those moments in real life when your voice really counts, almost like an investment. When you are confronted with, say, a Christian fundie, isn't it best to be prepared to say, "no, you're wrong, and here's why" and you can pull from your discussions here rather than argue on the fly? Not everybody can be Norma Rae. Not everybody can be Karen Silkwood. (loved those films, by the way) Not everybody wants to get that deep into political matters.

Naturally, traditional forms of political activism are still effective, and should be encouraged. I just think that DU has a place at the table, too, in differing amounts for different people.