One of my laws of the public policy process is that nothing moves unless it is pushed.
Political activists elect candidates, pass or repeal laws and determine public policy.
But while boundless energy and enthusiasm are essential in activists, something else is necessary. To be successful leaders, activists must also be well-informed. Better known as the school of hard knocks, it is the most painful way to learn anything, though I can't deny that this school teaches its lessons well. Its drawback, however, is that by the time you graduate if, indeed, you ever graduate, you're too old to go to work. Students who study only at this school learn things only the hard way.