Rhino Political Action Committee mixer at NOVA535

I try to stay away from politics, especially public politics. I’ve never been a fan of the backhanded crap that goes on between lobbyists and those in power. I’ve always felt like those of us who opposed the biggest and most powerful had no voice at all. That’s why I was excited to hear about Rhino P.A.C. and their political mixer.

Rhino takes a different approach to the politics game. It’s members, a true democracy, gather both online and in the real world to discuss and vote on things they would like to see change. Topics range from simple local issues and candidates to more lofty projects. The group gathers in input and uses their collective power to push for the majority vote with the powers that be. If a high percentage of the group wants to stand behind a certain candidate or push for a change in policy, you hear the collective voices of the entire lobbying group in unison. This gives everyone the voice that once only the affluent would have.

I went to the political mixer at NOVA535 (and awesome gallery, by the way) with zero expectations. Thinking I would stand out like a sore thumb, I was surprised when both the RHINO leaders and a number of the mayoral candidates made a point of including me and getting my input.

One of the leaders of the group, Cliff Gephart, made introductions between myself and the others in the group. They were savvy on local issues, and the point was clear that they weren’t going to take these issues lying down. With this kind of pull from the community, I don’t see how they could fail.