You story sounds a LOT like mine, except that you've done more with your newfound "politics" than I have.
I was a non-practicing 'cRAT until 9/11. After I saw Dubya at ground zHero on 9/14, I joined the RNC and signed up for the Freedom Corps (no one has EVER contacted me from that group, even though I've contacted the head of the local chapter).
I travelled to NYC in August of 2002 - a pilgrimage to ground zHero. It was empty, and sad. I'd never been to NYC before, but I felt *pulled* there.
I did some emailing for protests, etc, but not much until I found Free Republic, this year. Since then I've FReeped a local peace rally and have been to a Rally for America (Auburn, Indiana - 12,000-15,000 people).
I feel like I've found a home here. I don't post a lot, but so many people here feel like I do, post-9/11. My soulmate and I thought we were "the only ones" who felt the way we do, about America, about Dubya, about boycotts, etc...
It was great to find out we're not alone!