Many people I meet tell me theyre discouraged, the nation is on the wrong track, theyre worried about making ends meet, their children wont live as well as they live, regressive Republicans have taken over, President Obama ... you know the rest. You see some of their comments on this page. But then, when I ask them what theyre doing about it, they say theyre powerless. Nobody would listen to them. The situation is hopeless. And besides, they have no time. Wrong. Nothing good or worthwhile happens in Washington or in state capitals unless good people organize, mobilize, and energize themselves and others outside Washington and those other capitals to put pressure on those inside to do the right thing. If citizens dont -- if they give up, or dont even try -- the monied interests win everything. In the election of 1936, a woman approached FDR, then running for a second term, and demanded that if she voted for him he would commit to doing a list of things she thought important for him to do. Maam, he said. If Im reelected Id like to do all of those things. But you must make me. Even then, and even FDR, understood how necessary citizen action was for accomplishing the nations goals. Citizenship doesnt mean simply voting, paying taxes, and serving on the occasional jury. It means active engagement. It means knowing the issues and the arguments. It means connecting with others, and putting pressure on politicians. It means steadfastness, tenacity, and courage. Complain all you want. Thats fine. But dont limit it to complaining. A national election is coming up next year, a midterm that will determine the composition of the House and Senate and probably much in your state or city as well. Dont take it lying down.
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 10:27:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015