I am a lot of things. I am a mother, a wife, a writer, a daughter, a neighbor and a friend. I am right-handed, love chocolate, am addicted to Diet Coke and adore traveling. I have a marriage that rocks, a dog that sleeps all day and two brothers who drive me insane. I am, also, a liberal.
I have been keenly interested in politics from as far back as I can remember. As a matter of fact, I recall sitting with my father watching "60 Minutes" and the evening news when I was still in elementary school. I asked questions, he patiently responded and I knew that politics had a strong hold on my family. No matter how old, how young, whatever your stage in life politics had meaning. As a matter of fact, my father seemed much more concerned that you had an active interest in politics as opposed to where you actually fall on the political spectrum.
I find that I am very much like my father in that regard. My tolerance for apathy is just about nil and I continue to be amazed when people feel that politics is so very distant from their day-to-day lives. The fact of the matter is that you are knee deep in politics all day, every day, whether you like it or not. And given that this is a fact, it is best to jump on board and at the very least educate yourself about the latest political news.
When you have a minute, ponder the impact that politics plays in your own life. Think about your job, the taxes you pay, your retirement plan, your property taxes, your child's ability to attend college, the interest rate on your credit card or your access to quality health care. It is there, a substantial force dictating big pieces of your existence.
As an American, it is your duty to stay on top of all things political. It is a responsibility that those around the world would love to have and we, selfish and self-absorbed residents of this great nation, take for granted on a daily basis. Your politics do not need to be my politics, but I do respectfully ask that you do jump into the political pool and swim the rest of us political nerds.
Rock on. I will be following this blog and hoping for great things. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
ReplyDeleteAlicia -- Alone? Not a chance, my friend! We are in this together and together we shall gather strength, share resources and change the political landscape. Welcome!
ReplyDeleteWOW! You recapped my childhood! Dad had us watch every political convention, even those Republican ones! It was more important that we became educated, informed, and participated in the democratic process. That meant discussions, voting regularly, and maintaining an awareness of what the elected officials did. He was a veteran of WWII and saw three long years on the European continent after serving 6 months as a flight mechanic for the Royal Air Force in London. He regularly risked his life for this country, and he was proud of what he did.
ReplyDeleteIt is now the responsibility of private citizens to preserve the rights he risked his life to protect. Unfortunately, today many people are apethetic to politics. Many feel they cannot change things. However, I am fortunate to be friends with a lady who started a grassroots campaign for a largely unknown person up to that point in time named Barack Obama. See what a small group can achieve!!!!! We must muster this proud American spirit during this country's current crises. TELL the represented officials what we want. If they do not act accordingly, they are voted out of office. (That is if Rick peery gets his way and takes the direct election of Senators away from the populace!)
There are many things the private citizen can do. First, be informed. Next, paay attention to the promises AND actions of elected officials. Third, become involved in the campaigns one feels most strongely for at present. That may include answering phones, going door to door, giving voters rides on election day, etc. Be an ACTIVE American in this arena. After all, the elected politicians are OUR servants!