Our nation, communities in need of ‘good people’

Voting has never been enough. When I ran for school board, I had the help of a woman who had supported candidates in the past. At some point I asked, “Why do you spend all this time helping with elections?” Her answer was instructive and formative. “I support good people.”

I supported a good woman who ran for mayor. I attended candidate forums, so she would see a friend in the crowd. I attended brainstorming meetings and planning meetings. I knocked on doors. I made calls and contacted people on social media asking them to vote and spread the word. I donated money and when there was a run-off election, I donated again.

Then I stood holding a sign reminding people to vote while my feet froze.

Those we choose as good people to represent us may differ. This is a benefit. Our government was not organized by a representation of the people. According to Dennis Fradin in “The Signers,” “Most of the signers were rich, well-educated men.” Representation among the signers was narrow. More than a third were lawyers, a few farmers, none common laborers. The greatest commonality the signers shared was a history of speaking out against unfair laws. These were the people who were heard.

This is a lesson from the signers — those who get involved have the voice. We need many more good people to support the good people who will speak for all of us. “Good people” must mean more than incorruptible and conscientious. It must also mean representative. Then, gender, ethnicity, class and education limited participation. Today, most limitations on participation — and therefore voice — are self-imposed. Voter suppression in the form of poll closures and ID laws can be addressed when good people speak up. It is a credit to the voice of Arkansas citizens that Gov. Hutchinson has authorized absentee ballot voting for anyone with covid health concerns.

An idealistic manifesto does not give voice to good people. Each of us doing something more than merely voting is a deeper, more powerful use of our speech. A majority of signers of the Declaration of Independence were wealthy people who could afford to be involved in the creation of a new country. In order for good people to run our local and national governments, we need good people from all walks of life to give their time supporting them. I learned in the 2016 election that voting, even in the primary, isn’t enough. This year my husband and I, for the first time, donated and campaigned in primary elections — significantly, for different candidates. This is how a diversity of good people will make their way into public office. Support from the community, in part, is what makes them good people.

After the mayoral election, I did one more thing to support good people. I contacted her opponents, to express admiration for their courage in running for office, because I support good people.

KIRSTEN JOHNSTON Bentonville