Politics and you, the people
Politics - the art or science of government has gotten a bad rap among modern Americans.
Our founding fathers’ exquisite practice of politics resulted in the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Who doesn’t feel some swelling in their chest reading these words from the Declaration of Independence of 1776: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
And these from the Preamble to the Constitution, 1787: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
And these from the Bill of Rights, proposed by the First Congress of the United States on Sept. 25, 1789: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Today’s world would have been unimaginable to the men and women who centuries ago risked their lives to escape religious persecution in Europe for the uncertainties of life in the wilds of this continent. Yet the yearning for religious freedom and self-determination that eventually led to the American Revolution and formation of a new country is as strong as ever. Self-rule free from the kind of death-grip tyrannical control people in countries around the world are fleeing from and fighting against seems to be part of human
DNA.
Politics is the messiest, most frustrating, awful, inspiring, essential and inescapable part of any organized society. However, how many of us try our hand at politics the act of guiding or influencing governmental policy - and what does that look like? It looks like you.
It’s you attending city council, school board and services district meetings, or following an issue that touches your life, such as the future of our publically-owned hospital, funding for school repairs and finding revenue to pay for county government - all of which will be on the March 3 presidential primary ballot. It’s seeking out the news from a variety of sources of vetted, factual information, deciding what you think about what your government is doing then using your voice. It’s asking questions, writing letters to newspapers, contacting elected officials and holding them accountable. It’s actively engaging in causes and supporting candidates who represent your views. It’s registering to vote - and actually voting.
You can attend tonight’s League of Women Voters’ forum for Fourth District supervisor candidates Dan Gjerde and Lindy Peters at Fort Bragg Town Hall from 6:30 to 8 pm. Since the Fourth and Fifth District supervisors represent the entire coast, everyone should pay attention regardless of whether they can vote on that choice.
Unlike in countries where people cannot participate in politics without risking life and limb, there is nothing stopping you. Nothing but inertia or, perhaps, you think that you’re powerless and what you think doesn’t matter. Not! Find your truth, stand in it and act. Find inspiration to exercise your political muscles by attending the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration next Monday, Jan. 20, at Eagles Hall in Fort Bragg