Let's start fresh. Let's face it: America is what it is because of what each one of us does or does not do. I hear a lot of people calling for a leader who will save us from the terrible mess we have gotten ourselves into, or will fix the economic woes and climate vulnerabilities so many of us are feeling right now. But, no leader has ever been better than his or her constituents' participation in the democratic process.
What does it mean to be an American? Listen to what these great Americans have to say:
Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it. ~ Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States (1809 – 1865)
He that would make his own liberty secure must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself.
~ Thomas Paine, American Patriot (1737 – 1809)
Lincoln and Paine point to the very high ideals of our founding fathers. It's not just protecting freedom for us so we can have a good life, but it is also protecting freedom for anyone who strives toward it. Our forefathers worked for Liberty as an ideal, as a truth to be pursued so that we would never experience, nor participate in, oppression of the human spirit.
We are coming out of a period of eight years of oppressive policies that have damaged our democracy and economy and the good will we once enjoyed in the world community. Now we are seen as fools, and fools to be feared.
We have a chance to truly participate in this next election, working locally in our own neighborhoods and cities to make sure everyone is informed of the issues and will go and exercise their vote - a vote that was won with blood, flesh, and tears on this continent and on others.
Get involved. Turn off the damn TV and find out who is running in your district and vote your conscience. Ask questions, demand accountability! You have no idea what is at stake. Find out.
Mountain Top Coal Mining
We are decapitating the oldest mountains in America
Marching on the Mall
It's up to us to preserve Liberty for all.
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5 comments:
Lovely post - I'm a friend of Kathryn's, who sent me over. Welcome to the blogosphere!
Dear Drama Mama,
Thanks for the welcome. Hope we can work up some democratic fever here!
Susan
Welcome to Blogville Susan!
Love your "Liberty" inspired post.
: )
If you need a talking point when trying to influence others to vote your way, ask: If you are happy with the direction of the current administration/congress/state legislature/local town council or selectmen, then vote to re-elect them. If you aren't, then vote them out and let others be given an opportunity to bring forth new ideas and solutions. Best yet, run for office yourself. This is a citizen government. Be the citizen that speaks up.
Dear Michelle and Joan,
Thanks for checking in here. I intend to post resources and issues as the campaign moves forward. Joanie you are right about this. I am going to start my next entry with your comments. One of my intentions when I get to Pensacola is to join with the League of Women Voters and hit the tarmack to register voters.
You have a lot of experience doing that. Please chime in.
Suz
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