I have always been interested in the political process. I think it started one summer when I was in the fourth grade. My mother was ironing and getting my clothes ready for me to head off to camp for a couple of weeks. She was listening to the radio (we didn’t have television yet) reporting on the Democratic Convention. In those days the convention delegates actually elected the party candidates. Her enthusiasm, as the delegate roll call was taken, intrigued me and I began to listen, make comments and ask questions. My interest in politics was sealed. I have voted in every election since I was old enough. I listen or watch the news and follow the progress of the candidates leading up to the election. I join members of my family to carefully review the local and state propositions on our ballots here in California. I have made small political donations, written letters to my elected officials, attended rallies and celebrated results. I have even occasionally handed out literature for local candidates. But I have never gone door to door or volunteered to work on a major campaign.This time I am seriously considering volunteering my time to work on the presidential campaign in a swing state. Since I have not been a rabid campaigner in my life, you might wonder why I am getting involved now. Simply because I am very worried about what is 
happening to our democracy and to our country. I have watched political ads funded by the deep pockets of wealthy people with narrow self-interests; campaigns that rely on large checks from corporate entities which are now considered to be people for purposes of campaign contributions; I have watched candidates get elected who say vicious things about their opposition; I hear racist, sexist and homophobic rhetoric; I learn about legislation proposed in several states that is drafted by groups outside those states who have hidden personal agendas. I am concerned by those who promote rigid narrow and often inaccurate ideas without considering the good of our whole country, who want to undermine the separation of powers, who don’t respect the rights of the minority and differences of opinion. I am worried about the effort to turn our values for the freedom of religion and belief into a Christian Theocracy and condemn anyone whose beliefs, values, actions or even existence contradicts a rigid interpretation of the Christian Bible. I am concerned about the number of people, especially the young, who are disillusioned and don’t vote. All of these concerns and more contribute to my worry about the future for all of us and for my grandchildren.
At times, the listing of these worries is overwhelming and I am immobilized, thinking there is nothing I can do about it. But I have always been an optimist and an activist. So, I lift my head, raise my hopes and begin to list what I can do with even small steps to counter this tsunami bent on destroying our freedom.
- Make political contributions.
- Get involved and volunteer in political campaigns.
- Encourage others to make contributions and get involved.
- Write letters to the editor.
- Distribute information, articles and other educational materials to inform and educate my friends and family.
- Write this blog.
I close with my encouragement of you to be open, get informed and educated, encourage others and make a commitment to be a voting citizen. I would love to hear your thoughts and what you are doing to support and further our democracy.
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You're welcome, Linda. I agree with you. I do read novels with younger characters, but I get a little tired of the immaturity sometimes, and the issues that don't need to be issues. A mature adult is so much more interesting. And, I enjoy Elizabeth B
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When I read this post, I think to mys
The biggest impetus to change is when folks have nothing left to lose. How poor do Americans have to become before they jail the bankers, stop the polluting industrialists (oh, that pipeline!), insist on polititions who create economic solvency for the poor and generally do the one thing for which government is really necessary – LOOK AFTER THE PEOPLE!
Hi Bev,
Your post is absolutely spot on and mirrors my concerns as well.
I am involved locally in our Get Out and Vote campaigns.
The last two elections I have been a designated driver so to speak, in helping those who cannot get to the polls on their own steam, to get there safely. I have also been a *Poll Watcher* at my local precincts. I most certainly will do the same this fall.
We must do everything we can to make sure that those who can vote, are not only encouraged to, but permitted to this most precious of rights.
Bev, I am so with you on this. I feel as if our democracy is being pulled in so many different directions, each one with it’s own agenda and no thought of the overall needs. I know we will always have differing opinions, that’s the foundation of our nation, but today it is all so hard driven and without room for compromise.
We all need to do as you say. Be informed, be positive, be careful and get EVERYONE out to vote.
Great blog.
I am heartened by your responses and to know that others in other parts of the country have similar concerns. Keep up the good work! It is so important isn’t it?
I agree absolutely! And I would add: “become a deputy voter registrar in your county’ to the list. That way you can register others to vote and encourage everyone to participate in the process. I carry my DVR materials everywhere and wear a button that reads “Ask me about registering to vote.” It’s shameful that people don’t bother to vote and even worse that there are measures now to suppress voter participation. We should not stand for that. People died for us to have the right to vote. It is the most fundamental right and responsibility in ours–or any–democracy.
Great suggestion. Thank. You