Our part of the bargain (to salvage a decaying empire?)
First, a snippet from Jane:
… other than voting, what is our part of the bargain? What should we be doing during campaign season? If our candidates are elected, then what? Do we just sit around until the next election?
Our part of the bargain, for too many people, doesn’t even involve voting. For many millions of us, it goes no further than paying taxes, which seems to me like a foolish, and likely ineffective, way to squander your monetary contributions to Uncle Sam. But not only is the government doing its business with your money, it’s also doing it in your name. Perhaps that’s why Jane starts with the assumption that you’re voting. But voting, for too many of us who actually do vote, is often done as an isolated act, with a short attention span after the fact and usually even before.
That’s why we, as a public, have become so easy to fool. We pay little attention to the matters that affect our lives beyond the immediate concerns, even though those same nebulous matters tend to become more immediate concerns when ignored.
Worse, we authorize proxies to think for us, whether they be news commentators, political parties or even bloggers. It brings to mind something a teacher of mine once said: “When someone offers you the Cliff’s Notes for Shakespeare, do yourself a favor and read the play anyway.” Politics should be approached the same way.
In short, pay attention. Take part in the process.
Support candidates you believe in during the campaign season. Not sure who to believe in? Research your choices. In the case of incumbents, there’s usually a paper trail to help measure them. Other ways to find out about candidates are to read campaign materials and third-party sources that help identify stances candidates have on certain issues, take any opportunity you get to meet the candidates up close and ask them questions in person. Try to understand why you do or don’t support specific candidates. Offer suggestions to candidates when you meet them. Pay attention to campaign trail promises (this can be very helpful in evaluating them when they keep or break those vows later on).
After the election, don’t be afraid to contact your representatives to ask about things that seem important to you. Pay attention to how they react, if they react, and most importantly, how they act on issues vital to you. Let them know if you approve or disapprove of something they’ve done, or something they’re about to do. Are they not keeping a promise from the campaign trail? You might want to remind them about it.
This goes whether or not you voted, campaigned, or even lit a candle for the people who’ve been elected.
Remember, if you’re a citizen, those people work for you.
When they forget that, things can get pretty bad.
When we forget it, things are pretty much hopeless.
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