“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed”. - The Declaration of Independence
Where does man draw the line denoting intolerable suffering? As the size, scope and cost of government have gradually increased over the course of our lifetime, it is difficult to notice the increased burden. Our elected officals have placed a large debt on the nations shoulders and our children will bare the cost. In the days of our Founding Fathers, we did not look to the government to rectify the abuses of government. We looked within.
I do not propose that individual take up arms to overthrow the government; however, I do propose a new form of revolution begin, a revolution involving an active citizenry, who is not afraid to point the abuses and missteps of the government. The American public has become apathetic about the growth of state regulation, taxation, mediation and legislation. How and why does the American public feel so disenfranchised? How can we belittle the effectiveness of our solemn vote?
Apathy will not change our destiny. It will not end the waste of tax dollars. It will not cure disease or make a man prosperous. To believe that there is no conceivable way to change the direction our nation is heading, is to submit to a government of tyranny. When we as a nation have surrendered are will to stand up for our rights, will be the moment our rights vanish. If we are hopeless, how can we provide hope to our children? It is time to get active.
Becoming active in the political process does need to consume your every waking moment. Below you will find three simple steps to become a more informed voter.
1. Visit
www.gueaxvote.com (The LA Secretary of State’s website) regularly. Find out if there is an election approaching and what is going to be on the ballot. Researching your sample ballot early will give you time to research each initiative and candidate. Perform a basic web search about the issue. Email, call or write the candidates to see how they feel about issues that matter to you.
2. Find out who your elected representatives are store their contact information. If you are an avid computer user, add those names and email addresses to your contact list. If you are more comfortable calling your elected officials, add their names to your cell phone.
3. Spend one hour a week catching up on the news. Buy a copy of the Sunday paper and read it over a nice brunch. Bring your lunch to work one day and spend your lunch hour reading news on the internet.