American citizen influence best when spread around evenly
Orr democracy is driven by the population’s interests and problems which, ideally, are told to elected representatives, who then pass ideas to their respective legislative bodies.
A policy is enacted, the problem fixed. Easy game.
There is no shortage of support requests from interest groups—letters, columns, advertisements which urge others to join the fight by writing additional letters, signing petitions, or attending meetings.
And frequently these requests are ignored.Inaction seems to be bred into our society.
Apathy, perhaps, prevents some from speaking up. We just don’t care about contacting a government that seems so far off. Or maybe, we feel as though someone else will take care of it for us, that it’s not our responsibility. Sometimes others do tackle matters on on behalf, to their credit.
And in these peoples’ hands rests the power which should be evenly distributed among the general
public.
Many (including myself) preach the importance of participating in our government system.
Every single voice in our country should count the same when represented on the Congressional floor—that’s the theory at least.
Here’s the fact: never will everyone vote, not even half most likely. Neither will they contact a representative about an issue important to their district.
As a result, those that do venture to speak out—the special interests— end up being more influential than the average citizen should be.
A little bit of political involvement can result in meaningful amount of political power.
A well thought out letter to a Congressman or just a talk with a town board member can carry more weight than most of us realize.
Those willing to join that group of astute citizens—those who raise their voices above the masses—gain the spoils of actually changing society.
And that is what gives life in the modern world meaning: being able to bring about change for the better. ❍
You can follow Colin Criss on Twitter @ADKCurrent
