I've been taught to "keep politics away from the dinner table," or "be careful of who you talk politics to." I disagree. I think this lack of political engagement has damaged our political system. Politics should be debated, in person, with people of all beliefs. Politics is not just for politicians and interest groups.
Understanding and participating in government is a fundamental right as an American. Relatively few of us exercise that right. We need intelligent, well informed debate. Congresspeople are elected to represent ALL their constituents, NOT just those who voted for them. If you disagree with your congressperson call them. If you agree with them call them. Your job as a citizen should not end at the polling place. Join a group that aligns with your interests and lobbies to protect those interests.
And on that note, understand not every member of every group agrees on all issues. If you disagree with one out of ten agenda items for a group does that mean you don't join? No. I didn't run from Farm Bureau when they supported hydraulic fracturing. I didn't run from class when everyone else was against genetically engineered food. If you disagree start a discussion, you may not change the group's opinion now, but you may in the future. The effort, the polite discussion, is what this country is all about.
My final thought, born from the many posts I've seen from women saying "I have a voice, I don't know why these people had to march" or "these people are marching but I have no idea why." Many people do not have the privileges you do. Please, irregardless of your political, social, or worldwide views, understand millions of people in the US and billions around the world cannot stand up for themselves. They aren't weak, they aren't stupid, they are a product of abuse, corruption, and injustices. Those of us who feel it is important to stand up for them should not be called foul names or made fun of. I don't know how many times I've been called a 'Libtard' lately because of my support for the women's march, which is ridiculous because I've voted for two Republican governors, I own multiple guns, I support multiple groups that lobby conservatively on most issues, and I consider myself extremely patriotic. And, if you are reading this, you have the means to remove yourself from ignorance. This goes beyond the women's march, this goes beyond Trump, and this goes beyond the US. It is not a "liberal" issue, it is a moral issue, a human issue.
My takehome message?
- Get involved. If your involvement is limited to likes and posts on social media, please, get out there and physically make a change.
- Debate. Debate in a respectful manner. It's ok to talk politics in a civil manner, and it is ok to disagree.
- Maintain respect always.
- If you can read this, you have the ability/privilege to remove yourself from ignorance. And I mean true ignorance or maybe more appropriately negligence.
- Make a meaningful difference , no matter how small.