by william e. kelly Caring for ourselves and others is arguably the
most efficient and successful tool we have for meeting the challenges threatening the well- being and survival of our nation as a democracy and republic “…of the people, by the people and for the people…” and this means all the people. An organized government is necessary however, for any society of such great diversity as ours to exist in peaceful unity and thrive. It is the duty of our government to maintain
order and a structure that enables us to be self-reliant and to live our lives as a collection of naturally diverse people who can peacefully agree to disagree. It is to our mutual advantage to participate to the fullest possible measure in our governing. It is our responsibility however as citizens, to unite in purpose and protect individual rights and freedoms we do not always see eye-to- eye on, but adhere to through the self-governing tools granted us by our founding fathers. “We the people” put our government in and
allow it to stay in power. They do so, not to have it do the bidding of any single party, minority, majority or individual, but to pass and enforce laws, regulations and rules that unite and mutually serve us all in ways that respect, enable and encourage self-reliance and to the degree possible, leaves no one out. Government in solemn concert with voters is mutually responsible for identifying and removing any barriers or obstacles that discourage or hinder individual self-reliance or “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” This requires of government and of those governed, a willingness to col- laborate, cooperate and find compromises where disagreements exist. A government representing people of differing views to achieve the greater good for all, is not one that divides itself into impenetrable fortresses or silos to benefit of some and the detriment of others. It is one that has a willingness to listen to and calmly discuss differing views and the logical reasons for them. This neither requires nor fosters any agreement regarding those differences, but it does foster a better understanding of them. Understanding and agreement are not synonymous, but understand- ing is the key to the door allowing for constructive negotiations, collaboration and cooperation. It is a door that must be kept open, for the sake of achieving mutually beneficial compromises to enable us to peacefully and productively coexist . We must never forget that we are responsible for what our elected government represents and
think about it
what we allow our elected officials to do, when creating law and order and the power to enforce. Through our votes and communication with those we put into office, we create and allow to exist, laws and standards that are supposed to serve us all equally as one people and one nation. These are very challenging times in our cities,
states, nation and world. As we approach the primaries and elections in the dozens of locations being held nationwide, we must be more vigilant regarding who, why and into what offices we vote those we entrust our futures to. It serves us well to share our diverse opin- ions and celebrate that our differences are born in and nurtured by our democracy and protected by our Constitution. Citizens, voters and candidates who point accusing fingers at each other waste precious time and resources. This is best avoided by keeping as well-informed, vigilant and constructively par- ticipating in our governing process as possible. While arriving at mutually beneficial solutions does not demand total agreement, it does require the aforementioned understanding of our differences and why they exist. Whatever political, philosophical or religious ideologies guides each of us, it is critical to inform ourselves about issues and candidates before casting our votes. We are these United States of America, not the “Divided States” of America. We have tried division over and over to no avail and must continue to stand united or divided we will fall. In short, maintaining a stable sustainable democracy and economy as diverse as ours is hard work. To the best of our ability, each citizen has a duty to themselves and their communities to study, respectfully discuss, compare and then endorse and vote for the candidates and on the issues that will impact their lives and that of their fellow citizens.
A STABLE DEMOCRACY
IS HARD WORK!
WE HAVE TRIED DIVISION OVER AND OVER TO NO AVAIL. WE MUST CONTINUE TO STAND UNITED OR DIVIDED WE WILL FALL.”
JULY 2018 | RAGE monthly 61
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