by Linda Allen, resident of Precinct 171 — January 18, 2020
2020 is a critical election year. Our democracy, the foundation of our lives, and everything we believe as Americans, is at risk. Not from an outside invader, but from ourselves. Our enemies watch and wait, rubbing their hands in glee as they think our nation is about to implode.
Let me just state categorically, we don’t need to “Make America Great Again.” This has always been the greatest country in the world. The basic premise of our government set down in the Constitution makes us great. The laws of our nation that apply to everyone make us great. Our ability to weave together all of the cultures, religions. and beliefs of our diverse cultures into a unique tapestry those looking in never really get, makes us great. America is great. It’s our job as citizens to continue to be great.
To begin with, we must take back our government. Somewhere, somehow, our elected officials began working more for special interest groups and lobbyists to maintain their offices and power. They have forgotten they actually work for the people in the districts and states they represent. Not for a party or a President, they work for the people.
In the past we trusted our government. I don’t think the majority of Americans really thought about the government. When bad things happened, the government took care of them, and our country continued to run smoothly. We might have complained when taxes went up, when regulations were passed that didn’t really suit what we wanted and needed. Basically, we lived our lives and trusted that our elected officials would do what was in the best interest of the country as a whole.
We have also forgotten that as citizens, we also have responsibilities and obligations that are expected of us. Our price to live in a Democracy:
- Support and defend the constitution;
- Stay informed of the issues affecting your community;
- PARTICIPATE IN THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS;
- Respect and obey federal, state and local laws;
- Respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others;
- Participate in your local community;
- Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state and local authorities;
- Serve on a jury when called upon;
- Defend the country, if the need should arise.
In return we get to live our lives in peace and safety, secure in the knowledge that our lives and our children’s lives have stability that many countries envy.
It’s time to take back our country. To remind all elected officials they work for us the people, not the person/persons who donate the most to their campaigns and not only for their particular party.
It’s time for Democrats to take back the Senate, so that a Democratic Congress and a Democratic President can bring our country back together, so we can live together respecting each other’s opinions and differences. To pass laws that benefit the entire country. To work to begin the to heal our fractured relationships with our allies and build bridges to establish peace with our enemies.
To make radical changes is simple, we all have to vote. Every vote is important. If all registered Democrats vote in the upcoming election, we can take back our country and begin to make concrete changes. It’s time to unite and heal…to “Keep America Great,” and to frustrate those who are just waiting for our country to implode.