Democracy Gunned Down by Apathy

It's been said that you can't please all of the people, all of the time. Whenever a person in a leadership capacity is called on to make a decision that will affect others, that becomes blatantly apparent. And so it is in the world of politics. Unfortunately, the people charged with making the decisions often only have the input of a limited number of the people that are affected by those decisions. The reasons for this are varied, but there are a few that tend to be consistent.

First of all, there are lobbyists and political action groups that invest great amounts of time, energy and money to ensure that policy makers hear their concerns and the desires of their employers. Secondly, influential people tend to associate with other persons of influence who are wealthy, popular and powerful. As with most people, politicians are much more comfortable among those that are like minded and won't challenge them directly. This is reflected by the ever widening gap between the rich and powerful and the working class citizens they supposedly represent.

The individuals and groups mentioned above are the voices that dictate what the policy makers of our government hear and act upon. Then there are the roughly 90 percent of the population that aren't being heard. In a country where all people are considered equal in the eyes of the law, why do you suppose that is?

Some may offer the excuse that they just don't have the connections, knowledge, money or the social status to be heard. While those excuses are easy and often understandable, they don't hold water when examined under close scrutiny. Granted, the voices of the general public do not resonate as loudly as those of the social and political elite, but when backed by passion and determination, the voices of the little people cannot be ignored. When those voices finally say, "That's it, I'm not going to tolerate the corruption any longer," is precisely when change begins.

Unfortunately, many of those voices have been muted by feelings of frustration and hopelessness. Following years of being continually kicked to the back of the line, many have just quit trying. The element of our communities, our nation, that have given up hope that their voice can make a difference has consistently grown over the last decade.

Well pay attention! It is your turn to be heard! The social and political landscape has never been more primed to hear your words than it is now.

Unethical conduct, corruption, lies, fraud, bribery, payoffs, election tampering; are just some of the words that are repeated in nearly every news report. And they are being used in direct connection to the people that have been sworn to represent us in government. Lobbyists are buying legislation, dead people are voting and the poor have no health care. The privileged continue to benefit, while the less fortunate become less and less fortunate each day. An apathetic public just sits back and watches as the corrupt blatantly abuse their positions of power and influence. And the people are tired of it!

So what are the people going to do? You have a couple of options. You can continue to hide in your self-pitying, apathetic world, whining about all the ways you've been treated unfairly by the system. You can go through each day griping about how unfair it is that your elected representatives don't care what you think. You can even quietly sulk as you pay more in taxes than the top earning five percent of the population pay. You can do all of these things, and then sit back and wait for more of the same.

Or you can do something proactive about it. An ever increasing number of people just like you are beginning to realize that the way things have been getting done is wrong. One by one, your neighbors are being converted from people who were saying, "Well, that's just the way it is," to people who are saying, "Wait a minute! Those elected officials work for me and dammit, I think it's time they realize it!" People are beginning to realize that if they want to be fairly represented, all they have to do is demand it.

Equality and fairness aren't just going to be dropped in your lap, however. The corrupt have gone, and will continue to go to great lengths to preserve their position. It'll take a little effort to knock them off their pedestals. Here's what you have to do to get started on the road to being heard.

First of all, you've got to register to vote! Quite simply, you present no threat to a politician if you don't even care enough to vote against them. Remember, they've already got their cronies who elected them the first time. It's time to put some new electoral blood into the pot.

Secondly, decide what's important to you and get involved with people who are working to promote that cause. Give your support to those working on projects you believe in. Attend the public meetings where elected officials are conducting the business of the community. Learn what the issues are and take a stand. This will give you visibility and more opportunity to be heard. It will also give you a chance to meet and ask questions of those making policy.

Finally, let your voice be heard. Once you have become aware of the issues, familiarized with the process, and involved with the policies being debated, share your knowledge. Tell your friends, tell your coworkers and tell your neighbors. Invite them to get involved. Explain to anyone you hear complaining, that it's up to them to do something about whatever doesn't seem right. And last but not least, get everyone you know to get registered and to vote for any needed change.

Could it be coincidence that 90 percent of the population isn't heard by the politicians and 90 percent of the population doesn't vote. You do the math.

It's your responsibility to stand up, speak out and take action. That starts with registering to vote. It's not only the responsible thing to do, but it's the only way to fix what's broken.

In the time leading up to the 2008 Elections there is great opportunity to be heard. Many things need changed and right now it's possible to bring about the change needed. The lion's share of our government has to ask the voters if they deserve to keep their jobs.

When you look at the names of those running for elected office in 2008, ask yourself if you are happy with the way each of these individuals have conducted themselves in the positions awarded them by the voters. Have they performed their duties with the best interest of America and it's citizens in mind? Have they served honorably? Has their ethical demeanor been unquestionable? Do you want them representing you for another term?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, then it is your responsibility to do everything possible to prevent them from being elected.