First I will say that it's important that we all be good humans; a trait that (collectively) we have yet to learn. Also, please understand I'm not lashing out at you, just entertaining the conversation.
What I'm advocating is that we are not doing enough to hold our officials accountable for their actions and/or inactions. As a republic, we vote every two years and that's where the accountability seems to stop. Our officials are not bound by any promises made during their campaigns and the only recourse we use is cyclical voting. I would argue that we, collectively, have more power outside of the ballot box, that is, we collectively could shut down our country instead of collectively contributing to the spread of a virus that will eventually shut the country down for us. The true question is: what is the cost of life that we, collectively, are willing to accept before we do the right, human thing? It appears our government(s) won't do what needs to be done to protect it's people, so it's left up to the people.
If voting is so patriotic, then why do we make it so difficult to do? Here are a few points to ponder: (1) Time is a very restricting factor for voting periods, that is, most states limit voting to a 12-hour period during a workday, (2) Gerrymandering has adverse impacts on minority communities and has changed representation in many "red" states. I know a minority female politician that lost her district due to Gerrymandering in Oklahoma; (3) the number of polling places closed numbers in the thousands, thus, restricting access, primary in minority communities; absentee voting is becoming more difficult to get your vote counted and in some states absentee ballots are not counted based on in person voting results; and (4) as citizens we do not elect our president. Oh, and these (mis)practices are all upheld by our elected officials, the courts, Congress and the media.
Yes, we should stay informed of what our government is doing. Here are some examples of why: (1) In my short lifetime we have had 16 military engagements (that we know of) involving direct and/or indirect attacks on other nations and/or groups [justifications vary, but have been upheld to date by our officials] (2) purging environmental laws meant to protect all life and provide clean air and water; (3) promoting discourse and inequities by focusing privileges on the few at the cost of the many [restrictive voting and corporate welfare would examples]; and (4) the willingness to promote capitalism during a pandemic and at the cost of life.
I do promote social order as-well-as cognitive dissonance and peacefully protesting. We are a young nation that has yet to set its destiny and my concern is our nation will fall before we realize that destiny. What I would advocate above all arguments is that we need to do away with the "isms" and redefine our focus. Examples are: (1) Capitalism to Capital, that is, leadership of and stock in we the people; (2) Communism to commun(ity), that is, a society that is build on a community structure that is inclusive, requires involvement of everyone living within the community and is of the people; and (3) Socialism to social, that is, a society working together for what's best for the majority of people, a society of equality and a society that helps those who are in need or can't help themselves.
So, what am I advocating? Stand up to those who seek oppression, speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and most importantly...be a good human...individually and collectively.
Have s great a day!
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