STAND UP!

Stand Up, Dammit!

If one has had the misfortune to have read my previous posts, then they know that I believe that our country is facing the most serious threat in generations. And, believe it or not, I think I know how to answer that threat. To wit, my 5 ideas to avoid autocracy, theocracy and other forms of authoritarian rule in the United States of America:

1)   Look at the performance and record of your elected officials; everyone from county purser to POTUS and really look. Don't take them at their word, do your homework. Look up their records on votes, research their public appearances and statements. Find out what they are really doing to make life better for you, yours and your community. Like what you see? Excellent! Then share that with friends and neighbors so that they can do their homework, and keep voting for them. Not so happy? Then VOTE THE SOB's OUT OF OFFICE. Campaign for the candidate that you believe will do the damn job we are paying them to do. Then (trust, but verify) check their records and performance, too. They work for you, you pay them, you gave them a job description - are they doing the job?

2)  Vote, every time there is an election. Take the time to be informed, and vote. Go to the precinct conventions (or the local equivalent in your district) and vote on the planks you want added to the platforms of the party and who your delegates will be to the next level. Get down in the real grass roots of how the system works and work it.

3)   Run for office. I especially encourage the young people to look at this. My friends and I are older. My generation is not famous for its understanding of technologies that are so essential to communications today. It is my belief that most of my generation is either dead or should be taking on a mentorship type of position and allowing younger minds, dreams and hopes steer the future. We had our shot. We didn't do so great. Below, I have listed some URL's of videos of young people who are making their voices heard in new and exciting ways. Give them a peek. And if you're a boomer, give them the resources they need to make the world a better place - your respect, your time and your money.

4) Volunteer. Find a cause or issue that you can serve. Service to others is the highest calling, the most satisfying accomplishment, and best medicine for what ails you. Every good cause you can think of never has enough resources. Become a resource.

5)  DO NOT CAPITULATE! Have you read the Constitution and all of its 27 amendments? Do you understand them? Stand your ground! Know your rights and insist on them being preserved. Help your friends, your neighbors, and members of your community to enjoy their rights. And then insist they pay it forward. DO NOT OBEY IN ADVANCE. Do not abdicate your rights without being told to by someone can enforce that abrogation. Don't give up without being forced to. Stand up for yourself, your family, your friends and your neighbors. Say no, loudly, at length and very, very often.

https://www.katforillinois.com/

https://www.jamestalarico.com/

Now, do your homework. Get to work making this the best place in the world to be. And, as always, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. I promise, I will listen.