Step 1: Figure out what you relate to the world, how you relate to others, and how everyone should relate to the government. Do some research, and come up with a cogent view of the world. Make sure that you compare your worldview with reality. If the two contradict, then your worldview is probably wrong or needs some element of change. Make sure that YOU WOULD BE OKAY IF EVERYTHING YOU PROPOSE IS DONE TO YOU. In other words, if you are of the opinion that everyone who disagrees with you should be shot, then consider what happens if you disagree with someone else. Should they shoot you? Are you okay with this? If yes to both, then your theory is coherent. If no, rethink. This is something that you should be doing on a consistent basis. If not, you may eventually (if not already) suffer from chronic stupidity and poor life philosophy. Fix it. I highly recommend checking out Milton Friedman's series Free to Choose, a ten-part tv show he did in 1980; you can find it easily on youtube in full. First episode here.
Step 2: When any election comes up (once every two years for federal elections, more often for state and local), take a day to research the people running for office. You don't even have to check out everyone, just the main 2-3 runners will do. For local elections, just an hour of research will make you more informed than just about anyone else in the entire country, and when you go to put in your vote, you'll know who you want to vote for and why. For major elections, a bit more than an hour is suggested, which is why I say take the day to do some research. Ironically, even one day of research will make you more informed than the vast majority of the voting populous, and that's for the presidential election. Important things to consider: what is the candidate's positions? How have they changed since he/she started running? What is his voting record? What are his credentials? Who's sponsoring him? Is there anything questionable about his conduct, or the way he handles himself? Also make sure you encourage other people to get informed and get involved in the political process.
Step 3: VOTE. ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE. Complaining to your friends will never get rid of dirty politicians. Voting them out, and getting your peers to do the same, will.
Step 4: Politicians are currently in office - get in contact with them. Schedule a call, randomly call, or if you're closer, actually visit them - a lot of politicians set aside time daily to hear from the residents of their states, and you might as well take advantage of that time. Do a bit of research before talking with them, find out what they've been up to and whether or not they've kept up with their promises. Most importantly - and this is very important - make sure to be extremely specific when you talk to your senators, representatives of the house, whatever. If there is a bill in Congress that you agree or disagree with, mention what parts of it you are interested in and why. If you think that the bill is something that is unConstitutional (for example, Obamacare's provision putting a fine on people who don't own healthcare), be especially sure to bring it up. Let them know that you'll be checking how they vote on the bill, and that their choices will directly impact whether or not you vote for them in the upcoming election. When a senator knows and is informed on a daily basis that if he does not follow the mandate of the people that he will be kicked out of office, you can bet that it's going to have a drastic effect on how he votes. Surprisingly enough, when politicians are actually held accountable, you'll find that they change pretty quick. That's the nature of PEOPLE. And politicians are simply people, with their heads up their... well, you know.
No comments:
Post a Comment