Every four years Americans exercise their right to choose the next President of the United States and leader of the free world. How quickly this cherished right turns to disdain.
Daily bombardment of TV ads, phone calls, and social media fights leave many Americans feeling hopeless and turned off by the political process.
The current election cycle has brought a new level of open hostility, anger, division and political turmoil. We are witnessing perhaps the most unpredictable Presidential election in history – and it has caused many everyday Americans to disengage.
Maybe we don’t have a presidential candidate to inspire us to be the best version of ourselves or represent our country accordingly on the world stage, but we shouldn’t forget what we can do in our own neighborhoods and the difference local elected officials make for our communities.
The most important thing every citizen can do this election is to remain engaged.
Now is not the time to abandon the political process. Checking out is the easy option, but when did “ask not what your country can do for you” become “ask not what you can do for your country?”
If you’re feeling our country is out of options you must reject the temptation to disengage. It is up to us to make our communities better. Each of us should ask ourselves where we can serve. How can I improve my local county, community, schools and neighborhood?
We should not only fight when we are optimistic. We should remain engaged because it is the right thing to do.
David French of National Review put it this way:
“Advocate limited government while helping your neighbor. Have the courage to fight the small battles in your community, but do so with grace. Defend religious liberty for the purpose of living faithfully. Leave self-righteousness to the social-justice warriors. We know — now more than ever — that a great nation needs good citizens. It’s our obligation to be the citizens our nation needs.”
Whatever happens this election at the federal level, America needs good citizens and men and women of integrity elected at the local and state level. Citizens who choose to do their best for their own community and avoid the pitfall of stepping back when our country needs them most.
Nate Grasz