Many citizens have blind faith in government, which may be based in apathy, intellectual laziness or wishful thinking.
Political activists have a healthy cynicism and a knowledge that our founders gave us each the right and duty to petition the government. Along with this responsibility is their insistence that their questions and petitions be answered to their satisfaction. Form letters that do not address concerns are not helpful or honest. They should not be accepted without protest. Phone calls that are not returned should be answered by a call to a superior. If it is an elected official, on any level, call a reporter or editor. Perhaps they can answer your question or elevate it to an article or a letter to the editor.
Good citizenship is activism and a realization that in our representative democracy we must participate in order to have a fair and equitable political system. Our oversight is essential because we don't have a direct democracy. Our representatives vote on our behalf. Without our input, they will vote as the lobbyists for the special interests dictate.
Good citizenship starts with voting, but after the vote, politicians have two, four or six years in which they must have citizen oversight. They must be reminded when they break their campaign promises or when they forgo service to America and work only for their career. Special interests sway their votes by increasing campaign donations, and these must be tracked.
Political activism is good citizenship!
FRANK PERNA
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