Politics

Veterans on the March

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Veterans on the March

"Memorial Day – a day originating in 1868 (Decoration Day), on which the gravesites of the Civil War dead were decorated with flowers – has morphed into a day that conflates the memorialization of killed soldiers with the glorification of war. The perennial flag-waving, ultra-nationalist speeches, garish street parades and hyper-consumerism of Memorial Day do not honor these soldiers. What might, however, is working to prevent future war and nurture peace – honoring their memory by not sending more men and women into harm’s way and to kill and maim in wars based on lies. To have any chance at being effective, however, this work must include efforts aimed at increasing public awareness about the many causes and costs of war."

Voting and being politically active is not an excuse for personal failures 🗳 🙄👨🏼‍💼👩🏿‍💼

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I often feel like people are using politics as a way to avoid personal responsibility and not address problems in their own lives and own communities. While I’m sure whoever occupies the White House or the State Capitol or City Hall has some minor bearing on your life, the truth is what you choose to do, the people you choose to associate with and the community you choose to live in has as much larger bearing on your life.

Do vote. It’s a low cost activity that doesn’t take much time. Early voting and absentee voting makes it even easier. In the autumn, spend a Saturday afternoon knocking doors and maybe a weeknight or two making calls. Attend public meetings and protests, be heard. It does make a difference to scream at and put pressure on the politicians, as few do.

But remember, the buck ultimately stops at you, and your life is only as good as you make it.

Why I split the ticket multiple ways this year 🗳

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I think it’s good to have different views on local government.

Both Democrats and Republicans have good ideas, it’s better if they come together in one room and work hand in hand to develop policies that benefit all Americans rather than their narrow ideological slices.

The veto pen after all is one of the best protectors of minority rights!