NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.
"The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt
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NASSAU COUNTY CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC. "The government is us, we are the government, you and I." Teddy Roosevelt |
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Why should I participate?
This is something even I have questioned from time to time. Does my vote really make a difference? Fighting the “system” is hopeless. What am I going to change by getting involved? They (the politicians) are all the same.
The greatest freedom we have is the ability to vote and participate in our government. If we don’t like what a particular elected official stands for, we can vote them out of office. In many jurisdictions, if we do not like a particular law or ordinance, we can change it by initiative and referendum. Many states have a recall option which was proven effective in California. The problem is not with the tools the founding fathers have provided; it’s with the people who are uninformed.
"If a Nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be... if we are to guard against ignorance and remain free; it is the responsibility of every American to be informed." -- Thomas Jefferson
Many laws and statutes are often passed that favor special interests over the people’s interests. When a particular piece of legislation makes no sense, think about who it benefits. The politicians often rely on a uniformed public as they reward the special interests. Does it really surprise you that a small minority controls the legislative process?
The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny. - James Madison
The way to change this tyranny is to be informed. Watch the evening news and read the newspaper. Attend and participate in governmental meetings. The issues that did not concern you in the past may have new meaning. For the resulting legislation will affect your everyday life and those of your children.
Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories.
Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia, Query 14, 1781
The politicians serve at the pleasure of the people. When the politicians feel that they alone possess the answers to the problems of today and are the sole arbiters of what is right, the light of liberty will grow faint. The politicians are of the people not above the people. Your apathy gives rise to their arrogance. Arrogance and blind trust are the ingredients for corruption.
"The truth is that all men having power ought to be mistrusted." -James Madison.
The way to change the system is to get involved as an informed voter. Prior to the recall race in California, there was only one successful recall election involving a Governor. No one thought it was possible. The political parties and news media openly mocked the people and felt you were down right ignorant. Several special interest groups attempted to block the election alleging it was unconstitutional and violated the voting rights of some residents (even though it is part of the state’s constitution). The 9th Circus Court of Appeals En Banc reversed their prior adverse ruling. The people were vindicated.
Can we bring change to Nassau County? Our ability to change the system is only limited by your ability to see the possibilities. The structure of Government can be changed by initiative and referendum. The constitution of county government, the Charter can be amended. The scope of change is in your hands.
"The country needs and, unless I mistake its temper, the country demands bold, persistent experimentation. It is common sense to take a method and try it; if it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." Teddy Roosevelt