Lately online and on social media, or whatever passes for news these days, there is a great wailing and gnashing of teeth — “What can I possibly do? we ask. The world is in chaos — woe is we.”
We live in the United States of America, the country that began when the small, scrappy, and hungry Hamiltons decided that 13 colonies needed to be on their own. While most of us are neither descended from the Mayflower crew, nor the original signers of the Declaration of Independence, we are heir to the greatness of what still makes this a great country. We, the people.
So if you want to know what to do, roll up your sleeves and I’ll tell you like it is. All over this state, there are people doing good. There are organizations that help connect patients with healthcare providers. These groups are helping patients navigate the shoals of healthcare laws and regulations. Making those connections brings communities closer together and knowledge is power.
Some of the current media is spreading misinformation. While Miss Information may seem like a great drag name, the concept enslaves us in our own ignorance. Break these chains and get your news from more than one source.
The next thing to remember is that the power of connection goes beyond the four walls of home. Whenever we come in contact with people, there is social contagion. This means when you walk into a wedding reception, for example, everyone is happy so you’re happy too.
Consequently, though there is lots of angst and doom in the scrolling and reading we do on the regular, there are great things happening too.
When you meet a friend for coffee and you catch up, burdens shared are burdens lightened. The power of propaganda is that it wants us to stay in our homes and isolate ourselves. Yet, like Rapunzel, we long for the fresh air and the free speech guaranteed to us all in the U.S. Constitution.
Although the Constitution is the thought product of old wealthy white men, they knew they were unable to predict the future. They built some flex and methods for change and control into this vital governing document. Citizens may vote. Who those citizens are has changed over time, and progress moves all the way forward.
Are we going to permit it to roll backward? No. But how do we do it?
Get. Involved. Most of the wards, the most basic building blocks of party structure in New Jersey, have no leaders. Ready to put your action where your mouth is? Get off X/Facebook/TikTok/Snapchat/ and rock it old school. The interwebs can help you find anything. So can the League of Women Voters. Educate yourself on how things are done; since your civics class in middle school or high school may be decades behind you, there are ways to learn new strategies and classic methods.
If you’re young, your passion is needed. If you have children, your voice is needed at school board meetings. Many of the people who are now in high office started out as city council and school board members. Are you in a more mature part of your career? Everything you’ve learned in your business life translates to local polities. Your diplomatic, negotiation and leadership skills are needed now. So when you’re ready for your next chapter, make it happen.
Build your dream team of supporters who think like you think, who want to make the same changes you do.
Are you less willing to step forward because you’re queer? No shame in your game; there’s a lot of people who are guarded. If you’re someone who needs to stay out of the limelight, work behind the scenes. Write checks, do mailings, support the candidates who speak your truth.
Are you willing to step forward, to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune? Then start building your team, just like you build your fantasy sports team. Build your dream team of supporters who think like you think, who want to make the same changes you do. The world changes for the good step-wise. Incrementally.
We have the power to create change, to be change, and to see change.
When you step out your front door as your fully authentic self, you are an activist. Every single day. Remember who you are. Remember where you come from. Keep your eye on where you want us to go. All roads lead to the mountain.
We have the power to create change, to be change, and to see change. While social media and the slanted news media want us to stay home, expand your news sources. Get United States news through the agencies from other countries, from a more global perspective. Our country is coming up on the 250th anniversary of our independence. We’re the national equivalent of a 15-year-old. Do you remember when you were 15? How developed were your powers of reasoning? Were you good at controlling your emotions? You need only look at the now-demolished East Wing of the White House to understand that our nation is so very young. Look to nations who have been around longer; they still have their struggles as we have ours. When the people are involved, the nation begins to exercise the will of the people.
We are the greatest force for good in this state. Should we permit politicians to put us back into the pre-Stonewall dark ages? Should we let our families fade from recognition, let marriage equality and healthcare be rescinded?
No. The power IS the people. WE, the people.
