“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must – at that moment – become the center of the universe.” Elie Wiesel
Time flies. It’s already mid-February and the opportunity to change things in Congress is only nine months away.
The recent shooting in a Florida high school has many more people enraged and promising to be and stay engaged. One of the constant themes of my blog and my social media is to encourage people to get politically active and to vote. Voting, and encouraging your circle to do the same, is vitally important this year, and we have a chance to create big changes in Congress.
I understand that there are harsh feelings toward the President and believe me, I get it. The real power here, though, and those being complicit in allowing the President to do much of what he has done, is Congress. In order for them to stay complicit with the President, they need your support. They need your vote.
It’s not a done deal. There are amazing groups doing impactful work that is bringing in great candidates to run against those complicit, while others are raising money for them and working on get out the vote campaigns. Meanwhile, dozens of state legislative seats have turned from red to blue in the last year, a really good sign. We can’t rest.
Millions are going to be spent to ensure that the complicit ones keep their seat, their power. Add that to many who support those complicit, and we know this will not be easy. We also know that it’s possible.
No matter where you live in the US I urge you to get active, to support a candidate that believes in your values and that can unseat a complicit one. Even in the most red of districts this is possible.
Vote. If not registered to vote, do that now.
If you have moved recently update your voter registration. Take the time to ensure that you cannot be denied the right to vote on election day.
Vote early if you can in your area.
Make a donation to a candidate who is trying to unseat an elected who is complicit.
Be vocal. Our silence aids those complicit with the President.
Thank you for reading this post!
P.S. Here are some links that might be helpful:
Vote Smart (look up your electeds)
Indivisible
Run for Something
MoveOn.org
