I HATE politics. Sincerely. Mostly, I think it's made up of empty promises and folks who are great lawyers....but have no practical experience making such big decisions to ultimately impact our country. How many politicians do you know that have ever been on welfare? Not many... How many representatives do you know who have been unemployed for more than a short amount of time? Not many... I'm not usually encouraged to stand behind politicians and their lofty ideas.
But here I am writing a blog about getting out there to vote for politicians. I'm writing about matters that are directly related to politics-immigration. See why I have such hypocritical feelings.
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| Picture found: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1567215/ |
My husband and I spent some of the weekend, being the history nerds we are, watching The Kennedys (miniseries from The Reelz Channel). Though not 100% historically accurate, it sparked the conversation about how much those chosen to serve our country really know about each important issue of the time.
I'm thankful for those who love politics, because I'm just not one of them. I'm thankful for those who are willing to serve their country in such a way. Do I believe that ALL politicians are bad? Nope... Do I believe that most enter the political arena with the best of intentions? Absolutely...
But the question I have is this: What makes a Congressman or Representative listen to his or her constituents? Is it money? I hope not because friends, I don't have a lot of it. Is it meeting after meeting with an individual asking for change? I don't think so.
I believe I have an answer. It takes the average person. Those who are not lawyers or business men or women who have chosen to run in elections. It takes numbers. It takes letters. It takes constituents. How does one get elected? By those in a specific defined area chosing a person to represent their needs and beliefs. What happens if our local representatives are swarmed with letters asking for change on certain opinion? Do you think it will get their attention? If hundreds of phone calls ring in about ONE issue, you better believe it will open some eyes.
"It takes a village..." as an African proverb states. This idea of community is what it takes to create real change. So if you're in the debate or conversation about comprehensive immigration reform, or any other issue for that matter, remember: the more people you talk to, the more they know of the issue. Some might cover their ears and say, "No no no....I don't want to know that." But some just might say, "Really? Tell me more." And those same people just might get behind an issue they never paid much attention to in the past.
The village movement can change minds of the politicians because they depend so dearly on the votes of their community. Change can come from those of us who know the REAL background of an issue--not the myths. Change can come from those of us who make our voices heard--not because we have anything to gain politically, but because we have everything to gain for our country. We want fair, fact-seeking politicians who are looking for a shared future. Maybe then I'd change my feelings on politics.....maybe (wink).
