Take a Look with Mr. Bob Houghtaling: Social Justice

Silly Season

Silly Season is upon us. Politicians are knocking on doors, handing out pamphlets, writing articles and declaring their stances on a myriad of issues. Even though George Washington warned us of political parties, somehow, we did not listen. Moving forward, about 245 years, the United States is extremely polarized regarding a number of political issues. Republicans and Democrats each consider the other ‘un-American, whack jobs, or dumb’. Not only that, it has gotten mean. 

No matter your affiliation there are ways we can all work together. Our Founders, for all of their foibles, created a system that has checks and balances as well as supports change. Slavery has been abolished. Women can now vote. We have also passed numerous amendments that have allowed for growth. On top of these, we also have established a dynamic where, after elections, a peaceful transfer of power takes place. America is unique for being able to embrace a system that is malleable, yet still maintains core values. This is so worth protecting. 

After all is said and done, we are the bosses of politicians (and other public officials). In addition, our role, as a citizen, is not extolled enough. We get to say who leads us. 

So, after being bombarded with ads and all sorts of vitriol–back off a bit and try to discern which politicians (you are considering) make the world just a little bit better. More than acquiring and maintaining power–making this country, city or town, a place where all can succeed must be the goal. Picking someone who promotes his or herself, and a limited constituency, fails to live up to the ideals we have come aspire to.

We live in a great land. Americans have freedoms and opportunities, most around the world don’t have. To protect this we have to respect and support our institutions. The world watches and hears what we do and say. Cherish our military, elections, three branches of government, the press, and judicial system. These all distance us from our human weaknesses. 

Discerning who, and what, to believe has become increasingly difficult. But consider those who build and inspire over those who foment fear as well as a sense of ‘otherism’. Choose well based on informed decisions. Doing so will allow us to hand over a healthy and open nation for those citizens yet to come. 

See you soon – Bob