In the midst of what seems a broken democracy, with partisan tribal wars amidst the hunger, poverty,and dangers of disease, there is a glimmer of hope. Meeting with U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen’s staff at his Everett office, six members of our Snohomish County RESULTS group found a welcoming and concerned listener. We talked about tax fairness, including a renters’ tax credit, and global health, thanking the congressman for his support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
In addition to battling these three pandemics, the Global Fund’s work strengthens the health cares systems in the countries it gives grants. This makes these countries better able to stop new diseases and viruses where they begin, so they don’t spread. We requested his support in funding these and other initiatives in the coming appropriations process. This is democracy in action: constituents speak up, and representatives listen and take action. Then of course the constituents continue the dialogue with follow up, gratitude and new requests.
RESULTS (results.org) has been helping volunteers with this process for 40 years. In this way, the number of deaths of children under 5 has been cut by nearly two-thirds, deaths from the three major pandemics have been cut by 40 percent or more, and domestic programs have been protected and new initiatives launched. Taking action is the best way to create both personal and global hope. Join us.
Willie Dickerson
Snohomish
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