‘We the People’ must participate

For far too long, “We the People” have abdicated our responsibility as citizens.

That politicians lie, cheat and steal, that Wall Street, banks and large corporations operate to the benefit of the connected or privileged, are completely a result of our neglect.

Our Founding Fathers set in place a system dependent on our participation for balance.

In a day long past, we stopped doing our part as guardians of this system. Today, as we bemoan our current plight and seek to place blame, we need only to stand before a mirror.

If we are to right our ship, the course is all too clear. We must again participate. Be informed. Take the time to ask not just what, but why? Too often, even those who vote are doing so based on tired ideologies, bumper stickers and sound bites. It is not enough! Hold to account those you elect! Once elected, they often reflect the interests of those with special influence, in contradiction to your supported intention. Many, when elected, contrarily presume to better understand their constituency’s needs and wishes. Only when we continue to exercise our daily duty to monitor our political system will we have a “Government of the People.” Until that day, we will bear the “Government We Deserve.”

Verne Jacobsen

Arlington