Response To "Where Does a Democrat Go From Here" At the Huffington Post
"got any bright ideas for a brand new structure for this democracy?...one that works and will be well used?.....anybody?.....anybody?....."
We do not need a new structure. The one(s) we have are just fine. We just need to use them, and use them better.
The main problem I see is the generalities used in this discussion. Ms. Williamson talks about "immense unnecessary suffering in the world". And the quote that seems to resonate with you uses the same generality; "they're" "underlying forces" and "suffering". In real, practical terms what does that mean.
You can not address in a meaningful way an amorphous conglomeration of ills. I can say, "My life sucks." That may represent my feelings of frustration with the direction of my life, but it does not help me do anything about it.
Of course, Ms. Williamson is frustrated if she "...see(s) all things political in light" of that generalized conglomerate of ills.
One needs to address issues where one can realistically make some difference. Martin was focused on Civil Rights, Gandhi was focused on Indian Independence. Their approach was simple, you deal with what is immediate.
Leaders of movements have the luxury of focus.
That is what is required here. Our structure of governance has served us well, kind of, for over 200 years. It will serve us well if we use it and take control of our lives rather than waiting for someone else to give us control back.
If I take my money out of a Big Bank and put it in local bank or credit union, it does not do much. If many people do that it has an effect. If I look at my life and see where they money I spend goes and what suffering is caused by the people I give my money to, it does not do much, if many people start to do that it makes a difference.
If I feed the hungry in my town with programs like "Meals on Wheels" or Ms. Williamson's Angel Food, it does not have much of an effect. If many people do them it makes a difference.
One of the forces that brought down Apartheid in South Africa was the push to get major institution to divest in South Africa.
To solve problems on must be clear on what the problem is first. Then figure what people can do to in their daily lives to change the way they do things so the problem is fixed.
We use six times our share of the world resources. Immense suffering can be effected positively just by reducing our use of so many resources. First you have to know where your money goes when you buy certain products. We use too much water and way too much energy.
Finally, get involved in your local politics. If you are a Democrat, find out who the Chairperson is for your political division, for me it a Country Chairman. Then find out who the Precinct Chair is and ask them what they are doing. It is an election year and you can have an influence. If you are not a Democrat most local governments are less party oriented, find out what the problems are in your city and get involved. You will meet people with similar interests and you can work with your town to reduce the resources you use.
There are a thousand ways to make a difference where you are, in your political system and maybe even in the world.
People need leaders. Don't just complain about others not leading, become a leader yourself. All you have to do to be a leader is figure out where you are going, get a plan to get there, and ask others to go with you. Pick one suffering you want to address. Learn about that suffering and find a way you can make a difference while you live your life.
There are may existing programs you can start a chapter for in your community. Homelessness is a huge problem and it affect many areas.
"Family Promise" helps out the transitional Homeless by Churches coming together to house and feed temporary Homeless families by opening up the Church Buildings several weeks a year. It also provides other services to help families get back up on their feet.
The chronic homeless are a major threat to our health care system in that they go to Emergency Rooms in Hospitals. They come in sick and get medication that they do not not take until their condition is cured. They then return to the Emergency Rooms with a more virulent strain to of the original illness.
Just having people to go out and deal with the homeless and help them eat and find shelter goes a long way. If they have volunteer people who deal with them on a regular basis then they are more likely to be able to finish medications, get well, and not become breeding grounds of antibiotic-resistant organisms.
One major problem is that we want someone else to fix our problems. That is not the spirit that built this country.
Gandhi said if you want change, become that change. It will take sacrifice on our part, but it is, after all, our lives, our children's lives and all of our futures we are talking about.
www.350.org

We can strengthen our economy, lower fuel costs, and help solve the climate crisis by switching to free energy sources like the wind and sun.




