Grassroots Op-Ed piece

Thanks to David (whom I co-chair the Promotions Committee with) for posting his Op-Ed piece first! And, as promised--and decidely late--here is my grassroots Op-Ed piece. Look for more Op-Ed topics coming soon including: Intelligent Design, Poverty and Taxes in Utah, and Veteran Benefits. Please keep the comments on these coming!

Growing Grass: When a Country's Leaders Aren't Leading

Trapped in a web of political spin on every issue facing this country--at an unprecedented time in U.S. history--our political leaders are forcing us to face the facts: Americans need to actively participate in protecting our democracy or it will be jeapordized.

It’s old news that the tragedy of September 11 polarized this country when it should have brought us together. Bush’s campaign slogan, “I’m a uniter not a divider” is so ridiculous and overshadowed by our country’s real troubles that no one seems to bring up the absurdity of it anymore. But, now that the division is years old, what are we going to, as a country, do about our impasse?

We’ve been over our differences to a maddening point. Iraq war supporters accuse opponents of being soft on terrorism. Anti-war, anti-Bush folks say the whole thing is a big mess that rests on the head of the village idiot. But, if we’re to move forward, if we want to learn anything from the last four years, we must agree to disagree and put the past where it belongs. And if our leaders can’t muster the strength to move our country forward, we need to do it ourselves.

A major grassroots effort is underway in this country thanks to former Presidential candidate and current National Democratic Chair Howard Dean. With his creation of Democracy for America, average citizens are pouring their efforts into local, state and national politics. In the last two years, more than 500,000 people have joined Democracy for America from among nearly 600 different groups. And the number is growing. With this sort of participation the thinking, for some, is: who needs a congressional representative to fight for our rights when we can do it ourselves?

Right here in Utah, we have Democracy for Utah; a local grassroots political group dedicated to making a difference in our community. Some of us are long time activists; others are simply trying to find a way to act on political frustrations. One thing we don’t do is simply gripe about how stupid the President is or how Democratic leaders have let us down. Instead, we volunteer in our communities, support candidates for office, inform the general public, write letters to our congressional representatives, work with other groups to strengthen our democratic process and, admittedly, we do gather just to complain once in a while. And, even though we’re just a bunch of unknowns with a little fire in our bellies, we do manage to make a difference—even if it’s slight.

At a time in our country’s history, when our leaders are either too afraid to go out on a limb or are tied up defending their actions to support or oppose the war, it’s more important than ever to get involved. There’s just too much on the line not to; our children’s futures, the right to life, a woman’s right to choose, civil liberties, education standards, globalization, gun control, the fight against terrorism, upholding our democratic way of life, disaster preparedness, and healthcare costs are issues once taken for granted and currently compromised. It’s up to Americans to decide: just what does our democratic society value and what are we prepared to fight for? Admittedly, these are heady topics that I wouldn’t mind ignoring, but there comes a time when changing the channel just doesn’t cut it anymore.

By getting involved in local grassroots groups, it’s amazing the sort of difference one can make. Last year Democracy for Utah helped a family in need during the holidays, volunteered time at election sites, informed people about Utah’s Legislative sessions, backed local political candidates, supported causes, donated phone cards to veterans on the Fourth of July, helped plan a protest, discussed all the heady issues along with guest speakers and managed to have some fun, too. We didn’t change the state’s political landscape by any means, but it sure beats sitting idly by as our country’s problems worsen.

The growing grassroots effort is quietly making changes in the United States. As Lao Tse said, “The longest journey starts with a single step,” and millions have taken the first step towards reform in this country. We’re fighting for a better environment, more global awareness, reducing poverty, better race relations, an end to prejudice, and a more efficient political system. And while our efforts will likely go unnoticed, I’m certain those of us currently in the grassroots trenches will rejoice nonetheless when our Country makes a tremendous stride towards a progressive future. Until then, as Ghandi—a man who freed a nation—once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”