The Illusion of Choice in American Politics: Exploring Our Role in Democracy

The idea of choice in presidential elections often feels like an illusion in the United States. As citizens, we find ourselves selecting from a limited pool of candidates—most notably from the Democratic or Republican parties. In recent elections, our choices have included figures like Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and potentially Kamala Harris. Although other political parties, such as the Green Party and the Libertarian Party, exist, they rarely make it to the final stages of the election process. Today, we're delving into this topic to understand how our government affects our daily lives and the importance of our participation in the democratic process.

The Influence of Government on Our Lives

Many of us don't feel the immediate impact of governmental decisions on our everyday lives. Yet, the government has its hands in crucial areas such as taxes, bills, education, and the cost of living. Understanding how our democracy operates reveals that we play a significant role in these decisions. Despite this, a common sentiment is that individual voices aren't heard, leading many to abstain from voting or participating in elections. However, there's more to this process than meets the eye.

The Importance of Local Government

Change starts at the local government level, which significantly influences the Electoral College and broader electoral outcomes. Being engaged with local politics allows us to understand the laws and policies being enacted and the individuals being elected to city, town, county, and state positions. When we know who our local government officials are, their backgrounds, motives, and missions, we can begin to influence the bigger picture.

The Power of Local Engagement

When we fail to pay attention to the details and the "small things," we lose track of how they affect us on a macro level. A solution for change in our communities, regardless of who we are or where we come from, starts with recognizing that our voices matter. Where our voices are heard plays a major role in being effective. Attending city council meetings, town halls, and voting in local elections or encouraging influential individuals in our communities to run for office can make a difference. It's crucial to communicate and vote for people who share our values, intentions, goals, and outlooks for our communities.

Getting Involved Locally

To get involved in your local city government, start by attending city council meetings. These meetings are typically open to the public and provide a platform to voice your opinions and learn about ongoing issues. Most cities publish a schedule of upcoming meetings on their official websites. Additionally, town halls and community forums are great places to engage with local officials and other residents.

You can find information about new laws and bills being passed through several resources:

- City Website: Your city's official website often has a section dedicated to local ordinances and legislative updates.

- Local Newspapers: Local newspapers frequently report on new laws and city council decisions.

- Government Portals: Websites like USA.gov and your state’s official website offer information on state and federal legislation.

- Public Records: City halls and public libraries often have archives of meeting minutes and records of legislative actions.

- Social Media: Follow local government officials and departments on social media for updates and announcements.

Understanding Our Role in Society

We must understand how we contribute to our society's growth or destruction. If we don't pay attention or participate, the things we value most won't move in our favor. Not everyone in a position of power shares our best interests, values, or morals. Moreover, human nature can be swayed by opportunities and the allure of power. Always remember that we are all human beings—flesh and bones with a soul that can be tainted. The battle for integrity is a daily spiritual struggle, and diligence in our own lives affects our close communities (family, friends, work) and, ultimately, the larger society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our participation in the democratic process is crucial. By staying informed and engaged at the local level, we can influence the larger political landscape. Change starts with us—by knowing that our voices matter and actively participating in our communities. Until next time, Relative Family, stay blessed and prosperous.