The Fiscal Cliff- You Can Do Something

I've never planned or intended to bring politics to my blog, but I'm guessing some of you share the feelings of powerlessness I sometimes have.  This is just a reminder that you can take action.

If you've watched or read the news at all lately you've heard the term "fiscal cliff".  I'm not going to be presumptuous and pretend I know exactly what this means.  Wikipedia gives this explanation.

My understanding of this "cliff" is that it can be avoided if the President and Congress will work together to reach a compromise.  The media has reported that our current Congress has been one of the least willing to "reach across the aisle" and work beyond party lines to find solutions.

Even though I like to consider myself a fairly well informed person, I admit that I've become disillusioned with the political system in the United States, feeling like it was too big and too complicated for a girl from Kansas to have any influence.

Yesterday a friend told me she was going to call her representative's office and tell him that, as her represenative, she expected him to represent her interests and work for a solution, even if that solution did involved compromise.

I realized, I can do that.

You can, too.

(and if you don't believe in compromise, you can tell your representative that, too)

Here's where you can find out who your elected officials are and how to contact them.

I know, you may feel like "What difference is my email, call or letter going to make?".

When I feel that way I remember something Margaret Mead said:

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

 

 

Comments

[Rose Brier Studio]

Wonderful words Beth! It seems to me you didn't so much bring politics to your blog, rather you brought humanity!

In my part of the country Superstorm Sandy caused a lot of damage. It was so heartening to see politics suspended, as a democratic president and a republican governor (who was campaigning against him) worked together for the good of the people. That kind of effort to put the American people first is needed by all our elected officials, no matter what their party affiliation.

[Sharon Penney-Morrison]

well said Beth. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the address's for the Reps.

[barbara]

I so appreciate your sentiment, Beth. My 'representative' is among those who ignores the majority of her constituents and thinks compromise is a dirty word. I was thrilled that she lost on Tuesday after a single term - but I completely expect her to pursue her narrow agenda until her very last day. I'm sure gonna try, though!

[Dorthe]

Beth, this is so great said, and well done, I believe in smaller groups can change things,-
and I too believe -from what we hear here, that it is very importent for the Congress to work together with the President,to avoid that fiscal cliff.
Sorry,- it is not my buissiness, just wanted to applause you.
Hugs,Dorthe

[Shelley]

I agree full heartedly with your post Beth. If people in our government would work together instead of against each other imagine what the "United" States of America could be......A great country once more!!

[Lena]

Thank you so much for writing about the difference we all can make, by being involved in the process. I believe in compromise. I love diversity, and know our country is better when we all have a voice. We make each other think about things a little deeper, agree, or disagree, but it does take working towards compromise. That is governing.

I was feeling badly last night and this morning, after reading on a friend's blog, that she felt it was impolite to share political thoughts. I do it often, not meaning to be impolite. It's just so much of who I am, to be open about such things. I study and live with these ideas everyday.