Apathy is the enemy

Name the most insidious dictator of all time. Mussolini? Idi Amin? Stalin? No, it is Apathy. Apathy turns over the control of your life to someone else. It usurps your self-determination. Apathy is insidious precisely because the transfer of control happens while we are not paying attention, blissfully ignorant to the factions that thrive on stealth and disinformation - and the hope that people don’t rouse out of their complacency. Without your own participation, you are allowing other people to control your life and your property. Much of people’s perceived happiness is in direct correlation to how in control they feel over their lives. It is vital that we each get involved, get information, and participate in the decisions that will be made. All levels of American government have as much or as little power as we the people will grant them. The more local the election, the greater the impact on our personal lives. We give elected representatives the power to act on our behalf on certain issues. The balance between the powers we vest in these officials and those we keep for ourselves are extremely critical. It is imperative that you participate in local-level elections and at board meetings. Inform yourself as to the issues before you cast any vote because an uninformed vote is worse than none at all. Ferret out the facts. Do not rely on hearsay or allow propaganda to shape your analysis. Here is a guide to help you determine the best course of action for each proposal: Define the issue at hand. What existing laws and regulations pertain to this issue? What possible solutions may exist besides the ones mentioned? Which of the possible solutions are both legal and feasible, i.e. Can they logically be carried out or are they merely wishful thinking? What are the possible consequences, both positive and negative, of each proposed solution? Getting involved is work but it’s always worthwhile. As Alexis de Tocqueville said, “In a democracy, the people get the government they deserve”. The most local forms of government have the greatest capacity to affect our homes and our lives. We must pay attention to decisions made on our behalf. Don’t let apathy dictate your life! Barbara Chapman Sunrise Lake