Reflecting before the Results

Last year I attended my local caucus here in Colorado. This meeting of neighbors is where I first participated in the political process for choosing candidates for public office to represent me.  I volunteered to run our caucus meeting that night and I was elected to participate in the next level as a delegate to the county assembly.  I participated in my county assembly and even wrote and ran a resolution, which went down in glorious defeat, yet I actively engaged my neighbors and acquaintances.  From the county assembly I was elected as a delegate to the state convention.  Here I listened to candidates, supported those whom I agreed with on our shared values and principles.  The delegates voted and elected our primary candidates, then I volunteered for these candidates, walked in community parades, knocked on doors, made phone calls and even donated money.   

I volunteered on one of the early national debates and was fortunate to meet some of the candidates and ask them about their philosophy of politics and question them on their principles.  This grassroots process is unique in the world.  It starts out on an even playing field and gives all that participate an equal chance to be heard regardless of connections, background, skin color, religion or creed.  It gives all who make the commitment to show up, a chance to be part of our American tradition.

Yet, electing people as our representatives at any level is only half of the duty of an American citizen.  The other portion of a citizen’s responsibility is to be an active and engaged participant.  Once we elect our candidates or even if our choice is not elected it is our civic responsibility to hold our representatives accountable and make sure they do only those things that they are allowed to do by law and nothing else.  At all levels of government, the powers delegated to those elected officials is enumerated.

The day after any election the sun will rise.  We may be happy, or we may be sad at the election’s outcome, yet I would make a call to action and challenge people, to get involved and stay active in the process and make a difference regardless of who wins.  Volunteer for a local advisory board, committee or town council and challenge people’s premises.  Attend a town meeting or open forum.  Make others think and persuade with logic, reason and a commitment to protect the individual rights of your fellow citizens.  Keep government in its proper role to protect justice and serve in safety.  And most of all, to stay vigilant to the cause of liberty. The day after an election it’s always 730 days until the next victory or defeat. However, citizenship is something we all need to be active in 24/7/365.