Those of us who believe our state and our country are going very much in the wrong direction should expect it will require much from all of us. Are we all doing all that we can do?
George Washington’s favorite play was Cato, the story of a Roman who struggled, along with others to preserve the Republic against great odds. Washington, indeed many of the men whom we think of as Founders were greatly influenced by the play. It was the virtue, even in the face of great struggle, exhibited in the story that men like Washington looked to for inspiration during the Revolutionary War. In one scene, Cato’s son says, “’Tis not in mortals to command success. But we’ll do more, Sempronius, we’ll deserve it.”
In 1775, Washington wrote to Benedict Arnold (before he turned traitor!) following a brave, but lost fight, “It is not in the power of any man to command success; but you have done more—you have deserved it.”
The desire to exert all possible effort even in the face of difficult odds, to do the right thing, regardless of the cost, were values that sustained many Americans during the Revolution. In order to win, they knew they had to first deserve to win.
- Time is running out…
If you have any time to spare between now and the end of the day on Tuesday, consider giving some of it towards the effort of making an impact on the outcome of the elections.
Here are some things you could do:
Select a worthy candidate, contact them, and offer to help for an hour or two. Campaigns at the legislative, county, and local level need all the help they can get since most people tend to focus on the federal candidates and gubernatorial races. Most candidates could use help walking blocks, placing yard signs, making phone calls, conducting signs waves on election day, and providing rides.
Distribute some literature to family and friends about candidates and the amendments on the ballot. (A two page PDF with information about the amendments and some candidates worth considering can be found HERE.)
Share a sample ballot. (Links to a view and download a sample ballot HERE.)
Send an email to everyone in your address book you think might interested in the election, sharing information with them.
When you vote on Tuesday, get one of those stickers at the polling place and wear it for the rest of the day – proudly. It’s a silent encouragement to others.
Pray. Yes, I said pray. Many of our troubles require more intervention than human beings can provide. Having said that…
Our archive of election articles and information can be found HERE.
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