Let's agree on the meaning of these words:
In casual conversation we frequently confuse or conflate the meaning of these words. For our purposes here let us accept these definitions.
Politics
From the British Dictionary (second def. - hey, it's the one I like):"The complex or aggregate of relationships of people in society, esp those relationships involving authority or power."
Partisan
From the British Dictionary (4th def. is the one I like): “Relating
to or excessively devoted to one party, faction, etc; one-sided:
partisan control.”
First, let me try to explain where I'm coming from. I believe every citizen has an obligation to their community to be part of the discussion, to contribute to the communal understanding of current events, and to apply his/her experience or expertise to problem-solving when appropriate.
In addition to the above commitment, I feel an additional duty because I continue to be "paid" by my community in the form of NY State Retirement benefits. And, the federal government paid for much of my higher education. Perhaps some of my sense of obligation also stems from the knowledge that damn few folks have or can hope for the security I enjoy.
There is much wrong with our world. It is important we try to help others understand what is happening and how they might engage to improve conditions. Since, ostensibly, we have a democracy, one obligation is to help inform fellow citizens so they may make sound decisions at the ballot box.
Thanks for reading, Wayne
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17 March 2017
Letter to Editor
The Times Journal
Respect must be
earned, and disrespect is sometimes deserved. I recently received an
email from a friend containing a photo of our President in clown face
and bearing the message “Elect a Clown, Expect a Circus.” Sure,
it was witty, amusing, and delightfully disrespectful, but not funny.
The clown message is representative of something more insidious.
Consider the role of
the Rodeo Clown. He exists to distract the Angry Bull and protect the
ejected rider. In some sense Donald Trump probably understands he is
a distraction (more likely an attraction by his understanding of the
universe). It is much more important for citizens to recognize the
seemingly irrational, often quite ugly and hateful, pronouncements
which issue forth from the White House as less important than the
actions of the Republican majority in Congress.
Since January 3rd
the majority in Congress has been devilishly disabling government
operations. They have been deliberately nullifying EPA and Labor
Department rules, among others, all to the benefit of their corporate
patrons and distinctly not in service to the interests of
constituents. It matters not whether the legislators understand that
Mr. Trump is a distraction or they are simply seizing the opportunity
he created. They are content knowing he will sign any bill they put
on his desk.
Just today our 19th
CD Rep. John Faso voted for the atrocious Republican health care plan
(in a budget sub-committee vote). Even more disturbing, the
Republican budget proposals call for dramatic reductions in funding
for a variety of important agencies while increasing appropriations
for Military and Homeland Security. This will not serve to improve
conditions in America. It will hurt all of us 99% folks!
Citizen Bulls, be
distracted no longer, get angry and act! Go to:
https://faso.house.gov/contact/ or https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
And also be sure to join with your neighbors as part of one of the
newly formed local Resistance groups.
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