Beauty of Democracy

Posted By: Ashley


When I was in college I helped organize a massive student walk-out. I worked with a dedicated group of progressive student organizers and we inspired 500 people to leave their classrooms, rally with us and attend an afternoon of  alternative classes such as "the history of nonviolent protest." Our symbol for the event was an upside down flag...the universal sign of distress.

We were criticized and chastised harshly for using such a symbol. It was viewed as a sign of disrespect to our country and our flag. But we chose it deliberately and not out of disrespect but out of love. I love this country and I am proud to be an American...and that is exactly why I chose in college, and I choose today to speak up when I see injustice or when I feel we are heading in a dangerous direction. That's the beauty of a democracy - we have the ability to voice our concerns and work together to get things right.

We should not be comfortable with the fact that millions of people lack healthcare and the means to afford it; or the fact that there is an entire prison industrial complex that thrives off putting and keeping people of color in jail; or the fact that global warming is destroying the earth or knowing that the Arizona law that legalizes racial profiling was just upheld by the Supreme Court. A democracy only works if we ALL participate..."going with the flow" just wont cut it.

So this week as we reflect on our country's independence we should also reflect on the work that still needs to be done. It's an election year and one way to make an impact is to vote people into office that truly care about EVERY American (not just the 1%). Voting is not just a right or a privilege it's a dire necessity. Many states are purposely changing their voting laws to make it even more difficult to cast a ballot that counts. Learn the laws and vote anyway! Our country, our freedom, our lives depend on it.

What social issues are you passionate about and what are YOU doing to address them?