Several years ago, I was talking with my 91-year-old father about some of the big issues facing the US.
His response shocked me. In return, he was surprised by my answer.
It all started when I said these things:
- I used to believe …. that our politicians were public servants whose job was to represent their constituents.
Now I see that their primary driver is staying in power. And, to do that, they need to raise an incredible amount of money—which ultimately makes them beholden to their wealthy donors. - I used to believe …. that since we were a democracy, we wanted everyone to vote. And, I was so proud that my state (Minnesota) had the highest percentage of voter turnout in the nation.
Now I see all these states doing everything possible to make it difficult for all of us to be represented. Things like gerrymandering or fewer voting places with shorter hours in minority communities. - I used to believe … that it was good to have a wealthy person run for office. That way they could vote for what they believed in and espoused in their campaign.
Now I see that wealthy politicians are passing all sorts of laws that reduce their taxes, enabling them to make even more money—and then tell us they’re working for us.
Maybe I was naïve in my earlier years, but I truly believed in our democracy. I wanted to believe it too.
After my rant, my father said to me, “Power and greed. That’s the way of the world, Jill. It is—and always has been.”
I replied, “Maybe so. But I can’t just accept it and do nothing. It’s wrong.”
He shrugged his shoulders, looking at me like I just didn’t get it.
But I do understand. I just refuse to cave in and let it happen without trying to create positive change.
What’s Really Possible is so much more than we see today. I hope you’ll join us in creating the world we want to live in.
