If you have read Adam Smith (Wealth of Nations, 1776) or even Ann Rand (Atlas Shrugged, 1957), you have a rationale for saving yourselves. And if you haven’t, their point is that self-interest drives much of what we do or believe. It is in our best interest to look out for ourselves. Knowing this, the question is why so many of us sit on our hands and don’t speak up while our government falls prey to a megalomaniac who threatens to destroy our country as we know it.
I certainly believe that self-interest plays a dominant role in how we live and what we think. What puzzles me is that many people either don’t recognize their own self-interest or purposely vote against their self-interest because of some sort of warped ideological beliefs. Right now, for example, scores of conservatives fail to see that their future well-being, as well as that of the Trump detractors, is threatened by the destruction of democratic constitutional government. Respect for the judiciary and the law, upholding constitutional prerogatives, a free press, and individual freedoms are the bedrock on which our nation has flourished; without them neither conservatives nor liberals nor political parties would be possible. They provide the arena in which we can argue our cases for free enterprise, civil liberties and freedom from oppressive government. It is in our best interest to preserve and protect them.
We all need to get engaged rather than complain in private and do nothing. How do I do that, you ask; I’m just one person. We need to get out there and speak up, talk to friends, including those who have different politics and needs, donate to candidates of your choice, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, join groups or organizations that seek to protect institutions essential to democracy and constitutional government. When possible you can join peaceful protests, and, if so inclined, write criticism when given an opportunity. If you belong to a church you might consider talking with your fellow parishioners and pastor about taking a proactive role in the community. And, of course, vote. Here I often hear people say that they are just one person and their vote does not count for much. I disagree; by not voting and not speaking out we enable others, political bosses, oligarchs and those who would subvert our democratic way of life, to govern for us.
A single vote or a single protest when joined by others might help us elect good representatives who would represent us honestly in Washington. A single vote just might ultimately defeat Congressman Buddy Carter here in coastal Georgia.
Ask yourself: what have you done to resist?