I am now one month away from my 60th birthday. As
you can probably tell, this journey has not been documented as has my entry
into my 50th decade.
Some people will look at this and ask “Why?”
Other people will look at this and ask “Why not?”
Most people will look at this and yawn.
This thought made me go back and look at my first Blogger
post: May 27th, 2004.
Here
it is in its entirety:
Some
will like this, some will not. Most will not care one way or the other.
And I think I was right.
Few of us command such a presence that we have an influence
on many people. Few of us play on a stage bigger than our immediate friends and
family.
This is not always a bad thing. As my father (bless his
soul) always said, “What do you have if you don’t have your family?”
On the other hand, we all want to be part of our larger
community. We (well, most of you who may be reading this for some reason) vote,
and take that obligation seriously.
Most of us want to live in a neighborhood where we know our
neighbors, and feel safe walking the streets at night.
Most of us want our city to be responsive to our needs as
citizens, delivering clean water, good streets, effective enforcement of
ordinances.
Most of us want a say in how development happens near our
homes.
Some want to be in the middle of a big metropolis, some what
to be in the middle of a quiet wooded lot.
Others want a beachfront condo, and some just want a tent in
the woods.
We all want meaningful work that delivers a service to
clients and provides a good living.
We all want a loving family to return to at night.
Few of these are influenced by what happens in Washington
DC. As Tip O’Neill said in 1935, “All politics is local”. Who your mayor is
affects your daily life more than who the President is.
So work on that.
Work with your city to get laws passed that you want passed.
Politics is created by those who show up (thanks to my lovely bride for that).
If you choose to stay home, don’t be surprised if your wishes are ignored.
If you are willing to work for that new stop sign, street
resurfacing, or deed restriction variance, you can make a difference. Go and
work on it.
And while everyone has the right to complain, whether or not
you vote, it is a lot more important to get involved with your City Councilman
to try and make change.
Go to all the public meetings your city holds. (In Houston we
have Capital Improvement Project meetings, where the city solicits input from
citizens about how to spend capital. I have seen changes happen because of
comments and recommendations submitted at these meetings. If Houston does,
this, I am sure that where ever you live does it, too) Make your voice heard.
Sure, go to rallies, write letters to the editor, comment of
stranger’s Facebook posts. There is a visceral satisfaction in shouting out to the
wilderness.
But please show up. Just show up.
