Don't just talk, get involved in process

To the Editor,

Living in the information age, we hear the ranting and raving of politicians from both sides of the aisle on a daily basis. Many say the vicious tone has never been so bad and others say it only seems that way because the press is so easily accessed in this day and age. A by-product of this situation is the disgust of the general public with anything political. Many have put their fingers in their ears in an attempt to get some peace from all the noise. However understandable this reaction may be, in the long run it is this kind of reaction that may be the very downfall of our way of life.

It is a nice thought that if we just get out and vote, we have fulfilled our obligation toward preserving freedom in our nation. And, while it may be true that we would be in a better place if more than 25% of voters in our area fulfilled this obligation, to think that this is the extent of our responsibility is naïve at best, and more likely lazy.

We have all heard that freedom is not free. We usually associate this statement with the sacrifices our veterans have made for the cause of freedom over the years, and rightly so. But should this statement also refer to the effort that freedom requires here at home on a daily basis as well? Should the effort to continue our way of life in a free society not extend beyond the ballot box? The answer to this question is a resounding YES!

There are a million excuses why citizens of this nation do not fulfill this responsibility, but they are just that - excuses! We must do more than just vote and we must constantly be making efforts to preserve the liberty we so dearly love for our children and grandchildren.

Make financial contributions to the candidate that most closely aligns with your philosophy of government no matter how small. No amount of money is insignificant when it comes to making progress. Volunteer to help candidates or organizations that push for quality principles on any level. Put up campaign signs, go door to door, get involved in a party structure in your area, help put together events that assist in the cause of freedom. There are so many ways to get involved that you can find what best fits you, but DO SOMETHING! To wait for someone else to do it is for nothing to be done.

Eddy Justice

Poplar Bluff, Mo.