Of the People, By the People, For the People

I’m frustrated…I suspect you are too. Frustrated by the gridlock in our legislatures, by their failure to address the big issues, by attack ads, by those with big money controlling the process. Frustrated and on some days worried that we can’t continue in this way without sacrificing our freedom, our democracy, and all that has defined this great experiment in self-government.

It is time to recall the wise words of Abraham Lincoln, who in the Gettysburg address, introduced the memorable phrase into our democratic lexicon “of the people, by the people, for the people”.

As I reread his words, I am struck by how relevant they are today.

“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

We want the part about “for the people”. We have a keen desire to be accounted for and to have policies and government that works for us and our particular circumstances, beliefs and desires. However, Lincoln was right to put “for the people” as the final portion of a three part process. Before our government can work “for” us, it must be “of” us and “by” us.

In a large part, it is “we” that have collectively abdicated governing to corporations, lobbyists, the ultra-rich and the political insiders.

Who can help us?

Our collective hope seems to be for a savior, an all-powerful leader that will right the wrongs and will make our world safe, sane and sanitary. We want to believe that a person will do the work for us, on our behalf.

Trouble is, there is NOT that person. It is not a singular person that can make government work, that can speak for the little guy and that can insist something gets done. It is us – the collective people of the United States.

Our government will only be “by the people” when there is an active, educated electorate and civil body. The uncivil discourse will lessen only when the broader population fails to be swayed by attack ads and presses for what each candidate stands for, rather than stands against. We can choose, individually, to aim higher or lower. We can choose to seek inspiration coupled with perspiration. We can choose integrity over insults. We can demand progress over partisanship.

So I urge you to vote. That is the least any of us who care about democracy and our country can do. But, voting is only a beginning step. I encourage you to become informed. To write to your elected officials and share your views. To get involved, in some level and some way, in the governing process. To make your voice heard, not just on Election Day, but as an everyday obligation for one of the greatest rights we share – to be a part of a free and democratic union. To rise to Lincoln’s challenge to create a government that is “of the people and by the people”…..for that type government can actually be “for the people”.

I’ll leave you with more wise words, this time from Margaret Mead.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

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