10 June 2018: Ten things you can do today to strengthen the US

Revised 16 September 2018

Instead of just complaining about government, here are 10 activities we can do to make it better. Some may be inconvenient but if the nature of our society is important to you, then I suggest it is important that we do what we can to make it better, if only to demonstrate to the next generation that we tried to make a difference. I believe each activity performed is analogous to dropping a grain of sandon a sand pile; when enough grains are dropped it causes an avalanche, even though we don't know which one will make the difference.

1. Support institutions that strengthen the US.

* Buy a subscription to the New York Times, Washington Post or your local newspaper that does a good job.

* Shop at Trader Joe's, Costco or other businesses that pay their employees a living wage and have a business model based on treating their employees and customers well, not on enriching upper management.

* Switch asset accounts and credit cards from banks "too big to fail" to credit unions.

* Buy products made in the USor from countries supportive of US interests.

2. Avoid institutions that are dishonest or that are contrary to your values.

* Avoid media that does not attempt to be honest or objective or to apologize for its mistakes.

* Avoid businesses that do not pay employees a living wage or which have a high CEO employee pay ratio.

* Avoid products made in China, Russia or countries hostile to US interests. This is hard to do completely, but I try to do what I can.

3. Support candidates for public office who share your values.

* Volunteer to help with campaigns; candidates should be indebted to their constituents, not big money interests.

* Contribute money.

* Be a candidate yourself.

4. Write or call your public officials on a regular basis.

* Pick an area of interest (health care, schools, roads, etc.), and write / email your public officials about it.

5. Reduce your carbon footprint.

* Walk and bike more.

* Use the bus every once in a while, if only to understand what public transportation is about.

* Monitor your electricity consumption (DTE has an app).

* Minimize your trash by recycling and composting more.

* Work with community groups on climate change related issues.

6. Be as healthy as you can be.

* We need to be in “fighting shape” for as long as possible, so start today.

* Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains - the rest are actually empty calories.

* Exercise regularly - walk, bicycle, go to the gym; figure out how to make it happen.

* Visit the doctor as needed and follow her/his sensible advice.

* Reduce additions (alcohol, tobacco, high fat, high sugar or processed food).

* Pay attention to mental health issues and get help when needed.

7. Be as productive as you can be.

* Think about your goals for this year, and structure your life to move in that direction.

* Learn new skills or improve habits as needed.

8. Think about the big picture.

* Make small changes to your buying habits and behavior each month.

* Do what you can - you cannot do everything, and some things will not be possible for you at this time.

* Be willing to spend a little more time or money to support ideas you agree with.

9. Support public institutions.

* This is part of our civic duty, beyond voting and serving on a jury.

* These institutions require oversight and need our help.

* Support public schools, including teachers, the school board or its committees, parent organizations, band / orchestra, sports and other clubs.

* Support your public library and public parks, city or county committees.

10. Tell others what you are doing - be a good example.