3 February 2017: We are in charge
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We are in charge
We cannot count on the new regime to act responsibly regarding major issues affecting this country. Even if we could, sovereignty in the United States rests in each citizen, and it is our responsibility to make sure our government promotes policies which support our values. In the recent past, we have been lazy, and assumed that others would do the work for us. Those days are over.
Each of us must decide what is important to us. What follows are my priorities for the next 4 years, and what I plan to do, independently of the Federal government.
1. Climate change
Climate change is a major threat to life as we know it, not because the earth will cease functioning as a planet, but because we as a species are very slow to adapt to changes - often nothing happens until a crisis is before us. As a result, we will suffer more from climate related changes, and the problems will be harder to solve the longer we wait. My plan is to individually reduce carbon emissions by walking and bicycling more, driving less, using more mass transit, and consider alternative energy power production at home. I will also work with local governments, as well as local organizations, to promote policies that reduce carbon emissions, for example, see Brighter Futures Together. In addition, I will support businesses that promote responsible actions in this regard, and avoid / criticize those who do not.
2. Downsize the large banks
The major banks were largely responsible for the great recession. Since then, they have continued to promote themselves at the expense of the nation. Currently, there is an effort to undo the regulatory changes to remedy the problem. But we can individually do something about it. I have closed my asset and credit card accounts with Bank of America, and am urging others to follow or expand on this example. It is a small hassle to transfer all the automatic debit and credit transfers, but after that, there is no more effort. What are you waiting for?
3. Reduce wealth inequality
We cannot individually change tax laws, but we can let the business community know that we oppose wide wage disparities between upper management and workers, as indicated by high CEO pay ratios. I try to pick one business every 2-4 weeks high on the "wealth inequality" list, or which engages in practices I find abhorrent, and try to find alternatives for at least some purchases there. Then I contact the company and tell them why I am looking elsewhere. I also praise companies that are doing things right.
Some people have limited financial means, and cannot afford to look for other options. But I am privileged, as are many others, to be able to spend a little more, from time to time, to act in agreement with my conscience. If we refuse to sacrifice small amounts of money to benefit society, then perhaps we are no different than the greedy CEOs who ship jobs overseas and pay workers as little as possible to benefit themselves.
4. Fight bigotry
The Federal government is unlikely to enact new protections based on gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation / identity. However, individually we can support companies that promote tolerance, and avoid those who do not.
5. Stop idol worship
It appears to me that some of the rich and powerful want us to essentially treat them as gods. If we make sacrifices to them, by giving them tax breaks and lucrative contracts, they will bestow their beneficence upon us. This is my understanding of "trickle down". But I personally refuse to bow down to the Devos family or others who have consistently acted to take away the rights of others, particularly African-Americans and other minorities, to enrich themselves. I will do what I can to avoid patronizing these false gods.
What are you doing?