Political change is often slow
5 April 2024
Per Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor:
“Political change can be painfully slow, but it is possible. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.”
This video describes his attempt to ban tobacco in the workplace but the real message is about political change in general:
In seeking political change, our activities often seem unimportant because, for long periods, no changes or only minor changes are evident. However, if enough people engage in enough activities, then at some point we may see bursts of activity that will lead to obvious change, such as the tobacco bans in the workplace referenced above, the legalization of same-sex marriages or the implementation of widespread curbside recycling. We just have to keep at it until the major change occurs. This is based on the theory of self-organized criticality.
What can you do to promote political change?
Send an email to a public official or the editor of a publication.
Attend a meeting of a group seeking political change, such as the League of Women Voters, a local political group or the social action committee of your church or synagogue.
Write a check to a group supporting a change you are interested in.
Volunteer for a candidate, organization or other cause.
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