We should change what we buy and watch and increase our political activity
16 December 2024
The 2024 election is over, but there is much we can do to affect our government and society even before the next election. Regrettably, it is more work but the extra work is likely worth it to limit the suffering that would otherwise occur. This essay is directed toward those who believe in the rule of law and that an optimal society focuses on the interests of the middle and working classes, not the billionaires.
Buy from small businesses whenever possible.
Big businesses often use their power and wealth to help themselves at the expense of society. Small businesses may have bad practices, but their owners lack the power to damage society to the extent that large businesses can. Thus, as a rule, I prefer to support small businesses.
We are hypocritical when we complain about the actions of big businesses but make no effort to stop giving them money.
Many major businesses are obsessed with making as much money as possible and seemingly care little about their employees, customers, vendors or society. They also go to extremes to avoid paying taxes that support their communities and nation. They seem to have no problem paying exorbitant salaries and bonuses to their upper management.
I use Amazon or like businesses to identify products I like and then buy them from the manufacturer or other small businesses. It may cost a little more or be less convenient, but I am putting my beliefs into action and helping to improve things.
If you believe any company consistently acts badly, I suggest you limit your interactions with them, sell their stock and stop working for them if possible. You may also want to email their CEO about their conduct and indicate the steps you are taking in protest.
On the other hand, we should support businesses, big and small, that treat their employees and customers fairly, make charitable giving a major part of their business practices and pay their fair share of taxes.
I recommend starting with one business decision, and then determining, over time, what else you can do. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming and paralyzing to analyze all relevant information.
Stop watching or following bad people, institutions or businesses.
I no longer use X and do not watch Fox or its affiliates. Companies make money based on their social media or viewing statistics - I don’t want to support their advertising by being a follower or watcher.
I avoid the liars, particularly any individual or business who promotes or tolerates these lies - that Trump won the 2020 election, that COVID is “not so bad” or a hoax, that climate change is a hoax, or that Trump cares about the needs of the middle class.
Support public officials or candidates, even if they are not perfect, who have positions that tend to support the middle and working classes.
The next elections are in 2026, but campaigning starts in fall 2025. We should support candidates and political parties we favor.
We should act like adults. No candidate or party will do everything they say or should do. “Dissing” them is counterproductive and juvenile. For example, some groups complain that Democrats didn’t do enough to make things better and so they are not voting for them, even though the Republicans are actively making things worse. This makes no sense and is comparable to a child saying they will hold their breath unless you do what they want. If you are disappointed in their actions or inactions, email them but still support the best candidate.
We should contact our elected officials more regularly. They need our support to counter pressure from others that we may not even know about.
We should donate to candidates and causes more generously and more regularly, to the extent that we can.
We should pick at least one issue we care about and work with a group to support it. This not only promotes that issue but gives us a better understanding of the political process, which will help us on other issues.
Of course, we should vote in every election and encourage others to do so.
The index to my prior essays (mostly post 5 November 2024) is here.
I have another blog on Cancer and Medicine.
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Email me at Nat@PathologyOutlines.com.
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Great points in this article.