Get Involved!

Americans are concerned about the direction of their country - which is by implication, their country's government. We're concerned about the bickering in Congress, the moral dereliction of government officers, the fiscal incontinence of nearly every department of government, increasing tax burdens, and decreasing recognition of our civil liberties. Things are a mess, and people feel powerless.

But have you ever considered the importance of your local and state governments in the whole government equation? You probably know the name of your president, maybe even your U.S. Senator. But do you know the name of your Congressman, your Utah state representative and senator, your mayor, your city council members, your school board members, your county commission members?

While the 24-hour news cycle streams continuous national politics to us, we only get the local news at noon, 5:00 and 10:00, so it must not be as important, right? Of course not! The people who serve closest to you actually have the biggest effect on your life.

And think about this: where do the representatives who serve in the Federal government (you know, the ones who are driving everyone crazy and pulling down amazing approval ratings of 10%) come from? From local offices!

First they serve on the school board, then in the state house, and then in Congress. Or on the city council, and then as a mayor, and then in Congress. If you're concerned about what you see on the 24-hour national news, and you want to do something about it, start with your state legislature, or your city council, or your local school board. Keep an eye on your own U.S. Congressman and Senators. Find something that is of interest or value to you, and make the time to attend a meeting or write a letter.

Ordinary people MUST be involved in their own government if they want it to change, and the place involvement matters most is at the local and state levels. This blog is here to help you know what's going on in Utah - with a focus on northern Utah County - and what you can do to get involved and make a positive difference.

You can make a difference, even with just a little time invested. As you consider what you might do, remember these words from the great 18th-Century philosopher Edmund Burke: "No man made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little."