There is a modern-day taunt to those that speak with empty words to “walk the talk!” In my age, we would say that one should “put their money where their mouth is.” Using the thought behind these two phrases, I would like to discuss Conservative activism. We hear the chant repeatedly, “I am a Conservative.” But it begs the question, “Are you walking the talk?”
To most, the meaning of conservatism is one of a common sense emotion rather than principled statements like those contained in our U.S. Constitution. In many ways, that’s not all bad and can be illustrated by how we follow our culture in everyday living. Culture is the act of development by education. Education not necessarily “higher education” but, civilization handed down. As a young child, I was constantly reminded by my immigrant parents to “trust your culture.” Not words like that, but an exact quote!
Culture is similar to “averaging” in mathematics. My electric bill goes up and down from month to month. But having lived in my home for such a long period of time, I can predict what my next month’s bill will be. An outcome of averaging. But, what if my electric bill next month has doubled? Quick answer is that I find out why, and attempt to remedy the situation.
We have about 400 years of culture in America. Until recently, our citizens could arise in the morning and know what to expect. Oh yes, unfortunate things happened, and there were social adjustments along the way, even wars, but generally, we are a positive attitude nation and live on the expectation that “the sun will come up tomorrow.” There existed a sort of “cultural average” that we lived with and expected.
However, as I illustrated with my utility bill, Americans have now arisen to find that there has been a “spike” of cultural change in our country during the past twenty years. The problem is that the “vast majority” (my use) recognize the spiked change, don’t like the changes involved, and want to reverse most of them. Still, there will be those that will quickly use my utility bill illustration against any cultural remedy, by stating, “Perhaps the reason your electric bill was so high was that you left the air conditioner at 68 degrees and went off for a month vacation.” In other words, “It’s your entire fault.” If facts reveal that it was indeed my fault in leaving the air conditioner on while away, I accept the responsibility of my action. But what if not, and it had something to do beyond my responsibility. What then? Accept, or fight back?
It is my contention that most reasonably enlightened Americans understand that changes will occur, and that our national cultural average will rise and fall slightly over time, given the nature of averaging. Where the ordinary citizens become enraged and overcome with frustration is in believing that they have been left out of the averaging equation. Frustration and controlled rage are emotions, and can be good motivational drivers to initiate action. But, again, even with an emotional assist, what attempt by direct action do most make to reverse an unwanted change? Unfortunately, not much. Too often the response about inaction is that it is beyond the capacity of the individual.
Not so. If we really believe that conservatism revolves around the individual, then, remedies to unwanted changes also revolve around the individual. However, the rub is too many individuals in today’s society have been “schooled” in the idea that all societal change falls in the “Sacrament of National Government.” I would like, here, to postulate three simple rules of activism, there are many more, that are available to all at the individual level.
1. Written Criticism
Any complaint or criticism, even when made in person, should be evidenced in writing whenever possible. Never phone. Politicians and public servants get real nervous when anything in writing can become part of the record.
2. Identify your accuser
Article VI of the U.S. Constitution says, in part, “…to be confronted with the witness against him;” That concept has real meaning at the individual’s level beyond its normally held judicial use. Let me give you an illustration. About a year ago, I received a notice from my City public works department demanding that I cut the grass on a vacant commercial lot I own. The city ordinances permit vacant lots to have grass higher than what you might expect in a residential neighborhood. Knowing something was fishy; I took a photograph of a yardstick stuck in the grass at my lot, and then went “downtown.” I asked to meet the inspector that issued the notice. The reply was, “Oh that complaint was phoned in by a neighbor. We didn’t inspect it.” “In other words” I replied, after showing the photograph, “your department issued an official notice to cut grass, over the signature of an inspector making a false statement.” Never heard about the matter again!
I simply use this illustration to recommend that any notice you receive over the signature of a public servant, insist that you deal with that person, face-to-face and/or in writing.
3. Make your own donations
In my opinion, one of the greatest community failures in recent history has been in the area of non-profit organizations. If one delves into the controlling management structure of many, they will be found to be managed by corporate type individuals, and not the volunteer type of past. Dollars become important, while mission becomes less important. Do not give to “omnibus” charities. Make your own charitable decisions. If you are pro-life, why would you donate to a United Givers campaign only to have the agency grant funds to an abortion clinic? In one stroke of a decision, you have made a meaningful pro-life difference. And it was done at the local level without any necessity of “permission” by a legislative body.
I can go on, but I will not. You have been kind when you made it this far with me. I thank you. Please remember that common sense actions accomplished by just one individual, when multiplied by others, can make a difference in restoring our “cultural average.”