‘A challenge for you’ political activism blossoms
STORM. “Hurricane Maria whipped Puerto Rico with Irma-level winds, drenched the island with Harvey-level flooding, crippled communications, decimated buildings and damaged a dam that puts downstream residents at risk of catastrophe,” said Chandrika Narayan, CNN reporter.
It is a Tuesday evening, I am scrolling through my phone, and I come across a video of President Donald Trump speaking in Puerto Rico. I hear something that would have infuriated me almost ten months ago, but now I simply cringe.
These days, I find myself almost desensitized to the words and actions of the current administration.
With these moments becoming more frequent, the most I will do sigh.
Reflecting back on what my more motivated self would have done in these types of situations, I feel lost in what I think would make a difference. Tweet? Make a phone call? Rant? Investigate? Write? All of these options seem useless.
Those who feel like their voice should be heard and decide to share their option with the world often get buried among the others who have also decided to stand up.
The goal of expressing your views is getting heard by someone and making a change, but today it seems the administration has put their hands over their ears and started yelling out gibberish to conceal the voices of those who oppose their viewpoints.
To everyone who thinks their words do not matter: I am here to tell you, you are wrong.
According to CNN, a way to be politically active, whether you identify as left or right, is to attend town hall meetings.
“A town hall meeting is where you, in person, can make your actual voice heard, in front of local politicians who can actually do something about it. Your congressperson will usually have a schedule of Town Hall meetings on their website, or you can check out your city’s website as well,” said AJ Willingham, CNN reporter.
Do not feel like you need to go all the way to Washington D.C. to be involved with politics. You can find local happenings just as, if not more, impactful.
Finding your own group is crucial. Try to find local rallies and marches that are affiliated with issues or groups that you are passionate about. One such event in the Cincinnati area is the Ohio Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Forum in Loveland, which will be hosted on Sat., Nov. 18 at 8:30 a.m.
Now is the time to stand up for what you believe in. Not tomorrow, and certainly not yesterday. Do not wait and do not hesitate.
Be active in your community and make a change. If you do not, who will?
Your donation will support the student journalists of Sycamore High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.
