Lessons Learned at the Women’s March
I recently had the honor to attend the Women’s March on Florida’s capital Tallahassee. The momentum, inspiration and history made that day is something I will cherish forever. The march was also a very eye-opening experience where I learned so much about myself and the country I live in.
1. Local Politics Matter:
Last semester I took a ‘State and Local Governments’ course. The class wasn’t my favorite to say the least but, I learned a lot. the United States’ governmental system is kind of like a stepping stool. Going from local, to state then to Federal government. The reason why people are put into high positons is because of local governments. Presidential Elections are so widely covered we often forget that local elections for positions for the county School Board and Judicial system are also up for grab. These lower office positions are just as important, if not more, than becoming leader of the free world. Before these elections, I suggest doing a simple Google search of the candidates running in your area to find out what they stand for. Please, I BEG you, do all your research in 2018 and 2020.
2. This Mess Will End Sooner than We Think:
In two years, America will be faced with the elections of new state Governors, Representatives and Senators just to name a few. If you weren’t aware our Legislative branch (HOR and Senate) is more than 2/3s Republican. 2/3s is the same amount that’s needed to override Executive decisions. Which basically means that anything Trump says will go, example: the defunding of Planned Parenthood. In 2018 we can flip the House and the Senate as long as we get out there and VOTE.
3. Democracy is not dead:
As our beloved Lincoln so eloquently said, “[America is a] government of the people, by the people, for the people,”. That is what Democracy is. Our politicians are only in power because we gave it to them. They are supposed to represent us, the people in our government. If you weren’t aware, Clinton beat Trump in the popular vote by 2.8 million people. That is a record high of a popular vote win but electoral college loss in the history of our country. So just remember when people tell you just to “deal” with Trump’s irrational decisions, hit them with facts!