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 ELECTED OFFICIALS
 In many ways, America is defined by what’s called “representative government.” This is what our founding fathers demanded when they were subject to taxation but not allowed to vote. Eventually this right was won in the Revolutionary War which birthed the United States of America.
When you stop and think about it, our government is only as good as the people.
We don’t get good government if people who know what is good don't care enough to select and vote for our representatives at the local, state and federal level.
Similarly, we don’t get good government if people who know what is good aren’t the main influence upon our government.
America is in trouble because of irresponsibility and ignorance.
Quick – what’s the name of your U.S. congressman? Your state assemblymember? Your state senator?
The speed and accuracy with which you replied will determine whether you know what you should. If you want to be a responsible citizen, your first step is gaining knowledge and your second step is taking action. Be responsible. Find out who represents you, and contact them regularly on issues of concern.
Freedom is not free but costly. The meaning of the struggle, said Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, at Gettysburg, was “that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."
The bottom line reason for regularly contacting your elected representatives is that most lawmakers won’t do what is right until they hear from a lot of their constituents. As Jerry Falwell has said, “Most politicians don’t see the light until they feel the heat.”
Remember that our government is "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Elected officials are just people, so never let yourself be intimidated.
Tell legislators to support the good bills and stop the bad bills. Know your elected officials, contact them regularly, and encourage others to do the same.
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