The answer, of course, is the people who habitually abstain. The core group is doing their civic duty and more should be doing what they do.
My family, unfortunately, belongs to the group that habitually abstains from town affairs. While my mother often attended school board meetings (and still does), my parents and other family members never go to city council meetings or town hall meetings in our area.
Voting is something my family engages in. So, I would not characterize them as total deadbeats. They also engage in discussion of city affairs with neighbors, friends, and family by reading the newspaper and keeping up on the talk of the town.
But, my family does not approach the larger political, social, and economical issues with a desire to talk and debate them. Any desire to understand these issues happens without finding ways we can contribute to solving the problems these issues create. Civically, this is irresponsible and I can only hope that by leading by example my family will follow suit and engage in the activities I participate in or actions I take in the next decade of my life.
In closing, Ralph Nader believes that a civically responsible adult comes from the atmosphere his parents created, which was “one of indirection and delights, strong examples and certain boundaries, solitude and conversation, witness and respect, and, above all, the strength of parental love and sacrifice.”
This was the atmosphere, I believe, my parents strove to create. It is the atmosphere that I hope to create for my children. It is the atmosphere I feel we should all be creating for future generations and even in the society we live in today.
Nader’s book is one that has given me the ability to examine my past life and imagine a better more wholesome future. It is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read. Better than any parenting “self-help” book out there, this is the one book parents should read before taking on the task of creating a family.
I’m twenty years old now. I’ve got to go enjoy the rest of my birthday.
Thanks for reading and do not hesitate to comment on how these seventeen traditions have played a role or non-role in your life. I am interested in discussing the importance of these values.
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