Contributed by Linn McCabe
Political decisions are not really made by the majority, but by the majority of those who participate. “We The People,” is not “They the People,” or even “You the People.” We get the government we deserve; thus if we are not engaged in the process, we are affecting the outcome of elections and the ensuing results. Doing nothing is doing something! Staying out of the fray because we “don’t like politics,” or we don’t like such and such party, is allowing others to control outcomes and set our course. Just as the construct and steerage of the rudder, and the power applied, control the direction and speed of a ship, so too does the size and shape of the input, affect the course of our government. The ship of government is headed somewhere and if we are not at the helm, most assuredly, someone else will fill the void and direct the course.
Over the past several months, as the reality of what WE have allowed to transpire, whether it be through apathy or complacency, has become clear, people have begun to show up at meetings and engage in the dialogue. Many of these newly-engaged Alaskans are fearful about current events and they know they need to “do something,” but they are unsure what that something looks like. They are drawn to like-minded individuals, and organizations with which they can align, in order to make a difference. There is an almost feverish fervor in their demeanor as they begin to recognize the seemingly insurmountable problems presented by the past apathy of conservative Americans and Alaskans.
Perhaps you are one of the large numbers of conservative Alaskans who abhor party politics. Do you disagree with the party platform, or do you disagree with the people who are the face of that platform? There is a difference. Many of us more independent thinkers ascribe to the live-and-let-live philosophy and reject the party, choosing to be Undeclared or Non-partisan, just as I was a few years ago. We conclude that while we are out in the wilderness of non-conformity, none of what happens within the party, or in the political realm, can be ascribed to us. Again, however, doing nothing is doing something. The people who are elected were put there by participants. But they were also installed by non-participants whose involvement may have changed the course of the election and the direction of our country and our state.
The Republican Party is designed to be a bottom-up organization, made up of districts, the State Central Committee, and State Executive Committee, within each state; each state then contributes through chosen national committee members to the national makeup. Adherence to the tenants of the platform is affected by each person involved at the local level and upward. Concerned and engaged citizens can become involved inside the party, or they can throw stones from the outside. Which is most effective? When we come together, as conservative Alaskans, pushing OR pulling in the same direction, we are most effective. Organization, structure, and the numbers of engaged Alaskans, determine the direction and the momentum of our government.
In order to impact the speed and direction of our government, it is important to provide opportunities for collaboration. We need to encourage participation in our team, brainstorm together, set goals, initiate long-term strategies, and educate those who are beginning to wake up. We need to unite behind common goals, and motivate and empower people to accomplish those goals. Where do you fit in?
There are several conservative organizations, and public meetings in the MatSu where participation in the political process may begin. Choose a couple, or choose one, and begin attending meetings. Focus your energy on a couple things so as not to become overwhelmed. Chances are you will meet mentors who will help you along and become great friends as you engage together in the battle for our children’s future in Alaska and America. I encourage you to check out these groups.
This list may be incomplete, but it’s a good start:
City Councils, Assembly, School Board—( Matsu Borough website)
Mat-Su Young Republicans – (Facebook)
Valley Republican Women’s Club – the next monthly meeting is November 18th, 7 PM at the Matsu Family Restaurant. Membership is not required for participation. (Facebook)
Matsu Republican Women’s Club Est 1947 – the next monthly meeting is Nov 20, 2021 at 10 AM at the Matsu Family Restaurant, Kimberly Straussel is the guest speaker. Membership is not required for participation. (Facebook or Website)
School of Government and associated homeschool group – (Facebook)
Region 2 Republican Districts—currently undergoing reapportionment. Locate your district, contact the current board, and find out when they meet. (akgop.net)