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There was a time when Americans stood up for what was right. They would walk the streets with signs and volunteer time in order to change the world around them. Unfortunately, that no longer seems to be the case.

These days most people sit around and watch tragedies unfold on their TV sets. They might talk about it at school or work, passionately saying, “Someone should do something about it.” Somewhere along the way we lost the courage to do something about it ourselves. We assume someone else will take care of our problems and these issues will eventually fix themselves. Well, guess what? That is not enough.

With the recent shut down of our government, it is clear that this apathetic approach to our democracy is ineffective. We have put our trust in the hands of officials that kept us divided far too long. Our major problems have only gotten worse as our congressmen and women continue to focus on what separates us, rather than what brings us together.

You may ask yourself, what can I do about it? Well first off, the most important thing you can do as a citizen is vote and elect officials who will represent your point of view. When elections are not on the table, you need to communicate with those that already represent you. Express your point of view and share how you would like them to run our country. They are deciding how to spend tax dollars and often are not living up to their end of the bargain.

Here is an example of a letter that may help you voice your opinion to congress. Feel free to add your personal opinions you would like to share. If you are unaware of your elected representative, you can find them here:

http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/

Dear Congressman,

I come to you as a concerned citizen. I am both saddened and disappointed with the recent news that our government has shut down. While I know this was not your personal intention, you are still my voice in Washington. Over the past five years I have seen a shift in how the American people view our government and I feel like our country has been divided for far too long. Shutting down our government over the Affordable Care Act is completely unacceptable. I know there are good people representing us who ultimately have our best interest but this shut down depletes morale and damages our infrastructure. Furthermore, with the state of global affairs and increase in conflicts throughout the world, this shutdown will make the United States appear weak. I am no one special. I go to work and do my job to the best of my ability. I take pride in a job well done regardless if I think my pay is fair or if the costs of my benefits and taxes increase. Ultimately, I just want what is best for my family, country, and my future. I feel like I am holding up my end the bargain. As my representative, I am holding you responsible for what has unfolded. Now is the time to make this right and unite our people. Pointing fingers and sitting on the sidelines is damaging our country and it is not the American way. Sincerely,

Concerned Constituent

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