Actions speak so much louder than words

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” — John Stuart Mill.

I appeal to you to wake up and pay attention, there is much to be done. Our newly elected representatives have now taken office. “Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives.” — Ronald Reagan. Now is the time to be the watchman on the wall. Attend local meetings in person or online. Voice your concerns and praise them when deserved. Continually holding them accountable for their decisions. Past administrations treated us with disrespect, forgetting that they are employees of the people Not rulers. Are your tax dollars being wisely spent? Do they work well with others? Or just name-call and blame others for their lack of productivity? Are they leaders that will stand up for what is right? “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” ― Douglas McArthur. Are they present and working hard on our behalf or just there for a paycheck? Do they answer their phones or return your calls and emails? Are they following the state laws on open meetings? Do they even care or is it about power and a bigger paycheck? Now is the time to care, not just when it is election time. Actions speak so much louder than words.

TRISHA BOWLIN

Spirit Lake