I represent Rhode Island Voter Coalition (RIVC); a non partisan, open fact seeking, civil engagement group designed for the sole purpose of getting people involved in their government through an individual examination of their representation. We are not a fundraising tool nor do we offer endorsement, it is our belief however, that the citizens ought to have a say in who is on the ballot. We seek to realize this goal though forum events throughout the state, between now and the 2010 elections, moderated by our organization. These will allow the voters to directly pose questions to the candidates and educate them on the issues that are important to them. We not only believe that this will allow voters to choose the candidate that truly represents them, but also will hold some accountability to the promises given to the people by these representatives.
I have answered all but the most important question, why are we doing this? Over the history of this great nation and the great state of Rhode Island we have been stricken with two plagues, apathy and entitlement. The people have become apathetic, not giving proper attention to those they hand unconscionable amounts of power to, and as such they have allowed them to run amok. The electorate, by becoming apathetic, infused elected officials with a sense of entitlement, they are deserving of the role of ruler, regardless of actions taken, or not taken. It is simple cause and effect, when you are not careful with a dangerous tool, when you do not pay attention to how it is used, the results can be fatal, this rule is not only apparent with objects, but with government as well. Civic engagement by the people is the only cure for the plague, and RIVC is offering the medicine.
Thomas Paine was quoted to say, “That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly,” and such can be said for our elected leaders as well as the voters. The voters were handed down essential liberty from the fore bearers, many of us have cast this aside for partisanship. Our elected leaders are chosen not by deep scrutiny but by thirty-second sound bytes without context, not by examination of what they do, but what they barely say. This has led to an arrogant public office that believes the people are serving them, not the other way around and a suffering electorate, not truly understanding how we got where we are today. This is not fit for how a free people who are in control of their government ought to live, and this arrogance is not something a free people could ever tolerate for long. It is difficult work to ensure that one retains his liberty, it requires one to be educated on the candidates that are offered to represent them, and if none are acceptable to seek a candidate that is and urge them to step forward. It ought to be equally as difficult to retain the trust of an electorate in order to obtain and keep office as an elected official.
All RIVC offers is the opportunity to be involved in the government as was prescribed by the founders, it is our country, the people, not theirs, the politicians, and RIVC believes “We the People” need to start acting like it and not let the government run on autopilot, it is time for us to take the reigns.
