Posted on Dec 26, 2019
Have you become more impassioned, more active in politics in recent times? If so, why?
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I have. To be perfectly honest, almost anything would be greater than the passion and interest I had in politics in my first fifty years. Politics wasn't even a blip on my radar. I voted in every election, but that was about the extent of my involvement. I didn't contribute. I didn't discuss. Why? Basically, I didn't want anything from the government except, possibly, the basics. Protection. A level playing field. Fundamentally, exercise of "the enumerated posers". Then I discovered the truth. In all those years that I was ignoring politics, it sure as hell wasn't ignoring me. It was creeping, "progressively" into my life. Suddenly, I found myself about to be enveloped, consumed by "The Blob". (Hopefully, you'll recognize the old sci-fi movie reference) No, I'm not blaming anyone else. It's my own fault. I should have been paying attention. Still, that was then and this is now. I am engaged. I am contributing. I am volunteering in election campaigns. I am speaking out. And, of course, I am voting. How about you?
Posted in these groups: 
Citizenship
Government
Citizenship Government
Edited 5 y ago
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 12
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I'm frustrated with the politics, but I contribute time and money to the Republican Party and I will continue until they fold my Flag CPT Jack Durish - that is all I have to say on the subject my friend.
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PV2 Glen Lewis
On elections I vote a straight Republican ticket. However that is close to changing. On the issues they bring to the table, whatever is more logical. Of late, that has become more difficult as it appears to me that the issues are less to do with us than which party's agenda is best served by having more representation no matter the logic proposed. I'm extremely tired of partisan politics sir. Deciding which liar, cheat, thief and philanderer when I vote is really getting old.
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COL Jon Lopey
COL Burroughs: I admire your conviction. In my humble opinion, veterans have got to get involved in politics because often times we have been overseas and we've seen the sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in-arms and we come to realize how imperfect but how utterly fabulous our nation is compared to other countries. We owe it to our kids and grandkids (and fellow veterans and service members) to take the time to get involved. As an elected official (Sheriff) I understand the tribulations of our elected leaders and I also see a lot of good efforts and many failures. We can help shape our nation's future to make it better or at least as good as what we had when we grew up. Like being in the military, it takes commitment, courage, work, and the determination to educate ourselves about important issues and getting out there and communicating to others about how and why things can be better - which is like serving again. Everyone should vote, regardless of your political orientation but we all have an obligation to know what is going on - to know the issues. Veterans are better off too because of the political efforts of a few. Thank you, Colonel, for having the conviction to offer your words of wisdom. I happen to agree with you but there are times I am not happy with any politicians, but that is why we should "engage" and find out how we can make a difference. V/R, Jon
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I wasn't much into politics either especially being outside of the country for years on end. I found once I came back and made a decision to stay that I got involved at the local level and found myself increasing concerned with what was happening around me.
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COL Jon Lopey
CPT Durish: You pose a very important question - Thank you for doing so. As an elected official myself and a veteran and retired Army officer, I think vets know how important freedom and rights are and what such value costs. I think most of us love this nation and know how truly exceptional it is. I only spent about 5-years of my life overseas but each and every time I returned, I loved the USA even more. God bless you for your service and for staying in the fight! COL L
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CPT Jack Durish Much the same attitude as your own has been,Cpt.Jack. Until recent years i ignored most politics and thought it was fatuous to discuss or debate politics.IMO,many of us(the silent majority) should have been more involved and maybe we would not have devolved into this state of affairs we find ourselves in today.I have always voted,but that was the extent of my involvement,i now take every opportunity to discuss the character and agendas of our elected officials and to work directly with those i support when i can.
Hindsight is better than foresight,but maybe it isn't to late to make a change with lessons learned.
Yes,i remember the original "The Blob" made in the 50's and didn't bother to watch the remake that came out in the 80's or 90's.
Hindsight is better than foresight,but maybe it isn't to late to make a change with lessons learned.
Yes,i remember the original "The Blob" made in the 50's and didn't bother to watch the remake that came out in the 80's or 90's.
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COL Jon Lopey
SSGT: I admire your wisdom. I think some of us grow old and realize what is important. Like you, I too was a Marine and I think we all want to make our nation better, especially after seeing the conflict and division that often arises. We lived by a code in the Corps and Army and we can give a lot back to those less enlightened or at least attempt to do what is right for those that follow us after we are gone. Semper Fi, COL L
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