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Wednesday, February 19, 1997     Page:

Want political change? Get a petition and go for it
   
Yesterday’s report by our staff on running for political office is another
reminder of what makes the democratic system so responsive, so trustworthy, so
empoweringThe fact that any citizen can offer his or her ideas, talents,
energies and good intentions for the betterment of the community, the school
board, or the county by running for elective office is what makes the America
so rich in possibilities, so flexible to changing times and needs, so fertile
for freedom and dissent.
    It makes you wonder about what would happen if local citizens — many of
whom call our Say So line or write us letters to vent their anger, air their
criticisms, share their frustrations about what’s wrong with the political
system — would take up the mantle of public service, or at least offer it to
those caring and courageous enough to wear it responsibly. Could the perceived
and real failures of local and county, even state and national, politics be
addressed?
   
We think so. And now is the time to do it. The great thing about American
society is that if enough of us want change, we can get it.
   
The scary thing about democracy is that whatever you want, you’re going to
have to work for and convince a lot of people along the way of the worthiness
of your cause.
   
To those brave, determined citizens who are circulating nominating
petitions — with or without a party blessing — we wish you well. And we
thank you for your faith in the rest of us and in the democratic system.