Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/07/2017
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Location
Rep. Ryan Costello's West Chester Office
Categories No Categories
Hosted by Concerned Constituent Action Group
THIS WEEK’S FOCUS: We The People
The focus is ‘in defense of our democracy”, what are our expectations as informed citizens of our government? What does a democracy look like? An engaged, empowered citizenry, with a responsive and fair representative government.
A democracy is one where voters are free to exercise their rights to vote without suppression, to have their vote counted without tampering by foreign or domestic powers, to express their views publicly without fear of reprisal, to depend upon a free press for information, to be protected from dangers, both foreign and domestic, and to have the right to protect themselves and their property, if needed. Citizens should expect their elected leaders to do their job without financial kickbacks/emoluments from other nations, or from large corporations, but rather represent the electorate. What do you want to add? Clarity of national goals? Leadership in global concerns?
We as citizens expect of our government leaders honesty and integrity, transparency and leadership. We expect a government that promotes justice, fairness, compassion and has legitimacy. If there are differences of opinion, we expect open hearings, town halls, and sometimes necessary compromise.
We expect our leadership to set a high moral tone for the nation, not engage in low life rancor and vile discourse. If there are issues of difference of opinions, we expect a thorough investigation into the facts. We do not expect that we will always agree with our representatives but we do expect that they will study an issue, weigh various alternatives, hear diverse factions, and then make an valid, defensible decision. While we do not need to trust the vote will always be one which is in agreement with our opinion, we expect to be able to trust in the validity of the decision making process.
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of our rights or protections, or description of our governmental functions, but a reminder of our constitutional basis, a ‘back to basics’ exercise in considering and voicing our overall expectations of government.
The good news is that we do not need to reinvent the wheel. We already have a Constitution, our Bill or Rights and amendments. As a metaphor the wheel already exists, but it seems at times to have some sludge and grime hiding it, maybe a few dents and dings but it is a very, reliable wheel. Let’s use it. Our job as citizens is to participate, be informed, engaged, and supportive.
This is what democracy looks like. Bring (or send) your ideas.
Message/Sign Ideas:
“No King since 1776”
“We are Citizens, NOT Serfs!”
“We have a Constitution, not a Monarchy”
“Democracy means no Dictators allowed!”
“First Family, not a royal family.”
“What part of ‘freedom of the press’ don’t you understand?”
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
“One dollar does not equal one vote.”
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Thomas Jefferson (edited)
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” Jefferson.
Look for us at the corner of Market and High. We will protest outside as a large group; then rotate into the office in small groups to speak with staff and deliver letters, if permitted.
If you cannot attend, email your letter to us at contact@ccag-d6.com and we will hand deliver it for you.
*We would like to remind all participants to be calm and polite with staff members. That being said, these encounters are a two way street. If you personally experience issues with the staff (feeling intimidated or belittled) report to Claire at the event or contact us at: contact@ccag-d6.com
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