There are political decisions of all kinds, but few are truly wrong. Most are simply efficient or inefficient, practical or impractical. There are times, however, when a politician offers a proposal that works a great wrong, and stands against America’s fundamental principles. When a politician takes that course, what is to be done?
First, speak or write in opposition to the proposal. Silence is acquiescence.
Second, encourage others to speak, write, and organize against the proposal. Contribute to their efforts in time and money, and for an opposing candidate in an election, contribute to the maximum allowed by law. If there are other adults in your household, encourage them to contribute to the maximum, too.
Third, be supportive of those who share your views, and friendly to their efforts, whatever those efforts may be. Any help is good help, and deserves praise. Any amount in support of a good cause — in time or money — deserves a grateful thanks. Every hour and every dollar makes a difference.
Fourth, remain resolute, watchful, tenacious. One should neither forget the risk the community faces, nor flag in one’s efforts against the proposal. Some days will be longer than others, and one will arrive home, or awaken the next day, tired. Praise others for any and all that they do, but as for oneself — one should do all one possibly can.
Fifth, have confidence in one’s community. Americans are a fair and compassionate people. From among the community, many will speak against a wrong.
Sixth, if a wrongful proposal is defeated, be grateful for success against it. Remember, though, that the man or woman who proposed it is unsuited to political office, and lacks the understanding of fairness and liberty to merit re-election. A wrongful proposal is different from a mistaken one. Those who are in the wrong do not deserve re-election, and should be replaced by a man or woman of better judgment.
Seventh, if a terrible proposal becomes law, one’s obligation is both to oppose the candidate who sponsored the proposal, and to resist the proposal’s implementation through legal challenge at each and every opportunity. A wrong — unlike a mistake — should not work its way through a community without a lawful response. One should be prepared to seek legal redress against each and every exercise of a wrongful law in one’s community. Time for this effort, and the cost of that time, however much may be needed, should be offered without charge or expectation.
Eighth, be disappointed for the necessity, but grateful for the opportunity, to defend America’s deepest traditions against unjust, harsh, and extreme proposals.