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Rights and Responsibilities
By priscillafairbank on 2008-08-16 20:50:37
Sometimes democracy does seem to work, and | actually feel excited.
| do want to feel patriotic, but it is usually for reasons different from the usual set of flag-waving issues.
Times like this cause me to reflect on my rights and responsibilities as a citizen. It's no small task to be an active
citizen and fulfill my responsibilities, as | see them. There are so many issues to be considered; each is deeply
important to some interest group. One needs to be involved. Involvement takes time and commitment.
Numerous things compete for both of those limited resources in our daily lives.
This week | had a scheduled meeting with Benedict McCaffree, the Regional Representative for
Congresswoman Gillibrand in Hudson. To my surprise and delight, her District Director, Lisa Manzi, from the
Saratoga office, also came. | had requested the meeting to lobby the Congresswoman concerning a piece of
legislation that Women Against War and the wider peace community see as very risky. These two staff members
listened to my position, took notes, and asked questions. They let me know that they will take my concerns to
Representative Gillibrand. | left feeling my voice was heard. | don’t know yet whether she will take the position
we are advocating but the first step of engagement between our group and this elected official has been taken,
and it felt like a positive first step.
Our position and our message were given and were listened to in an atmosphere of respect. Without knowing
the outcome yet, | am still energized by the exchange. This is democracy at work. We must not accept the
excuses “it won’t make any difference” or “no one will listen”. We can make a difference but we need to take that
first step of engagement. Yes, it took hours of preparation, but having the opportunity to present our position
meant | needed to be totally prepared.
This is what makes me feel patriotic. | was able to go to the office of my Congressional Representative and tell
her why | and my friends feel her present position on this issue is wrong and what would be better. It might well
make a difference. But perhaps more importantly, we must actively use that right and responsibility to ensure
that it isn’t lost.
Priscilla
