I was thinking about…

Your Civic Engagement Matters More Than Your Party

by Andy Lee

Can we take a step back from the partisan bickering for a second? At the end of the day, we’re all citizens before being republicans, democrats or any other political label. And that citizenship comes with the critical responsibility to stay informed and engaged in our democracy.

I’m talking educating ourselves beyond just regurgitating partisan talking points. Getting back to understanding the substantive policy issues that truly impact our communities – not just getting riled up over the latest Trump or Biden gaffe engineered for easy outrage views.

Genuine civic engagement also means striving to understand perspectives outside our echo chambers. Talking to neighbors who may see things differently. Considering alternative lenses even if we don’t immediately agree philosophically. That’s the only way to bridge divides and make democratic progress.

Now, I’m not naively wishing for some post-partisan utopia. We’ll always have starkly differing worldviews and policy visions at odds. That’s the point of a vigorous democracy. The problem is when huge swaths of citizens disengage once voting concludes.

For self-governance to optimally function, we need civic patriots staying informed and vocal about priorities year-round. Not blindly following party dogma, but scrutinizing actions and applying substantive critiques too. Providing that accountability incentive.

Otherwise, partisan forces quickly spiral into self-serving impulses without an informed citizenry empowered to reject overreaches. History demonstrates where that path leads.

So regardless of whether you’re MAGA, progressive or anything else – do your civic duty by rising above partisan hostilities. Stay focused on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship transcending individual allegiances. Study up, speak up articulately about where you think the nation should head. And continue applying equal scrutiny on all power sources!

If partisan devotion trumps your obligations as an engaged citizen, you’re robbing future generations of any democratic inheritance besides toxic division. Is leaving that disgraceful legacy something to be proud of?

Stay curious, keep participating! 🗳