I have some suggestions but most of them requires a critical mass...it requires holding our representatives accountable. We, the people, don?t ask enough of our elected representatives and to a degree they treat the citizen with contempt. I would not suggest that this behavior be treated with a similar response. Instead, one of the most powerful tools available to the citizen is to shame the offensive actor or actors. For example, most of our representatives believe their primary duty is to protect the citizenry...that is wrong...their primary duty is to protect and defend the constitution?the very instrument of democracy. Based on this, the next time you hear a government authority (elected or otherwise) say they are protecting the citizenry ask them how this squares with protecting the constitution.

But that is not enough, the most applicable tool is to read and analyze the positions of candidates and incumbents; of your local districts, state seats, and congressional representatives. The responsibility falls to all of us?we ultimately are the arbiters of our own governance whether we like it or not. So put down the remote control and the Gameboy and get educated. Take citizenship seriously or it will be lost.

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