How to Celebrate Democracy

We who live in a democratic society are among the most fortunate in the world. Tyranny and oppression are words that signify little to many of us because we do not have a true understanding of the valuable of freedom. We do, however, need to celebrate the democracy we enjoy, and on more than just one day a year. Keep reading for some interesting methods of doing just that.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Vote. We have the right to vote in free elections, yet surprisingly few people actually exercise that right. Not only should this be considered a right, but also a responsibility for the liberty it entitles. When you do vote, vote your conscience and not the party line.
2. Exercise freedom of speech--even when what you have to say is unpopular. If everyone agreed all the time we wouldn't need freedom of speech. It is those times when you have something important to say and no one wants to listen that it matters most.
3. Celebrate democracy by paying attention to what your government is doing for you. Write to the lawmakers when they are drafting bills that you do not like. Make them hear your voice and remind them that one voice today could be thousands tomorrow.
4. Answer the summons for jury duty. This is a groaner for most of us, but it is our duty to serve as peers of the accused with the knowledge that they are innocent until proven otherwise.
5. Read the U. S. Constitution and The Bill of Rights and understand that they are more than just pieces of paper. They are very fabric upon which our nation was built. Realize that the freedom to read these documents means very little without the ability to read them, and celebrate that our democracy means no citizen is excluded from the opportunity to learn.