Politics is not a spectator sport

I have found myself in several conversations with people in the last two months and have heard way too many people say that they don't get involved in politics. I just ask "Are you kidding me?" Politics is not and can not be a spectator sport because it has a direct impact on peoples' lives, business and the communities they live in. The decisions made by politicians and government officials can affect everything from community safety to the economy and healthcare to education and even national security. As such, it is important for individuals to be actively engaged in the political process and to have a say in the decisions that are made on their behalf. I was always taught that it's our civic duty to participate in the political process. When I played football, ran track, or played baseball, I couldn't stand standing on the sidelines. I had to be on the field playing and contributing. Yet, as I attend local school board, city council, and county commissioners meetings I find very few in attendance. All you have to do is look at the numbers of people who even get out to vote to see that political apathy runs rampant in our communities. Politics is not just about who wins and who loses. It is about the policies and ideas that shape our society and the direction in which we are headed. By paying attention to politics and participating in the political process, individuals can help ensure that their voices are heard and that their interests are represented. In short, politics is not a spectator sport because it is too important to simply sit on the sidelines and watch. It requires active engagement, participation and dialogue in order to create a better future for ourselves and our communities. It is only those who care enough to participate in the process who get their voices heard and who get policies, ordinances, and laws passed — even if they are wacky laws or policies. Lack of participation in the process can lead to corruption and a miscarriage of justice. So I just want to encourage my community to get involved. Look at what is going on and then take action. Write or call your representatives, city council, commissioners, senators, mayor's offices as well as candidates for office and tell them how you feel. Politics is not a spectator sport, it requires everyone to be involved and to participate in the process. Jeffery Bertram lives in Norwalk and is a candidate for mayor in the November election.