Those of you who follow this blog know that we promote citizen activism in local and state government. That is where the citizens have the most power. The story below is all about local engagement. Most people don't know their history from 200 years ago, but what about 60 years ago and to think this happened in the state of Tennessee. It's a great story and one that needs to be told. Your government is not going to start doing the right things just because it's the right thing to do...that's what a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" really means, the you and I, "we the people" must engage.
I am not advocating what happened below because I believe if enough citizens engage in the governing process, it won't come have to go there. Too many people want to skip the whole lifting a finger and caring as much about their government as they do about their favorite sports team. You notice when a hot button issue rises up and the public engagement goes into overdrive, the government usually backs down...usually to return again when no one is paying attention. People have to live like men who want to be free and that means eternal vigilance.
Inform yourself, know your history because it matters, and then engage in the system. If you only inform yourself and learn your history but don't engage, you might as well go back to sleep. George Washington said "Deeds....Not Words"
You can google this story and read all about it but watch this clip, it will pique your interest....
Published on Dec 28, 2011
The Battle of Athens was an armed rebellion led by WWII veterans and citizens in Athens and Etowah, Tennessee, United States, against the tyrannical local government in August 1946.
I am not advocating what happened below because I believe if enough citizens engage in the governing process, it won't come have to go there. Too many people want to skip the whole lifting a finger and caring as much about their government as they do about their favorite sports team. You notice when a hot button issue rises up and the public engagement goes into overdrive, the government usually backs down...usually to return again when no one is paying attention. People have to live like men who want to be free and that means eternal vigilance.
Inform yourself, know your history because it matters, and then engage in the system. If you only inform yourself and learn your history but don't engage, you might as well go back to sleep. George Washington said "Deeds....Not Words"
You can google this story and read all about it but watch this clip, it will pique your interest....
Published on Dec 28, 2011
The Battle of Athens was an armed rebellion led by WWII veterans and citizens in Athens and Etowah, Tennessee, United States, against the tyrannical local government in August 1946.
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