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Tag: democracy

Why I Love Voting (and Why You Should, Too)!

Posted in Blog.

Did you know that the U.S. trails most developed countries in voter turnout? Only about 50% of Americans show up to vote during presidential elections, which means even less during the midterms. That’s appalling to me. 

I’ve been lucky enough to not have to fight for the privilege to vote, but I still don’t take it for granted. Citizens who are eligible to vote but don’t because they complain the system is broken are squandering one of the most precious features of democracy: the peaceful exchange of power determined by the will of the people. People. Citizens. Politics. You can’t have one without the other. 

The word “politics” comes from the Greek word politikos, meaning “of citizens, pertaining to public life.”

If we’re not actively engaged in making sure the outcome is in our favor, we have no right to complain about how politics affects us—or the animals. (And by the way reading news headlines, arguing with people on Facebook, or getting depressed while you scroll through your Twitter feed does not an engaged citizen make. In fact, the more I avoid these things, the more effective and productive I am!) 

You don’t get more votes the more outraged you are. You still get just one. So step away from the headlines. Step away from social media. Take a deep breath. And vote. The animals — the least privileged, the most vulnerable citizens of our world — need us to show up for them!

[Tweet “Reading headlines and arguing with people on social media doesn’t mean you’re engaged. VOTE!”]

If you can do more than that, great! 

  • Encourage friends, family, and followers to vote! Encourage them to vote for animal-friendly candidates and ballot initiatives.
  • Phone bank! A number of us get together each week to call voting citizens of California to ensure the passage of Proposition 12.
  • Canvass door-to-door. Get involved with organizations like Democracy Action.
  • Volunteer to drive people to the polls on election day.
  • Check out my Political Guide for Animal Issues for more ways to get involved and STAY involved even after elections! 

PHONE BANKING PARTY! MAKING CALLS TO VOTERS FOR THE ANIMALS
It took no time at all to connect with the Prop 12 leaders to get set up to phone bank from the comfort of our home. We can do it any time throughout the day now, but we like to make a party of it! We each bring food, we have our laptops and phones, and we sit in different parts of the house making calls for animals. Couldn’t be easier! (Contact me if you would like to do the same!)

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I’m Not Leaving This Country

Posted in Blog.

The night of the 2016 presidential election, I made a tearful but sincere vow to meet every word and action that lies ahead with fierce compassion, love, non-violence, and inclusiveness. Nothing good is built on fear — neither the fear that is real for me nor the fear that is clearly real for others. I did not vote for this administration, and although it’s tempting to disavow this country and to disengage from politics, neither of those are options for me. Even though I’m afraid for all of the humans and non-humans who will be negatively impacted by harmful policies that were promised during the campaign, I’m also grateful for the democratic process and vow to become even more engaged in it. I think the greatest gift this man will give us is unity against tyranny.

I vow to find the best within myself and the best within others and to stand for everything that is good and true in this world. Today, I am mourning the hopes that have been dashed, but I’ve also got a lot of work to do to make this world a better place for all, and I ask that you join me in holding a space for both sadness and compassion. Fierce compassion.

[Tweet “We can’t expect others to act from their highest selves if we don’t act from ours.”]

There is reason for hope. (Read why the past gives me hope for the future.) There is always hope, but having hope isn’t a license to be idle. Action is our only way through; hope is the light that guides us. In this blog post, I talk about the local actions I’ve taken that I’m most proud of and how we must continue to be a voice for compassion. One way to do that is to participate in the democratic process that is the foundation of this country. That means showing up, speaking up, and engaging with elected officials who we must urge to act from the highest that is in them.

And we can’t do this without acting from the highest that is in us.

[Tweet “I vow to find the best in others and to stand for everything that is good and true in this world.”]

Babe was stolen as a young elephant from her family in Africa, suffered two broken legs being chained up and thrown about during transport, and was finally brought to Black Beauty Ranch where she lived out the last few years of her life. Babe was stolen as a young elephant from her family in Africa, suffered two broken legs being chained up and thrown about during transport, and was finally brought to Black Beauty Ranch where she lived out the last few years of her life. Babe was stolen as a young elephant from her family in Africa, suffered two broken legs being chained up and thrown about during transport, and was finally brought to Black Beauty Ranch where she lived out the last few years of her life.

Democratic Actions for Animals

Posted in Blog.

I love this country. I love that we have inalienable rights. I love that we can vote. I love that we can take part in the democratic process. It’s not perfect; there is a lot of work to be done, but I love being part of that work. I love being a citizen — in the broadest sense of the word.

There’s a lot of skepticism in our country right now; we spend a lot of time being critical — as we should — but personally, I feel best when I’m being critical and active. And one of the best ways we can do this is by getting involved in local causes.

I remember a time when I was embarrassed that I couldn’t tell you which neighborhood district I lived in or who my district council member was, but I aspired to become more involved. Today, my civic participation pales compared to many people who are more involved than I am, but I try to make my voice heard, especially when it comes to how my city relates to non-human animals.

Two of the things I’m most proud being involved in is stopping slaughter hobbyists from killing animals in the backyards of Oakland (see news story below about our efforts) and speaking on behalf of elephants when the Oakland City Council took up the issue of banning the bullhook, especially by companies who bring the circus to town.