About GeorgeWasRight
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
Why the Website Name GeorgeWasRight ?
If you’re wondering about the site name, I’m glad. I named this endeavor GeorgeWasRight out of respect for George Washington’s vision and bravery in freeing us from England’s abusive monarchy, and his prescience in recognizing the divisiveness that political parties could wreak on our fledgling democracy. Again drawing from his Farewell address, he warned:
“Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
“This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness and is truly their worst enemy.”
Since President Washington’s worst fears about political parties have now been realized, we need to assess what can be done to repair the damage they’re causing, and to set ourselves on a better course for the future.
Though our collective knowledge is now just a few keystrokes or an online voice query away, our antiquated ways of informing voters about their ballot choices are more than a bit dated. Do you or anyone you know take seriously what you hear in 30-second TV campaign ads?
Identifying the underlying causes of our political dysfunction isn't difficult.
The anything-goes partisanship to gain and maintain majority power makes it impossible to find the necessary compromises in order to resolve problems.
The stratospheric amounts of money and other forms of influence special-interest groups lavish over lawmakers.
The fact that many people pay little attention to politics allows lawmakers to openly do the bidding of special interests, with no consequences.
But even with all the major challenges presently facing the country, it is within our capabilities to resolve them.
If we want to do something about rabid partisanship, then when we cast our ballots, we must evolve and consider other information besides party. Don't be a cheap date; make them earn your vote.
If we are tired of lawmakers consistently favoring contributors over constituents, then we must stop voting for them. I’ll show you how to see who’s funding the candidates and the ballot measures on which you'll be voting, all with just a few clicks.
Besides getting more selective about who and what we vote for, more of us need to be better informed and more involved, in various ways, in public decision-making.