Put up or shut up!

Americans love to complain. We complain about government as much as anything. But how many of us actually participate in the process? We are, after all, a democracy of the people, by the people, for the people. Are you doing your part?

As a progressively more active citizen, I’m losing patience with my fellow citizens. I hear lots of Americans complaining about the state of affairs at all levels: local, state and federal. But I don’t see too many doing much to change things.

And I believe you have to earn your right to complain.

If you complain about how you see local officials spending tax dollars, have you called and asked about how those spending decisions were made? Or have you written a letter to the editor outlining your concerns? Have you advocated for funds to go to your priorities?

If you’re worried about the number of young people leaving your state never to return, have you lobbied your local and state officials to build economic opportunities to bring them back? This means you have to get off your backside, go to the phone, computer or a desk, and call, e-mail or write a letter.

Do you read newspapers and magazines that provide actual policy information to learn what government (all levels) is doing? Because 15-second TV stories and radio commentary by entertainers/shock-jocks is not real information about the legislation that affects your life.

Did you vote in the last election?

And on the local level, what do you do to make a difference? Have you attended a school board meeting? Do you pick up trash? Do you volunteer at a school? Do you serve on a board?

If you spend most of your free time parked in front of your TV or computer and expect someone else to read your mind and give you the change you want, you’re a fool. The “Easy Button” only exists in Staples commercials. Real change happens when we get up and work for it.

And even then, you can’t expect it to appear exactly as you want it. Because the guy across the street may have a completely different need. The public good is a balancing act.

So here’s a warning. Before you open your mouth to complain about the status quo when I’m around, ask yourself what you’ve done to make change happen. ‘Cause I will. And I’m going to tell you that you have to earn your right to complain.