Although I have always had strong political opinions, I have used the ballot box to take a stand rather than to be actively involved in demonstrations. I have only been involved in
a handful of demonstrations – I pushed my daughter in her stroller in a march to protest the Viet Nam war, walked as “another mother for peace,” attended a pro-choice rally in
Washington, DC and stood vigil to protest US involvement in the Iraq War. However, I never was involved to the point where I risked arrest.
Recently, as part of a Positive Aging group, I learned about the movement Democracy Spring – “a mass civil disobedience campaign to save American democracy from the corruption of Big Money in politics and the assault upon our right to vote.” A peaceful march is being planned from Philadelphia to Washington DC from April 2nd to 10th. Part of this movement is an Elder Cohort – where elders are invited to stand with the group on April 14th and risk arrest. I immediately responded that I would be willing to risk arrest as did several other members of the group.
In reflecting upon my reaction, I realize how frustrated I have become with the role big money plays in our elections. While I will vote in the upcoming presidential election, I feel my vote is not as “equal” as those who have large sums of money to contribute. As an elder (defined as a person that uses wisdom and life experience to guide their actions, speaks for the shared interests of all people, as well as for future generations), I care about my grandchildren’s future. If I can participate with other elders to capture media attention for pro-democracy reforms, I feel now is the time to do so. What do I have to lose? If you are an “elder” who might be interested, you can contact Lynne at lpiser@aol.com
ElderChicks 
I heartily agree!!! One of the most important reforms needed is campaign reform. Until we change the rules by which we choose our leaders our vote is diluted. We spend too much money but also there should be restraints on the time spent in campaigning. Limits on both would level the playing field.
I also use to think that voting would be the solution to some of the political ills. But it seems that “money” talks, and the same people keep returning over and over again to Congress. We the people have the power to change this stuff, why aren’t we doing it?
On Sun, Mar 6, 2016 at 1:09 PM, ElderChicks wrote:
> ElderChicks posted: “Although I have always had strong political opinions, > I have used the ballot box to take a stand rather than to be actively > involved in demonstrations. I have only been involved in a handful of > demonstrations – I pushed my daughter in her stroller in a m” >
Brava!
Dear Christina, you have my respect and admiration. I live in Germany, so I can only accompany you with my thoughts. And I will surely do that. I wish you success! Best wishes, Hanni Brandt
2016-03-06 19:09 GMT+01:00 ElderChicks :
> ElderChicks posted: “Although I have always had strong political opinions, > I have used the ballot box to take a stand rather than to be actively > involved in demonstrations. I have only been involved in a handful of > demonstrations – I pushed my daughter in her stroller in a m” >
Good for you. As a “elder chick” in South Africa, I am appalled at what is happening in America – the “Leader of the Free World” and really think that America’s convoluted election system needs to be simplified and made free of “big money”. As a South African I fear for the world with leadership from America who are controlled by money and have not connection with ordinary, hard-working, struggling Americans. Whoever is the American President, affects what happens geopolitical in the rest of the world.
So I support you with my thoughts!