Question Authority

Michigan is sitting in the wake of a massive amount of legislation coming through the State House and Senate in the past month. 282 bills have been finding their way before Governor Snyder to approve or veto in one month alone. The Governor has been on top the game, December 28 he signed 58 into law and vetoed 4 that day alone. When someone says they are working toward smaller government then sponsor this much legislation to grow government it is time to take notice.

Did you have a chance to see the legislation as it was coming through? According to our current form of government our representatives - a Senator and a House Representative - would be voting and interacting on these bill on our behalf. Therein lies a problem with our current system. These representatives sometimes operate with an understanding of the interests of their constituents, however most often they believe they know. This belief is what the people must call to question and request brought to public forum.

‎"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them, and these will continue till they are resisted with either words or blow, or with both. The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." ~ Frederick Douglass

The prejudices or pre-determined judgement or understanding are too often what guides our law makers. Their influences often may not reflect the interests of their constituents. Corporate agendas, cronyism, blackmail and extortion have become major factors in our government. These are seen as white collar crimes, or perhaps even worse - minor infractions that are corrected with a fine or temporary suspension.

PREJUDICE

We all have prejudices. These help us navigate the world easier by categorizing people and situations through this progressive sequence:

1. What we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell - our senses
2. What we experience - our interaction
3. What we investigate and become educated - our reasoning 

Instinctively we choose a prejudice based on similar beliefs. Awareness allows us to suspend and change an initial prejudice as we gain more understanding of what we don't know. Some call this enlightenment or mature judgement. It is far different than indulging in group mind control and senseless following.

What Is Influential?

Sometimes we adopt the prejudices of others, granting them authority in our beliefs. This is what happens often with mainstream press, or "reliable sources". We need to remain AWARE and QUESTION how these views align with our morals. If we fall into always trusting a source blindly are we truly contributing to the world around us, or merely following the herd with blind faith.

Sadly we don't always get time to evaluate and then we react through the prejudices that prevail. Group mind, hysteria, mindless indulgence - are these signs of an evolved society?

FIGHTING BACK 

I've told people for a while that "normal hasn't ever changed anything". Evolution never happened through normal behavior. Critical thought comes from people that society has cast aside in various ways. Inventors see things differently than they are known to be. The questions of our youth - WHY and WHAT IF - need to be enshrined as worthwhile and valid. It is from those questions that deviation from the norm happens.

Changing Our Influences

The alternative press has been around forever, representing a point of view outside the mainstream. Those of us that read and share these works represent a very important audience. Our support is what enables more to be produced. Certain stories that we would like covered by larger publications simply won't be for a variety of reasons, one of which is profit. Revenues are also needed for alternative press. Contributions are also needed in the form of story content, photos, publicity and distribution. 

Becoming influential in these times of change can be easier than in the past. Technology has enabled voice for the masses and online social networks can bring distribution to a wider audience. But it doesn't stop with online - we have to be present as feet on the street, talking with those we meet.

Standing In Change 

When we protest and take the lead in creating newsworthy content it is important to do so responsibly. Knowing the issues and how to broadcast to gain following and unity matters. Raising our voices together as an educated group matters. Many of our representatives in government overlook protests until it becomes apparent that a large number of their constituents are asking to be heard and change to be made. When we become the influence over our representatives then we have government working for the people - however the partnering of mainstream press to government and corporate interests is in-ground in the substance of our society. Normal is sitting down to watch network television stations broadcasting their version of news. Normal is delivery of a newspaper to your doorstep, or grabbing the nationally known press tabloids.

Support Alternative News 

When will we embrace and engage in our stories? Can you share this article now, perhaps bring it up in conversation tomorrow or the next day? If you've got a comment to leave, write it please. If you need to meet with me to discuss, I will likely be at an Occupy Detroit General Assembly which are held weekly on Saturdays at noon. The location usually is 1515 Broadway, Detroit - a block away from Grand Circus Park.

Thank you for reading and sharing,
Stephen Boyle

Here are a few articles well worth noting. Feel free to offer additional links through comments.

• Michigan Republicans prove their hypocrisy on “small government” by passing 282 bills during lame duck session, Eclectablog.com with reference to MichiganRadio.org
• We Call This Progress, By Arundhati Roy on Guernica.com - discusses how America has redefined the concept of democracy.