When Things Get Political

When things get political, we should focus on the local. Too often, we find ourselves overwhelmed with politics on a national level, leaving us with a feeling of helplessness. Can we really make a change in the big picture landscape of federal politics? The answer is yes, but it's much harder and sometimes less enticing. National politics are the tip of the iceberg and for us too understand the element of change that is needed, we need to look locally and then work our way up from there.

If we can't convince a neighbor or friend to hear out an opposing viewpoint, what are the chances we can influence a career politician to do something differently. Along those lines, all too often we get caught up in changing peoples hearts and minds, rather than winning hearts and minds. The latter requires patience, but also the ability to listen, find common ground and establish a shared, absolute truth that both parties can agree on. 

If we can affect change with a few neighbors on our street, that can ripple into change on your local city council boards, maybe a local Congressman or two and so on. This need for change in our communities will truly be the real underground movement that moves the needle on a national level. But this change won't happen with us simply yelling at friends or family on social media; pontificating our righteous cause over theirs. It requires a personal approach.

So my plea to fellow Patriots is put the phone down, invite your neighbor over for a beer, do more listening than talking and if nothing else, develop a relationship and trust. No one likes to be told what to do or what to think, but if they know you at least care about them, they'll be more open to new ideas and potentially a different way of thinking. If we can change ourselves, our families and communities, we have the potential to inspire change on a much broader scale. This is how we Take It Back.