2022 is the year THAT WAS. It was the year that we retained our democracy; or, it was the year that we lost our democracy. The words of Thomas Paine, the famous pamphleteer during the American Revolution, ring true today:
December 23, 1776
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
If we fail to take action to defeat the effort to destroy our free and fair elections, if we prove to be “summer soldiers or sunshine patriots,” we will have lost our democracy. So, what should we be doing starting now? I’m glad you asked. First, this email letter below came to me from Catherine Price, Chair of the Polk Democratic Executive Committee (DEC.) It’s time for each of us to join in with the DEC leadership and do what we can to help do what must be done. If not for us individually, then at least for our children and grandchildren.
Richard Sutherland,
Chair Membership Committee
Lake Ashton Democratic Club
863-229-7255
