Politics is everybody's concern

While out doorbelling this campaign, I've heard numerous people claim they're not political. They'll say they're just a farmer, or just a housewife, or even just a small business owner. Just? Politics is where the governance of your state meets your personal governance of yourself.

When I talk with teenagers who say the same thing, I always ask if they drink energy drinks. Of course they do! I tell them that certain elected officials in our country have tried to ban energy drinks for minors. Their reaction is one of shock and anger, usually with a shout of "they can't do that!" I remind them that elected officials can do anything unless we each get involved and hold them to only their Constitutional duties. Better than any civics lesson can teach, these teens walk away with a reason to get involved.

As adults, we seem to avoid politics because there's too much time required to stay on top of the issues, and often because we don't want to offend our neighbors or friends. But we engage in politics every day, whether we realize it or not. As farmers, we either comply with the myriad of regulations because "that's just how it's done," or we work with a local farming organization to make changes that benefit our business. As housewives, we either comply with demands from public schools, insurance companies and the effects of building codes, or we make complaints to the school board, the doctor or the repairman who shows up to fix the plumbing. As a small business owner, we either bend over backwards to comply with every requirement of the health district, the building department, the state licensing board, L & I,, the IRS, and every other agency with their fingers in the small profit pie of our business, or we join an organization that fights for our rights and our success.

That's all politics. It's an understanding that our government shouldn't be making all these demands on you, that you should have the freedom to pursue your American Dream, that you should have the freedom to try something new without first getting permission from those elected to serve you or the agencies none of us elect. It's the decision you make every day, numerous times per day, whether to comply or complain. In these decisions, though, you don't take the time factor or your neighbor's opinion of you into consideration - you generally only address your need to accomplish something related to your life and business.

So take the "politics" label off of the situation. Think of these things in terms of your freedom, your entrepreneurship, your authority over elected officials, and your duty to be sure not only you, but your neighbors as well, have the ability to pursue the American Dream. Then remember to vote for the person that you feel will best defend those actions and take your voice into the world of formal "politics."

Engage in politics by sending in your ballot before November 4.

Dani Bolyard is a candidate for state representative in the 13th District.