LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Focusing on civic literacy...

Over the course of the last year, we’ve published several stories and opinion pieces related to civic discussions and literacy. There’s a reason for that.  

When I was in elementary school, we learned about the three branches of government and how they offset the powers that the other two hold. Congress/the state legislature/city council, makes the laws or ordinances that need to be upheld using authority granted to them by the electorate. The executive branch, the President/governor/mayor or city manager then works to make things happen as directed by the laws and ordinances. The courts then interpret the law in instances where things are unclear, conflicting or out of compliance with federal and state constitutions.  

It’s a lot more nuanced than that, of course. However, that’s the gist of it. As a journalist, I add in there that the Fourth Estate, the free press codified in the First Amendment, goes forth and keeps an eye on all three branches. The press reports back to the electorate, so folks know what decisions are being made, what laws are enforced properly, who is doing their jobs as proscribed by the people and who are being a bit shady or underhanded in their work.  

Over the course of the last month and a half or so, we’ve dealt with a federal government shutdown, questionable actions by elected officials, and several other challenging issues that high-level understanding helps with, but can get into the nuances of things. We’ve told readers what local, state and national leaders are doing that impacts them. I’m sure we kept a neutral stance and let our communities make up their own minds on whether something was good or bad. If you feel we’ve missed that mark, by all means, shoot me a note at [email protected] and let me know.  

More importantly, I want to point out that each branch of government, even the Fourth Estate, is answerable to the electorate in some way. The reason for that is simple: The people ARE the government in our democracy.  

As such, it’s important to make sure the folks running the government know how they are empowered, how the branches of government work and who to contact if they have a concern – or a compliment – about a government action. We can complain about people in D.C. or Olympia or City Hall all day. However, if something goes too far amiss, I think it’s important to remember that at least a portion of the blame is right in front of our own toes.  

That said, the fight against civic illiteracy is something we should look at in our own homes and communities. If you’re not versed in how civic processes work, spend some time online, participate in a seminar at a local library, go to a city council meeting or two and contact your legislators to ask questions about anything you see is concerning.  

If you feel you’re on solid ground from a civics standpoint, speak with your children and grandchildren to make sure they know how it works. Yes, it is taught in school, but a conversation with your children will show them how important it is to be engaged and understand the processes our country operates on.  

I don’t always agree with our legislators, commissioners, city council members and so forth. As I’ve said before, none of us should always agree with any politician or party platform in full, but I also think it’s important to thank them for serving. Civic service is a challenging thing in the best of times, and it certainly isn’t often that the best of times come around.  

So, thank you to all of our local leaders and state and federal legislators, judges and other leaders that take up that mantle. It’s not an easy job by any stretch. 

That’s another reason to educate the young people on the process, the country runs more smoothly when we have leaders that know how the machine of government runs. 

As always, thank you for your readership and contributions to the communities the Columbia Basin Herald serves. 

R. Hans "Rob" Miller
Managing Editor
Columbia Basin Herald
Basin Business Journal