How can we get more people politically active and less complacent?

Answer 1

You ask a question that hits the very essence of what Jesus was about...revolution. Cultural, social, spiritual, political and in every other way possible. Too bad we've turned it into something else.
The historically "black" churches understand Christianity's social heartbeat better than the "white" churches do.
MLK II said "our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
The way to bring positive change, i.e. progress, is to change hearts. Those who have influence over the masses, from preachers to media, have a responsibility to use their influence for the common good, so as to build consensus among the governed. Without significant change in social consciousness, change is almost impossible.
It boils down to personal relationships. What are you and I doing to counteract the complacency and apathy we encounter in those around us, and in ourselves, every day?
I am afraid the most important questions, often do not have answers...they just raise more questions and it is right that they do. 1. the answer is not philosophical in nature and 2. it takes community and conversation to develope solutions. Questions solicit dialogue and that's always a good thing.

Answer 2

Honestly, I don't think there is a way to do so the way our government works. When you get down to it, most people have no more political power/influence than their one vote. And unless they are part of the majority, their vote counts for nothing. If we did away with the Electoral College, it would at least give the people the perception their vote was more meaningful. But even if you want people to write letters to their elected officials, those letters are usually read by staffers and, again, won't have much influence unless they are part of a majority - or at least a vocal minority. Furthermore, I think the average American honestly believes that one politician really isn't any different from the next. And really, politicians have to play the game if they want to achieve anything because one person on their own just can't accomplish anything (unless they are a Governor or the President).

Getting people to be active in their community is easier. You just have to show them that their participation can make a difference. Whether it's volunteering at an animal shelter or a kid's program or something else, people are more likely to get involved if they can actually see a tangible result of their efforts.

Answer 3

You can't. This is a free country and people have as much right to be complacent as you have to be politically active. Until the day comes when they see something in it for them, people will remain complacent. That's the way it is now and how it has always been. Good luck with that!

Answer 4

It is human nature to ignore politics. This is true all over the world. Most people don't give a flip what goes on as long as they are left alone. When someone is affected on a personal level, they are more likely to take action.

The only way to make people more active is to demonstrate the things that government does to affect their lives. Voting is a self defense mechanism. You need to invoke it.

Answer 5

I write a weekly news letter that I started four years ago and it comes out once a week. I would guess with out counting that 85% to 90% are about voting and your need to be in touch with your congress person. I make sure that they understand that congress is there for us, and that they are not royalty as they think of themselves. I insure hm that the congress will either listen or if they don't listen to you to write to the Local news paper and post a letter in Letters to the editor. I tell them if they feel that they lack the skills to write what hey are wanting to say to speak wit the editor and tell him what you want to say. Also they are told that they can post the information on line in one of the many blogs

the real answer is to write , write , write and force the lame congress to be responsive or remove them. No congress person wants negative press, they will start to do your bidding or vote them out of office, and bad press will help you with that, EVERY CONGRESS PERSON KNOWS THIS and will be very glad that you have brough them a problem to take care of.

I keep telling them that the congress works for you and me not the other way around.

Answer 6

By reversing the changes Bush Sr did to television in the 80s. He removed the requirements in news and television where they had to broadcast x % of the time to political issues.

I'm saying education and awareness... being informed.

Answer 7

People should exercise the right to vote,
Join political parties and stand on issues, and
People empowerment.

Answer 8

Once they start realizing that politics can affect them personally!

Answer 9

you can't mainly. but you can influence them as to that
their vote counts. honestly, it's all bull. i don't vote because
you have the electoral (rich vote/ republican) and the popular
vote. although bush won the electoral vote kerry won the popular vote. technically kerry should have been president. now people
are dead in iraq because of a pot head president who went awol
in his navy days who is assisted by a fool who got shot in the
face. you just can't win.

Answer 10

by offering them bribes.