Beth Wilson, Olalla
Kitsap Sun
Last week, as I watched images of angry citizens storm our Capitol Building, I was horrified and saddened. The Capitol plaza and eastern stairway where the mob gathered and invaded the heart of our democracy are places I have been almost every year for the last 13 years.
I was saddened because those rioting have lost faith in their political power; they felt that their only recourse was violence and hate. They are wrong in so many ways.
For 13 years I have been a volunteer with RESULTS, a national organization that trains and supports citizens to petition our government to bring an end to poverty in the U.S. and worldwide. Through RESULTS I have learned that my voice, used strategically and respectfully, is powerful; much more powerful than those in the angry mob.
Our Senators and our Representative, Derek Kilmer, are good listeners when we bring our concerns based on facts, clearly stated needs and mutual regard for the good intent of each other. We have enormous power as citizens of this great nation, if we are willing to work together, to have positive regard for our elected officials and to operate on the basis of truth.
RESULTS volunteers are advocating for stronger supports for people who have been impacted by the pandemic and the resulting economic devastation and for investments in global health to save millions of lives and to protect our own nation from global disease.
Beth Wilson, Olalla
https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/opinion/readers/2021/01/15/people-still-have-voice-congress/4176592001/