Jody Nishman: Our democracy needs us

The April 19 letter [“McGovern’s complacency a reflection of our failing system”] had a lot of complaints regarding U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, and his alleged inaction resisting Trump and his transgressions. The letter was full of criticism, hand-wringing and attacks, but devoid of any constructive ideas. The writer believes Mr. McGovern isn’t doing enough.

I have been following the news closely, and I think that under the current circumstances, Mr. McGovern’s record is admirable. He tirelessly works to publicly call out Republican fecklessness, meet with constituents, and post legislation. But becoming a member of Congress doesn’t bestow him with magical powers. Unfortunately, Trump and his ilk currently have majorities in every branch of the federal government. Any congressman in the minority party has only limited power.

The letter ends with the following: “The game has been rigged, yet you still expect my generation to play?” So, the letter writer entertains quitting, but McGovern isn’t doing enough? It’s not a game. It’s a system of governance; one that only works if enough ordinary people participate, by voting, by organizing, and by making their voices heard. When too many people decide not to participate, the more engaged minority prevails. If you choose not to participate therefore, you may live to regret it.

I believe the only way out of this mess is a large-scale uprising of ordinary citizens. We may not succeed in turning the ship around, but we are sure to fail if we don’t try. And the antidote to despair is action.

Jody Nishman

Haydenville