Yesterday was “Session Day” at the State House. What that entails is proposed legislation is brought before the House of Representatives to be voted on or to be “killed” outright (inexpedient to legislate, ITL). Some bills, after passage, go on to either other committees for more work or to the Senate for them to work on, possibly amend. If that happens, the amended bills come back to the House for another vote. Should the Senate pass a bill without making any changes, the bill goes straight to the Governor. 

We had 32 bills to vote on yesterday, one being HB 682 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Michael Harrington R-Strafford. The purpose of this bill is to:
I. Remove the office of offshore wind industry development from the office of energy innovation.

II. Repeal the offshore wind industry workforce training center committee and the offshore and port development commission.

III. Move the grid modernization advisory council and the hydrogen advisory council to the office of energy innovation.

Well, there goes more jobs in the renewables field and clean energy planning. Also, now electricity costs may rise due to possible increase in dependence. Republicans: 204 – Democrats: 163

This is my absolute all-time favorite of the day! HB 368 is a bill sponsored by Rep. Peter Schmidt D-Dover, that was meant to prohibit smoking and e-cigarettes in motor vehicles when a passenger is under 16 years old. Here were the stated pro’s and the con’s:
Pro’s: young children are still developing, deserve a safe and healthy environment even from second-hand smoke. That exposure can cause life-long respiratory damage and other health issues. 
Con’s: this is an infringement on the rights of drivers and/or other smoking adults in the vehicle. They don’t want to see government being able to tell people what they can and cannot do in their own vehicles. 

The bill was “killed” by Republicans: 213 – Democrats: 157

Of course, if you are a female of child bearing age, that thought process goes right out the window! They are happy to have the government crawling all over YOUR rights and womb, telling YOU what you can and cannot do! But once that fetus is born, all bets are off. You and your kid are on your own. Need a good paying job? What? $7.25 an hour isn’t enough? Need affordable housing? Not on a $7.25 an hour income. These lawmakers won’t even pass a bill to allow free or reduced school lunches for low-income families.

Yesterday, NH Life Sciences was presenting a brief program in the cafeteria during the lunch hour. Included was a free lunch. You see where this is going, the lines were out BOTH cafeteria doors with representatives waiting to get their free lunch. I wonder how many of these hypocrits have voted time and time again to deny the same thing to children of low-income households?

Now I’ll end with a “win some.” HB 75 is a proposal to legalize cannabis for people 21 and older. Shockingly it is sponsored by Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kevin Verville R-Deerfield. The pro’s were that this is accessible in all other states surrounding NH, so let’s partake of that lost revenue. It would also allow for anyone convicted of or serving time for any cannabis-related offense to have their conviction or sentence annulled when the law goes into effect. Con’s: none other than “do the bill right” by voting against it. 

The bill passed with 190 votes against Inexpedient to Legislate (killing the bill), with 167 votes in favor of killing the bill. The governor has said she will veto any such legislation, but we take our “wins” where we can!

What’s next? Your local library issuing a subpoena to people who are late in returning a book? 

Anyway, Liberty Alliance member Rep. Bob Lynn R-Windham, (he of the many voter suppression bills) is now looking to give New Hampshire’s Dept. of Education the power to issue subpoenas. HB 520 is a bill meant to “authorize hearing officers of the department of education to issue subpoenas.” 

“XIII.  The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee is authorized to seek subpoenas for persons, and for books, papers, documents and other items for the purpose of carrying out investigations pursuant to the code of conduct for New Hampshire educators, as established by RSA 21-N:9, II(cc)(1).

(a)  In seeking a subpoena, the department shall present the reasons for seeking such subpoena to a hearings officer, who shall issue the subpoena if the hearings officer finds that:

(1)  The subpoena is sought in good faith for the purpose of investigating a violation or possible violation of the educator code of conduct by a certified educator; and

(2)  The information sought by the subpoena appears reasonably likely to be material and relevant to the investigation.”

It goes on. This is how a police state begins. Education Commissioner Frank Edleblut, who has been diligently working to dismantle our public school system, does not need tools to run witch hunts. The American Federation of Teachers-NH strongly oppose this bill, we should, too. 

This bill will be heard on Wed., Feb. 19 at 9:45 am before the House Judiciary Committee. Please oppose this bill.

To submit your position, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

· Fill in your Personal Information

· Select the correct date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select the date].

· In the drop box below "Select the Committee," select committee.

· In the drop box below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

· Select the correct option for the "I am" drop box (likely "Member of the Public").

· Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself only, write "myself."

· Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

· After filling in all the appropriate drop boxes, click “Submit.”

· After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, your town, state, and email address.

 Press “Continue.”

· If you wish to speak during the hearing to present your testimony, you need to attend in person at the State House, but you upload your testimony if you cannot attend.

Let’s do this for the school teachers out there who do not need any more land mines placed in their path! Your activism helps!

In March of last year, I wrote an article about the federal monies coming into New Hampshire through the Infrastructure, Investments and Jobs Act, passed into law by Pres. Biden. Money to be allocated for bridge and road repairs, cleaning up “brownfields,” modernizing airport infrastructure and (among other things) building a statewide network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. 

That’s almost $18 million in federal money the state is to receive for EV charging stations, with another $14 million over the next few years. The Federal Highway Administration has now put a stop to spending federal money on EV charging stations. The Trump “administration” decided to review the program and on Jan. 20, halted billions in funding for the nationwide construction of EV charging stations, already allocated to states through Pres. Biden’s programs. Trump has referred to EV charging station construction as “an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars.”

In the meantime, NH’s $2.8 million National Vehicle Infrastructure Grant program Phase 1 has been put on hold. This had been planned since 2022 and was to begin this summer, after Governor and Executive Council approval. The state was expecting to receive $17.2 million over five years to build more EV charging stations, according to US Dept. of Transportation reports.

Last month, NH was awarded a federal $15 million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant. That too, is on hold as we wait for word or guidance from the federal government. According to federal and state data, NH has the fourth-lowest ratio of public EV charging stations to registered electric vehicles in the nation. 
As an example, here’s a few New England states: 

Ct. – 1,233 charging stations            3,546 charging ports
Mass. – 3,549 charging stations       8,573 charging ports
Me. – 525 charging stations              1,211 charging ports
even little Rhody has more - 338 stations and 794 ports

NH? – 281 charging stations             717 charging ports

These charging stations are essential in supporting EV owners and the transition to clean energy.

Congressional representatives, businesses and tourist officials all across NH viewed this as a way to attract more tourists and folks looking to relocate to our state, thereby increasing the state’s economy. Not to mention all the jobs that would’ve been generated. 

New Hampshire initially applied for the CFI Grant awards in 2023, becoming one of seven states who received their first CFI grant disbursement in January. The grant money was to be used to boost public EV charging station infrastructure throughout the state. The state’s goal was to improve availability to EV charging stations across nine regions and installing 199 more charging ports.

All the good work Pres. Biden did for the country as a whole, is now placed on “hold” by a convicted felon. Elections DO have consequences, some of which are not so good.

But here’s a good note to end on . . .

Earlier in the week, I wrote about some crazy education bills that were in legislative committee hearings. One bill included HB 415, the one about removing requirements for schools to provide menstrual products in restrooms. I can’t help but ask again, who DOES that to young girls? 

Anyway, due to online activism 1,702 people opposed this bill with only 23 supporting it! (Who ARE these mean people?) The House Education Policy and Administration Committee ended up voting unanimously against it! A good win for activism! 

So, let’s continue to take a few moments when the opportunity arises and express YOUR opinion!

I realize many of today’s parents have different ideas and feelings about vaccinating their children. So, if you are against childhood vaccinations, this may not be the article for you.

That said, there are some bills lurking on the horizon that are meant to destroy childhood vaccination requirements. As of this writing there are 89.2% kindergarteners up to date on all required vaccinations, according to the state’s health department. To prevent outbreaks of highly infectious diseases, that number should be about 95%.

The state purchases vaccines for children through the NH Vaccine Association, then provides them to doctors free of charge. This is done through federal funds and payments from insurers, estimated to annually be about $24 million. Doctors are then able to vaccinate pediatric patients for free. That’s what the Association does, collect money and fund children’s vaccinations.

Proposed legislation HB 524, is looking to repeal that. The sponsor is Liberty Alliance member Rep. Michael Granger R-Milton and his bill is to repeal the NH Vaccine Association. He claims it will save taxpayers money. Speaking in favor of the bill was anti-vaccine activist, Laura Condon, NH’s director of advocacy for The National Vaccine Information Center, a nonprofit advocacy organization that believes vaccines cause autism.

There is much push back on this from the medical community, the worry being more obstacles for vaccines resulting in health risks for children. According to the state’s health department, costs would rise if the program were repealed. Additionally, the state would have to spend an estimated extra $100,000 a year to purchase vaccines for disaster relief efforts and any outbreaks. 

The state would still be able to purchase vaccines for uninsured children and those covered by Medicaid using federal funds. However, children covered by private insurance are out of luck.

This flies in the face of the governor’s recent budget speech about “belt-tightening.”

Another bill is HB 664, sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Yuri Polozov R-Hooksett. “This bill provides that childhood immunization requirements shall not require a vaccine that has not been tested with an inert placebo in clinical trials.” 
Huh?

HB 679 “provides that no childhood immunization requirement shall require a vaccine that has not been shown in clinical trials to prevent transmission of any disease.” Most vaccines do not prevent transmission, they do however, help to lessen symptoms and in some cases prevent death. This bill is coming from Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kelley Potenza R-Rochester. 

These bills are still in the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee. If you want to register your opposition or support, the Chairman is Liberty Alliance member Rep. Wayne MacDonald R-Londonderry. elephantsmarching@msn.com
The vice-chair is Rep. Lisa Mazur R-Weare. Lisa.Mazur@gc.nh.gov

This is one way to be an activist and express your opinion!

This time it’s college students the Republican Party is targeting. Let’s do all we can to thwart that. Here’s the “Call to Action” details, the following three bills are in public hearings on Tues. Feb. 11th. The Committee is House Election Law. 

HB 289 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and Young Americans for Liberty (YAL) member Rep. Robert Wherry R-Hudson, would prevent voters from claiming their domicile in New Hampshire if they are a dependent of someone who resides in another state and limit student voting in NH to only those who meet the new domicile definition and have residency as defined by the university system of NH. 

Why this is important:

• Domicile means where you live and engage in civic life. This bill adds another unrelated qualification based on where other family members live, not the voter themselves.
• A voter who is qualified and lives in NH has the right to vote here. Adding more requirements related to residency as defined by the university system would take away the right to vote for qualified NH voters. 
• There is no method for identifying if a person is a dependent of someone else for tax purposes when they register to vote, and the bill is unclear about who may fall under this category.

Click here to oppose this bill! (This is done the same way as you have been, supporting or opposing previous bills.) 

HB 684 sponsored by Liberty Alliance and YAL member Rep. Kelley Potenza R-Rochester, would narrow the number of acceptable forms of identity for voters, removing student IDs.

Why this is important:

Voters who are 18, US citizens, and live in NH have the right to vote here and are asked (as we all are) to prove their identity when they do so. By limiting the acceptable types of IDs, eligible voters will be turned away solely because they don’t have the “right” documents, even when they can prove who they are and that they are eligible. 

Click here to oppose this bill!

HB 323 sponsored by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Don McFarlane R-Orange, this bill is similar to HB 684 as it also would narrow the number of acceptable forms of identity for voters, removing student IDs and government IDs issued by states other than NH. 

Why this is important:

• Same as above, voters who are 18, US citizens, and live in NH have the right to vote here and are asked to prove their identity (as we all are) when they do so. By limiting the acceptable types of IDs, eligible voters will be turned away solely because they don’t have the “right” documents, even when they can prove who they are and that they are eligible. 

Click here to oppose this bill!

Thank you for being an active part of our democracy.

Here we go again! Public education is back in the cross-hairs! Did it ever really leave? Another “call to action”, there will be plenty of these coming up this session and we need EVERYONE’S voice! 

HB 283 is being heard Mon. Feb. 10th at 1:30 pm before the House Education Policy and Administration Committee. HB 283 is a re-hash of a bill that was defeated a few years ago but has been dusted off and taken out again. Now they want to cut required educational programs at public schools to the bare bones limiting them to the core subjects of English, history, math and science. Music, art, physical education, and other subjects are bound for the chopping block. Sadly, many districts struggle financially, this will be their reality as it further exacerbates the difference in quality of education by zip code problems that New Hampshire currently suffers from. All students deserve a quality, well-rounded education, not just some children. This bill attempts to remove the definition of an adequate education, allowing the state to further evade its responsibility to properly fund public schools. This bill is sponsored by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Dan McGuire R-Epsom. 

Here's a stupid one proposed by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Katy Peternel R-Wolfeboro that should be vehemently opposed. HB 415 would remove requirements for schools to provide menstrual products in restrooms. Would that be for public schools only? And who does that to young girls? This one is up for a hearing on Wed. Feb. 12th before the House Education Policy and Administration Committee. Please be sure to oppose this nonsense. 
Action Needed: Contact the House Education Policy and Administration Committee and register your opposition. Click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

SB 295 is a universal school voucher bill being heard in the Senate Education Finance Committee on Wed., Feb. 12th at 3:20 pm. Vouchers are an unaccountable, second education system that takes public money and gives it to private schools and companies, all while we continue to starve our local neighborhood public schools of desperately needed resources. (Refer to paragraph above.) Universal school vouchers would go to any family, even millionaires, and will likely cost an additional $100 million each year in State spending on unaccountable private education placements. Anti-public education extremist politicians are looking to give our tax dollars to the ultra-wealthy instead of supporting public schools. As they have been doing since Frank Edleblut was appointed Education Commissioner. This bill is sponsored by Free Stater Sen. Victoria Sullivan R-Manchester.
Action Needed: Help to protect public education. Click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A SENATE COMMITTEE HERE.

To submit your position to a House Committee, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

· Fill in your Personal Information

· Select the correct date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select date].

· In the dropbox below "Select the Committee," select committee.

· In the dropbox below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

· Select the correct option for the "I am" dropbox (likely "Member of the Public").

· Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself, write "myself."

· Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

· After filling in all appropriate dropboxes, click “Submit.”

After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, your town, state, and email address.

· Press “Continue.”

· If you wish to speak during the hearing to present testimony, you need to attend in person at the State House, but you upload your testimony if you cannot attend.

Thank you for speaking up for those who are to young to do so right now.

Yesterday saw the first voting session on proposed legislation in Concord. Some of those bills had to do with climate change and extreme weather. As usual, the deniers were nearly tripping over themselves as one after the other were urging us to vote against addressing the very real threat of extreme weather the state (the globe) has been witnessing for many years now. Even the Chairman of the Science, Technology and Energy Committee, Liberty Alliance member, Michael Vose (R-Epping) got up and spoke against the bills. As an aside, this was Rep. Vose’s response to the Citizens Count 2024 survey before the recent election, “Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change? "NH can do nothing to address climate change, which needs worldwide attention" In other words, why bother?

Here are some examples:

HB 106, establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of NH and the best means of recouping such costs. The Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate” (translation – a term used in legislative contexts to indicate that a bill should not proceed further.) The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.” 

The vote against ITL passed, 207-149, but failed when voted on “ought to pass.” So much for having a commission to study the financial risks and finding sensible means to pay for adaptability. Since 2011, NH has seen a higher than average rate of extreme weather events which are now resulting in turning to the federal government for assistance. So, why bother?

HB 306, establishing a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on NH’s citizens, businesses, institutions and environment. Again, the Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate.” The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.” Let’s be clear, the bill didn’t set up carbon pricing, it was to begin a commission to study the economic impacts. This was to assist NH in preparing for economic impacts from regional and global energy markets. All other North American countries are now pricing carbon. The Republicans “tabled” it, essentially killed the bill. 

HB 526-FN, establishing a climate change and damage division in the department of environmental services. Again, the Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate.” The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.” This bill was meant to take a proactive, data-driven approach to climate adaptation. Promoting science-based policy, public participation and funding for sustainable practices, NH would then find itself prepared for climate challenges and become a leader in resilience. The “why bother” Republicans tabled (killed) the bill.

Until NH can get more legislators in office who are conscious of the real threat that extreme weather and climate change brings to all of us, we’ll continue to see the “why bother”, do nothing attitude of the deniers. 

Let’s read that again; the “Stalkers Empowerment Act.” Who in their right mind would want to empower a stalker? I’ll give you one guess . . .

This Fri., Feb. 7, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing on HB700, relative to orders of protection. This bill will make dangerous and unnecessary changes to New Hampshire's Stalking Statute, RSA 633:3-a. The “Stalkers’ Empowerment Act” will make it harder for the courts to remove deadly weapons from dangerous stalkers. It also adds language to NH’s stalking law that questions the credibility of victims. What could possibly go wrong?

Legislators need to prioritize policies that protect the public, not ones that make it easier for stalkers to terrorize and kill their victims.

Nationally, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men are stalked during their lifetimes, the majority of victims experience physical threats to their safety. In NH, hundreds of stalking victims access vital services every year through 12 community-based crisis centers in the state. 

Stalking victims already face enough barriers to seeking relief and protection through the courts. Nearly all victims in NH are self-represented in protective order cases and may not know how to navigate the judicial process. Barriers to protection should be removed, not increased.

HB700 creates additional challenges for victims by sending the message that they somehow shouldn't be believed at a time when they may already fear retaliation from their abuser for coming forward. All forms of stalking are dangerous and traumatizing.

• Additionally, this bill makes the assumption that victims who are stalked by a neighbor or stranger are in less danger.
• 1 in 5 stalkers use a deadly weapon to threaten their victim, and perpetrators use various tactics to stalk their victims, often changing their strategies in response to new restrictions such as protective orders.
• Many stalkers also target people known to the victim, placing family, friends, coworkers, and community members at risk of violence.

This bill ties the hands of judges to keep victims safe. Under current law, judges have discretion when granting the removal of firearms and deadly weapons. This bill significantly raises the standard for how judges can make that determination, limiting their ability to adequately protect victims and grant life-saving relief.

Stalkers should not be empowered; legislators should not help to enable them; victims need to be protected.

To register your opposition to HB 700, follow the instructions below. Be sure to register your opposition before the hearing on Friday! 

Use this link and follow these simple steps:

1. Click February 7 on the calendar.

2. Select "House Criminal Justice and Public Safety" in the committee drop-down list.

3. Choose 11:30am - HB700 from the "bill" drop-down list.

4. Select "Member of the Public" under the "I am" drop-down list.

5. Type "Myself" in the "I am representing" section.

6. Finally, select "I oppose this bill" and then click "continue." This will lead you to a page where you can complete the registration process, (name, address, etc.)

Thank you for taking a few moments to speak up in defense of stalking victims.

Upcoming vote:

HB 60, relative to the termination of tenancy at the expiration of the tenancy or lease term. This forced eviction bill would harm tenants and increase homelessness in a state already experiencing high housing costs and low housing availability. The full House will vote on this bill on Thurs., Feb. 6 at 10 AM. Please urge your Representatives to oppose this misguided bill.

Upcoming hearings:

Wednesday, February 5
HB 392-FN, directing the dissolution of the Dept. of Health and Human services’ office of health equity, dept. of environmental services’ functions for civil rights and environmental justice, and the governor’s council on diversity and inclusion. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committee, LOB Room 210-211 on Wed., Feb. 5 at 9:30 AM. To contact the committee, use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to oppose and share testimony.

Thursday, February 6
SB 255, establishing and developing crisis stabilization services. This bill would expand needed mental health crisis services in NH. It is scheduled for a public hearing in the Senate Health & Human Services Committee, LOB Room 101, on Thurs., Feb. 6 at 11 AM. Please contact the committee; you can use this link to copy and paste their emails. And sign in to support and share testimony.

To submit your position to a House Committee, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A HOUSE COMMITTEE HERE.

To submit your position to a Senate Committee, click SUBMIT YOUR POSITION TO A SENATE COMMITTEE HERE.

Directions for registering your position on a bill.

·  Fill in your Personal Information

·  Select the correct date and committee for the hearing by clicking on it in the Meeting Schedule Calendar (make sure you are on the right week!). [Select Bill # and select the date].

·  In the dropbox below "Select the Committee," select committee.

·  In the dropbox below "Choose the Bill," select the correct time and bill number.

·  Select the correct option for the "I am" dropbox (likely "Member of the Public").

·  Fill in the content box under "I'm Representing" with the business, organization, or group you are representing. If you are representing yourself only, write "myself."

·  Under the “Indicate Your Position on this Bill,” check the circle stating your position on the bill. “I Oppose this Bill” or “I Support this Bill”

·  After filling in all the correct dropboxes, click “Submit.”

·  After clicking submit, you will be brought to the next page, where you will fill in the content boxes with your first and last name, your town, state, and email address.

·  Press “Continue.”

·  If you wish to speak during the hearing to present your testimony, you need to attend in person at the State House.

·  If you wish to submit testimony on the bill, email the relevant committee and upload the testimony file from your computer.

Thank you for being diligent during this extremely challenging legislative session. Let’s do all we can to preserve our democracy.

Together, we win and can move towards a better future.

The American way of life is rooted in self-reliance.  Most everything we do is oriented towards creating means and opportunity for individuals to be on their own.  Job programs create income opportunities.  Housing programs improve affordability for independent living. Our primary schooling system – the idea that everyone should be instructed in tools for living – is oriented to enabling the individual.  Persons may join in marriage or other living arrangements for economic benefit.  Some go into communal living.  For the vast majority, we expect them to become self-sustaining. 

When we believe are successful at being self-sustaining, it becomes easy to believe that the affairs of the world, the nation, the state, the city have little impact on our lives. Nonsense from government comes and goes, politicians postulate and obfuscate, laws change, but for the most part the self-reliant individual believes they are not affected.  Prices may go up and down, availability of services may come and go, but the average citizen is more concerned with their own family, educating their children, potholes in the street, and reliability of utilities.  For most everything else the average citizen believes they will take care of themselves. 

This of course is untrue, as we rely on interconnected society to provide all the means of our life. Even for folk who live disconnected and off the grid, the machinery to do so comes from somewhere.

With peaceful conditions, it is easy to believe that individuals can ignore and withdraw from political affairs.  Folks tend to keep their heads down and go about their own self-reliance business. They may still vote, but since our votes are often binary choices, there’s still little that really impacts many. 

Is this a reasonable way to live?  Let those who are concerned set the directions and solve the problems, I will adapt.  Would that that was true. 

We have today stark examples of what happens when citizens do not take responsibility.  The suffering in Gaza can be blamed on Hamas, or on Israel, and with all the stories of horror it is easy to condemn either, or both.  But it is a clear example of how the ordinary folk pay the price for the misbehavior of their government.  Hamas conducted unspeakable terrorist acts on October 7.  The severe response from Israel was expected and likely welcomed by Hamas leadership.  But who suffers?  According to the United Nations, 1.9 million persons have been displaced in Gaza, many multiple times.  Along with the Gazans, the Israelis killed, injured or taken hostage and the state of Israel as a whole has suffered. And alas, although Hamas is severely impacted, it still exists and shows strength. 

Who pays the price for political leaders’ aberrations?  Germans looked away during the rise of Nazi Germany.  Japanese followed the myth of their emperor.  Both countries and civilian populations consequently suffered death and destruction previously conceived as unbelievable.  Neither of these populations conceived of what the cost would be for blindly following their “leaders”. 

This is not victim blaming. Hamas is more like a criminal terrorist group that victimized the population, but who suffers their behavior? It was of course not easy for individuals to speak out against Hamas, and that is an understatement, given the culture of assassination.  Rather, the population allowed Hamas to distract with hatred for Israel. 

Right now, the same thing is happening in Rwanda, the Congo and Ethiopia.  Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank, are in similar situations, indeed even our southern border is in the same situation to some extent.  And who suffers?  The self-reliant, politically agnostic individual takes the hit. When suspicion and hatred and vengeance are mixed in, a cycle begins that is virtually impossible to break.

The lesson is that not engaging with our political system is to give it over to groups that will impose their will, with others suffering the consequences.  Since we live in an interconnected society we are all impacted by those we select as leaders.  If left ignored, leaders will inevitably go bad:  as Lord Acton stated in the 19th Century, 

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority….”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Dalberg-Acton,_1st_Baron_Acton

We are learning this lesson anew in this country today.  The demise of the past Democratic administration clearly demonstrated how good can go bad.  The door has been opened for an authoritative oligarchy which is already pressing the levers of presidential power to stress and strain our established institutions. Firing Inspectors General?  Firing federal prosecutors who are not aligned with the adminstration’s political goals?  Were not these positions non-partisan?  If they behaved in partisan activities, then truly they should be brought to heel.  Sweeping removals are however more intended to destroy the institutions rather than reform them.  Trust in the institutions is all too easily undermined just by these vacuous threats.

James Baldwin pointed out that “Your institutions will not save you”.  If we love America, we must continually reform our institutions.  If we just destroy them, as the “Appeal to Heaven’ movement would have, the individual is most likely to be punished.