When was the last time you blamed someone for something you did? I can imagine that you didn’t have to think long because we do this daily. Now add the last person you voted for to that question.
We often get impatient with elected officials because we don’t know everything that they’re doing. I’ve noticed that some of our political figures don’t have time to explain all the facts to their constituents.
Maybe this is our fault as registered voters and residents of the City of St. Louis, because we haven’t asked enough questions from the beginning. Either way we find ourselves between small cracks in the wall because we don’t stand up for what we truly believe in.
Living in the city we find ourselves always complaining about something that we could change ourselves. We live in a country that allows freedom of speech, yet we don’t take advantage of the opportunity. We often squander our chance to do so by hiding behind others.
When asked about the needs of the community, address your concern up front. Asking questions is our right and we need to regain control of what is ours. We have major influence on the progress of the city with our special voice which is called a vote.
It’s not the fault of elected officials that they can’t please everyone who personally voted for them, but we need to take a stand. We as residents need to take control of what is most important to us. Everyone has something that’s precious to them that could be motivation to make our communities stronger. Focusing on areas like, young children, teens, senior citizens, crime prevention or safety can take us further, if we start now.
I’m asking that you hold yourself accountable for your actions. When you have one person or a group of people who stop blaming others for their problems, that’s when we will see change.
So the next time there’s a problem on your street, there isn’t a need for you to get upset. Let your voice be heard. Take ownership of what’s yours. We must collectively promote change. This could turn our city around.
Ciera Simril is a University of Missouri – St. Louis student and St. Louis American intern.
I’m asking that you hold yourself accountable for your actions.
