by Ed Wheeler

The founders and historic leaders of our country and state favored a nation with a government of the people, by the people and for the people.

To me it seems clear that the lack of civic education in public schools has led to a loss of understanding and commitment to such a government. Globalists from King George the 3rd to George Soros have always fought hard against such a government. In fact, today Marxist, Uniparty, leftist, and humanist actors are terrified that people will restore such a government. They claim to lament the loss of “democracy” but they actually work each day to make sure that ordinary citizens do not regain control of their nation.

The default nature of societies throughout history is slavery. Every generation features a small number of elite characters who believe they should be in charge and the vast majority of people should serve them and their agendas. Our age is no different.

The original leaders of Vermont understood all of the above. They designed an excellent system of state government based on the grass roots involvement of residents of each of the 277 towns in the 14 counties.

Civic responsibility and privilege in the USA and Vermont exist beyond voting. Voting exists in many unfree nations. For example, in the UK there is no primary system. The candidates are chosen by small groups of party leaders. The outstanding feature of America is the ability ordinary people have to participate in choosing the candidates and issues for which to vote.

In Vermont every 2 years each major party sets the stage for the election cycle by organizational town committee meetings. Every registered voter is eligible to participate in these meetings. Because we do not register by party, anyone can choose which town party meeting to be involved with. The gift of these meetings used to be well understood and the biennial meetings were appreciated events that many people took part in. Today, unfortunately and incredibly these meetings are largely ignored and disregarded. This is part of the shift from government by grass roots people to rule by an exclusive few. This process has taken place over many decades but it can be remedied much more quickly.

Every two years every Vermont resident can and should attend and participate in one of the committee reorganization meetings in their town. The time for the next round of these meetings is next month- September! Please urge all of your family and friends to schedule and attend these meetings. Locations, dates and times will be announced soon. If there is no meeting planned for your town, you can call the meeting.

In an odd way I am fascinated but also discouraged by people who are in some respects knowledgeable and engaged but unaware or unappreciative of the town committee system. Activists are frequently starting “grass roots” organizations, associations, coalitions and alliances. Much time, effort and resources go into these groups with little impact on our society. These might help some but it makes no sense to invest in these groups while totally ignoring the original and lawful grass roots system established by our state founders.

Let’s not be like that. Let’s get involved and build new initiatives in the major parties through a return to government of, by and for the people.

The author is a pastor, active Republican, and Middlebury resident.