Election years are always rough. Especially after such a divine and nasty cycle, all Americans deserve a better year — regardless of who they voted for. It was a tough year, 2016. Even as the clock ran out on the year, two celebrity deaths and foreign policy drama between President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump rattled the country.
That’s just a smattering of events from the last week of the year.
The fact is Americans can do better. This next year needs to be better. It’s going to be an uphill battle for sure, but it’s important the battle is fought.
Regardless of political party affiliation, the government needs to be held accountable. These elected officials are in Washington D.C. to represent their area’s needs and interests. Communication is one way to remind officials of this. Call them. Write emails or even letters — like snail-mail letters with stamps.
If representatives are missing a major issue, tell them. They’re busy people, and spending time in the U.S. Capitol leaves them less time visiting constituents.
National government isn’t the only place the people can make a difference. State and local government are probably the best way to initiate change in a community.
One of the best ways to hold government accountable is to support local journalism. It’s journalists who attend city council meetings and keep a close eye on governmental operations. Often, it’s journalists that find budget discrepancies and abuse of power situations.
As the world of journalism shifts, newsrooms are shrinking. There aren’t enough reporters to cover everything and things are slipping through the cracks. Buying a subscription to a local or regional news site gives readers local, regional and national news. The Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News cover the Palouse and the Spokesman-Review has a large selection of regional and national stories. The Spokesman also provides coverage of the Idaho Legislature.
Hold journalists accountable when mistakes are made, or major topics aren’t being covered — much like the government. But it’s not all about government. Americans need to start putting the needs of others at a higher priority. The holidays are a popular time for giving back, even though being charitable is a year-round activity.
Some people don’t have a lot to give. I know there’s not much spending money hanging out in my bank accounts. Amazon Smile, a charity program through Amazon, donates 0.5 percent of any eligible purchases to the charity of one’s choice. Amazon Smile has the same products as Amazon.com.
There are international, national, regional and even some local programs on Amazon Smile. It may be a small percentage donated, but it’s better than nothing. It’s one of the easiest ways I’ve found to provide monetary support to causes I care about.
Direct donations are always an option. Bringing reusable bags to the Moscow Food Co-op will give customers a few cents back on purchases, which can be donated to local programs the Co-op runs.
As a college student, most of my free time is spent sleeping or relaxing. Taking an hour to three a week to volunteer with local organizations can make a world of difference. Goodwill, Salvation Army and the Hope Center are always accepting donations of all kinds. Take a weekend and clean out the storage closet, then bring in unused items and ill-fitting clothing.
If money, time or donations aren’t an option, hold the door open, shovel a neighbor’s snow or help someone with their groceries.
Celebrity deaths can be upsetting. I was shocked and very sad to hear of Carrie Fisher’s passing Dec. 27. A great way to pay homage to some of these stars is to continue their life’s work. Fisher spoke candidly about her struggles with drugs and mental illness. Having honest conversations about mental illness and de-stigmatizing conditions in 2017 would be a great way to honor her memory.
Let’s resolve, as a community, to make the little changes. It’s the little things that initiate change and will improve everyone’s years.
Tess Fox can be reached at [email protected]