Liberty (Rights) and Responsibility go hand in hand. In Democracy, both are equally important � you cannot have one without the other. One without the other desecrates democracy.
The dictionary explains �Democracy� thus:
1. Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.
2. The common people, considered as the primary source of political power.
3. Majority rule.
4. The principles of social equality and respect for the individual within a community.
The seed you plant is the fruit you reap: Your vote is your seed. The Government you choose is the governance you get. You as common people are the primary source that provides the political power to your elected representatives that govern you.
Never forget that: to vote is your right. Your vote, by and large, becomes the deciding factor that impacts the way you�d like to shape your future and, in that, the future of your family, your children and your neighbourhood.
As Goans, we are complacent, and complacency is a deadly enemy of democracy. �Choice� and �change� are essentials for a vibrant democracy. You may be one, but you can still choose. You are one, but you can still be the change.
What change can you effect? What difference can you make in your State?
Mahatma Gandhi said: "In a gentle way you can shake the world." Here are some related thoughts:
* Know that all significant change throughout history has happened not because of nations, governments or armies. They occurred because of courage, commitment and determination of individuals � people like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the list goes on. They were all instruments of �change.� They may have not done it alone, but they were, unquestionably, the change makers.
* Recognize that everything you do, every step (or action) you take, every sentence you write, every word you speak or DO NOT speak � counts. Nothing is trivial, miniscule or insignificant -� everything matters.
* Believe that you can make a difference. You as a unique person have potential and purpose in this world. To ensure the change you want to see around you, you don�t have to be loud. Don�t have to be a powerful person. You don�t have to be elected; don�t have to be eloquent, particularly smart or highly educated. You, however, have to be �committed�. Be committed � make a difference.
* Be Aware: Change stems from awareness and acknowledgement. Often we aren�t aware of what�s wrong or not working, and importantly we cannot change what we don�t acknowledge. When we become aware and acknowledge, a problem or a deficiency -- we begin the process of change.
* Take personal responsibility. Never think that "it's not my job" or �what difference can I make � I am only one person.� Many significant things have been left undone because people relinquished their responsibility for someone else to do things. Remember this: "If it's to be, it's up to me."
With the choice to change, we are given the chance to turn today's pains into tomorrow's gains. What value do you place on your vote, this election? Want to secure your Liberty -- take personal responsibility �- go vote!
Best wishes,
Joe Vaz
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