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YOU! HAVE THE POWER | Dr. Ellen Brown

September 23, 2018 by  
Filed under Community

DR. ELLEN BROWN

What’s at stake — and who will sit at the table?

BY DR. ELLEN BROWN

Power. Max Weber defined it as “the ability of an individual or group to achieve their own goals or aims when others are trying to prevent them from realizing them.”

We seek power for varying reasons and objectives. Some are known and others are a little less certain.

Often, we do not follow causes and beliefs simply because we don’t understand the issues and how they affect us personally. This can defeat the purpose of exercising the power we have to achieve our goals or aims.

For most, it is important to live in a safe community with equitable educational facilities for our children and fair and equitable treatment and opportunities for our families. Since access to these rights can be facilitated through elected officials, one of the best exercises of power is identifying and selecting leaders who represent our collective interests.

One who has certainly been part of discussions on power in our communities is Michael Blow — retired Deputy Chief of Police and Chief of Patrol for Prince Georges County, Maryland. He now lives in Las Vegas. Blow, Pastor Carey Conner and daughter Amber Blow recently launched “Straight-No Chaser,” an live internet talk show on www.Spreaker.com — which addresses “hard stuff” conversations trending in America.

According to Chief Blow, those who need your support will make efforts to connect and listen to what you have to say. “Politicians and others pay attention to who is engaged,” he said. “They look at percentages for an area’s voting records.”

In that light, he underscores the need to be a part of the process to attract attention from those who control access to what you want. This includes local and legislative budgets that make a difference in our communities.

How do I use my Power?

On Chief Blow’s July 11 show, “Community Policing in America-Does Everyone feel Protected/Respected?” his podcast team offered these perspectives: “First, community policing should be a philosophy, not a program, and involves everyone working together. Citizens show concern when you are visible. This works toward making public officials, including police, accountable.” Attend court hearings individually or form a concerned group. Know who wants to represent your ward, district, city, county and state offices.

Ask questions and expect answers. You have the power!

Ellen Brown is an affiliate faculty member in the School of Contemporary Liberal Studies at Regis University and a retired associate dean and professor at Davenport University.

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