[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”http://tricityvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/TCV-Search.png” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.9.6″ animation_style=”fade” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”4″ _builder_version=”3.14″ height=”0px”]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.14.8″ z_index_tablet=”500″ hover_enabled=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_vertical_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ link_text_shadow_blur_strength=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ul_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ul_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_vertical_length=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ ol_text_shadow_blur_strength=”ol_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_vertical_length=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ quote_text_shadow_blur_strength=”quote_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_2_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_3_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_4_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_5_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength=”header_6_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″]
Julius Caesar didn’t listen to multiple warnings and, in 44 BC, paid with his life. The oracle, Spurinna, warned him that his rule of Rome was in trouble, culminating in a crisis at the midpoint or “Ides” of March. As a despot, Caesar simply did what he desired with little regard for the will of the Roman Senate. This unbridled power was his fatal stimulant and ultimate demise.
Pursuit of power, prestige and accompanying accoutrements can overwhelm decency and common sense. Currently obvious on the international stage by the actions of a Russian dictator, it is also a dangerous precipice at other levels as well. March marks the beginning of the 2022 primary season in the United States as candidates for political office begin to officially file paperwork of their intention.
While the landscape is yet to be littered with campaign signs and slogans, a foundation for upcoming campaigns is in full swing. Even though some citizens view political shenanigans as the province of a few rabid, shifty-eyed politicians who line their pockets with taxpayer funds and live in an alternate reality, the result of voter negligence can be devastating for everyone regardless of preference or politics.
If there is a primary lesson to be learned from the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, it is that there is little room for error when confronted with threats to democracy. The result of indifference and neglect is excessive corruption of systems designed to protect the populace. When taken to extremes, lives are at stake and wholesale suppression of freedom prevails. This is the possible fate in Europe (again!) even after two horrific world wars.
In light of the current international conflict, many seek practical methods to aid what is acknowledged as a struggle for democracy and self-determination. Direct support through contributions – monetary and material – are certainly an option and welcome. However, on the home front, something more basic is called for. One of the most visible and defiant strategies to combat dictatorial rule is education and participation of the electorate. In an atmosphere of respect and care of a democratic process, autocrats are forced to hide and fade. Full and active voter participation is the greatest defense of democracy.
Following the death of Caesar, the Roman Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire that presaged an extended period of peace and prosperity. Let’s hope that the conclusion of strife in Europe results in a similar extended peaceful coexistence for the world community. In the meantime, as our part to assure continued maintenance of a free society, those eligible to vote should feel obligated and honored to exercise that privilege.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
