In a 1969 speech, Richard Nixon coined the term “Silent Majority” to describe what I like to think of as average people: those who don’t wave signs or march in the streets but instead quietly go about their lives, going to work, raising their families, and giving back to their communities. They are, as Lou Zicar recently wrote, watching ESPN and HGTV rather than MSNBC and Fox News. They don’t necessarily care what happens in Washington every day, unless it gets too out of control.
It’s no wonder then that the current debate on raising the debt ceiling has invoked an anger amoung them not seen in a while. In a Washington Post/ ABC News survey, a whopping 80% were “dissatisfied” or “angry” with the way the federal government is working. Two thirds of respondants in a recent USA Today/ Gallup poll said that members of Congress from both parties gave priority to their political interests above the country’s best interests.
Common sense Americans are caught in the middle of the extremes that are dominating this debate, calling for the compromise necessary to avert a financial crisis. Like parents befuddled by the obstinance of a toddler, however, we are frustrated by the fact that they just don’t seem to be listening.
At Raise Your Voice, we recognize that a single voice stands little chance of being heard until it’s combined with others. Only then will the average person be given the power to make a change.
We’re excited about the progress we’ve made on the new website and contact widget. Check them out and sign up for updates. We’re poised to revolutionize the way people talk to government and would love to have you on board.
