Plato (428-7 B.C.E) said it best, “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.”

I’m thinking that pretty well describes the present moment. Too many of us are staying home, heads buried in the sand, moaning and groaning, but taking no tangible or meaningful interest in the affairs of government.

John Stuart Mill (1806 – 1873), another great mind said, “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing. He is not a good man who, without a protest, allows wrong to be committed in his name, and with the means which he helps to supply, because he will not trouble himself to use his mind on the subject.”

Cutting to the chase, Eldridge Cleaver (1935-1998) said, ”If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.”

Being busy raising your family, growing your business, focusing on school, personal self-care, and even struggling to pay your bills – are not acceptable excuses to neglect your community and civic responsibility.

Life is hard. I get it.

But we each must carve out some meaningful amount of time to take ownership of our government and responsibility for our global village – or the “rule of fools” will prevail.

The planet is burning. Our drinking water’s polluted. Our food’s been industrialized and our healthcare corporatized. People working full-time jobs live in their cars, others sleep in doorways, and under bridges.

Meanwhile the ultra-wealthy who pull the strings of power and influence, laugh all the way to the bank.

There’re more of us than them. No matter your power, position, or wealth, you still have just one vote at the ballot box.

The people, even those sleeping under the bridge, have the same power as the Elon Musks of the world – but they must wake up and use it.

A people united will never be defeated – El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!

Yes, we absolutely need a political revolution, peaceful and legal of course but a revolution none-the-less. Our status quo political establishment who’ve either been born into, or bought out by, the corporate culture of profits and privilege – must go.

Our voices, our bodies, and our votes are powerful tools and we must use them, at the County Council, the State legislature, and in Congress.

We must speak out and we must show up.

Yes, it means sending out more email to legislators, council-members, and administrators. But to be truly successful – we must step up our game, physically show up, and pack the room (literally and figuratively).

Policy-makers at every level must know we’re serious, informed on the issues, will hold them accountable for their votes, and we are not going away.

A critically important date is the primary election of August 8, 2026. Those serious about supporting positive change in Hawaiʻi must start working today targeting seats, identifying candidates, and organizing campaigns.

Successful candidates must be rooted in the community, with a track record of leadership, and grounded in values that support people and the planet. Some of you reading this sentence at this very moment are that candidate, and you’re scared and hesitant. I understand – been there, done that. But if not you, who?

We can complain and criticize, posture and troll from the sidelines, or ignore it all and hope it goes away.

But nothing’s going to change until we take personal responsibility for our own democracy.

Now go for it.

Gary L. Hooser
8 years – Kaua`i County Council
8 years – Hawai’i State Senate – 4 as Majority Leader
Now…just doing what I can to make our world a better place.