Lessons from Tangle: Local Government, Real Democracy
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📰 Lessons from Tangle: Local Government, Real Democracy
In the July 20, 2025 edition of Tangle ↗ — a nonpartisan daily newsletter that explores the day’s biggest issues from multiple perspectives — readers were asked a compelling question:
“How does your local government compare to the federal government?”
Among the responses, one voice stood out. John from Beaufort, North Carolina shared his experience, and his words brought both clarity and inspiration:
John’s Story from Beaufort, NC 🌊
"Where I live, I find that our county and town politicians are not only accessible but they are honest and forthright people, as far as I can tell. If I have a question for the mayor of Beaufort, she gracefully responds and directs me to the person in town government who can elaborate. The town police hold 'Breakfast with the Chief' meetings to talk about whatever the citizens would like to talk about.
At the county level, all commissioner meetings are televised and open to the public. We all have a chance at certain times to ask the board questions or present issues of perceived importance. Our sheriff is always open to comments and questions, knowing that many citizens are the backups to his force — we all try to keep people safe and secure.
So my opinion of where I live in Coastal North Carolina is that my local government officials try to stay ahead of new or negative elements and truly love this place where we live. There’s good reason they call it the Crystal Coast — and our local government is a big part of why it’s a great place to live."
A Call to Participation 🗳️
John didn’t stop there. He followed up with a question of his own — one that resonated deeply with me:
“Do you realize that your participation counts? When our Founding Fathers incorporated the Bill of Rights into our Constitution, I believe they expected the people to participate in something as simple as voting for those who would serve the people. As it has been said many times: ‘Freedom is not free.’ It is the people’s duty to participate if they expect to maintain their freedoms.”
John’s reflections are more than just a personal story — they’re a reminder of something we often forget: local democracy can be real, alive, and sometimes thriving. But we have to participate. It is a duty.
Civic Roots Merch x John 👕
His words inspired the next design from Civic Roots Merch — our venture rooted in the belief that what we wear can reflect what we believe.
So, this one’s for John:
“Freedom is not free.
It is the people’s duty to participate if they expect to maintain their freedoms.”
— John, Beaufort, NC
We hope this message — printed simply and cleanly on a shirt — reaches others who care deeply about civic responsibility, local engagement, and democratic hope.
Your Turn 🌍
Wherever you live, may you find — or build — a local culture that reflects this same spirit.
- Read the full story in Tangle ↗.
- Subscribe to Tangle’s free newsletter ↗.
- Or explore the Civic Roots Merch shop for more ways to spark civic conversation and action.
Thanks for stepping into civic renewal with me.
Vendoni