I realize this song is based on relationships, but there is an underlying current in the lyrics that can easily be applied to candidates running for office (actually, and most other things), and not necessarily in selecting a president but all types of individuals running for various offices, senate, congress, local cabinet positions, etc.
Follow along as I explain how some of the lyrics apply to what I’m relaying here, especially in light of the shared CLIMATE EMERGENCY.
A big thanks to the Whispers as I did receive your reply on Instagram (on my previous Instagram account, I have a new one now, find the link at about.me/tito235), when I shared this post (updated now) a few years ago.
Let’s begin:
Whisper’s Lyric: “They just might be just a shadow of the person they’re supposed to be.” – Whispers
Everything casts a shadow if there is light to project it. Choosing a political figure to represent you as a constituent can be difficult as some of these people are running for office for various reasons, even to promote diverse ideologies, without considering the diversity of concerns of their potential future constituents. Make sure you vote for a person who is not running for their own goals, but for those of the people they represent. Do they cast a shadow from light or from shady practices?
Whisper’s Lyric: “Don’t choose too fast, don’t judge a book by its cover” – Whispers
When we choose a book, a family doctor, a restaurant, etc., we should always read the reviews, comments, and research information first before spending our hard-earned money. It’s the same thing in relationships (being cautious of getting involved with someone toxic or immature) and selecting political leaders as well – how noxious are they and how much do they really care. Research where the person running for office has their priorities set – one can judge this book before even opening it – hence people’s character and integrity usually precede them, so find it.
Whisper’s Lyric: There is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide from what you really are inside. You never gain from telling lies, the truth wears no disguise.
This is one of my favorite quotes from this song, and it literally applies to everyone, from those running for office to those trying to establish a relationship with someone of interest, and the people we meet in our daily activities.
Dealing with someone who is so grounded in lying rather than honesty can be very dangerous to say the least, as it is the root of misinformation, disinformation, and even hurtful misrepresentation.
When you deal with honest and caring people, you are also dealing with sincerity, compassion, empathy, and ardor to be helpful. There is no need to hide when you are honest, no need to be in the shadows, and no need to face or instill guilt or even judge others. Honesty is one of the best characteristics of any human being, and a leader who is truthful in all areas attracts support from where they least expect it.
Those who use lies and deceptive strategies to enforce their opposition to climate justice advocacy, climate science, or simply refuse to confront the CLIMATE EMERGENCY, pose a threat to our children’s future as they are also purveyors of misinformation and disinformation. Remember that the truth wears no disguise.
Whisper’s Lyric: “Make sure that what you see is what you get.” – Whispers
In politics, as in relationships, one can give the impression of what they want others to see, which can actually be far from reality. Know where the person you’re voting for stands on women’s rights, human rights, respecting others’ human dignity, our CLIMATE EMERGENCY, and other important issues.
Whisper’s Lyric: “And I might just be what you expect of me, but there’s that possibility.” – Whispers
This goes back to both judging a book by its cover and the shadow of the person they’re supposed to be. We expect so many things, and this is how we become so accustomed to disappointment. One very important point about this is that I once read a YouTube comment where a person said they hoped so-and-so would be a good leader or that our future would be terrible.
From now on, I think we should, along with the government and state, shape our future, which includes choosing leaders who truly represent us. Resigning ourselves to despair and simply hoping things will work out is no longer enough in the age of our shared CLIMATE EMERGENCY.
We now have to work hand in hand with our government, state, elected officials, young adults, seniors, and children, along with businesses, to shape a sustainable, extinction-free, habitable planet for our children’s future.
That’s what I think “In the Raw” means.
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Addendum: Making Leaders Responsible: There are several key ways for citizens to hold political leaders accountable:
1. Vote wisely in elections and vote out leaders who do not keep their promises or act in the best interests of their constituents. However, voting alone is not enough – citizens must stay engaged between elections as well.
2. Contact your representatives regularly to voice your opinions and concerns. Make phone calls, send emails, attend town halls, and share personal stories to show how issues impact you directly. Staffers track these contacts and report them to the representative.
3. Protest, rally, and march to put public pressure on leaders and show them that their constituents care deeply about an issue. Viral videos and media coverage of these events can amplify the message.
4. Use social media to highlight the impact of a leader’s policies or shortcomings, but always share reliable information from trusted sources[5]. Celebrate good actions too.
5. Stay informed on your representatives’ voting records and policy positions throughout their term, not just during elections. Websites like GovTrack.us track votes on bills.
6. Organize at the local level to resist policies you disagree with and push for positive change in your community[2]. Coalitions and grassroots activism can influence leaders.
The key is to stay engaged in the political process year-round, not just on election day. By consistently voicing your views and taking action, you can hold leaders accountable and ensure they are representing the interests of their constituents. Voting is important, but it’s just the beginning of the civic duty.
Be well, be safe and by all means vote wisely!
cCc
empowerment & inner transformation... 
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