DEMOCRACY 2021
No, Politicians, You Can’t Text Me
Modern democracy requires boundary setting between us and those running for office
We have come to accept access as an integral part of modern life. Anyone, anywhere, can get in touch, at any time. We have allowed friends, family, colleagues, long-lost acquaintances, high-school nemeses, big-box brands, and humanless bots to access us on any and every platform. Call me old-fashioned at 43, but I for one am exhausted by the constant pinging and ringing. It’s a full-time job just to keep up with all of our messages. Enough. The promise of modern connectivity was the speed at which we could transmit messages. I am not sure when and how we all agreed that each of our lives must then be open and ever accessible — to everyone. Especially politicians.
This week, I draw a sharp line, and I draw it with those running for office. (I have already drawn it with big-box brands, if you’re curious.) Yes, democracy depends on our active participation. Yes, the country is struggling to strengthen and re-affirm our commitment to fair, free, and fortified elections. Yes, I want to be an informed and contributing citizen. Yes, I get it. But, no, politicians, you cannot text me. It’s bad enough that you assault my inbox. My text messages are off-limits. They are reserved as a…
