Wendy Oellers-Fulmer: Thoughtful citizens can change the course of history

To The Daily Sun,

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead

I normally do not wade into political issues. But after recent events, I can no longer stay silent. When reading or hearing the daily news of atrocities that are happening in our country, it can lead to temptations to shut our eyes and close our ears.

It truly is a balancing act to stay informed and keep from sliding into despair. I understand it and often want to put my head under the proverbial covers to make it all go away.

But the dangerous situations are escalating, from armed troops in American cities, to declaring potential war against former allies. Silencing the population, is what fear mongering hopes to do ... it wants to cower us.

It takes due diligence to fact check and determine what's happening, and then find the courage do whatever we can to try to stop it.

I love Margaret Mead's quote. We each have our own unique ways of speaking out, but like ripples in a pond, each step forward to help heal our country, can be a step forward ... and not have us be paralyzed in denial and fear.

We can educate ourselves and fact check and/or research issues and share factual information to combat misinformation. We can call/write our representatives in congress. We can peacefully protest. We can sign petitions to protest against further atrocities. We can donate our money and time (blankets, water, etc.) to organizations working on the ground. We can vote (one-third of our population did not vote in the 2025 election).

These are but a few ways that as "thoughtful, committed citizens" we will change the course and climate of anger that is taking over our beloved country.

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

Gilford