LETTER: It's Time To Stop Being Complacent And To Get Involved

The following letter to the editor was submitted by Matt Helfrich of Harleysville. To submit a letter to the editor, please email justin.heinze@patch.com.

Times of change and uncertainty can be intimidating. Our first inclination is to insulate ourselves from these circumstances. However, Americans must prepare for some significant changes over the next few years. How we respond will define what type of country we hand over to our kids as they become adults and the new leaders of our country.

There has never been a more important time to get involved and protect our convictions. This can't be accomplished by social media threats or tossing Molotov cocktails at police cars. My generation, Generation X, needs to be more politically active. Our representatives need to know who we are and what we value. We need to become organized and collaborate on issues that impact us. In doing so, we'll be in a position to either support legislation that truly improves our country, and to stop legislation that would create a "smaller" America - a less inclusive America.

Our Generation is accountable for correcting the political culture of hate that we have allowed because of our laziness or unwillingingness to fight for our convictions. We let down millions of Americans. Consequently, our generation is now responsible for leading our country in the right direction before we hand the "controls" over to our kids. I hope.

Matt Helfrich

Harleysville, PA

Patch file photo.