When was the last time you exercised your influence to support someone who was no longer able to speak for themselves?

Of whom much is given, much is expected.

It is an old saying but I have had an opportunity to reflect on this statement in a very different way lately. It all started with a somewhat idle comment on digg. I left a link to a blog I set up for my local community to use in their protest against forced amalgamation of local governments in Queensland.
Within a couple of minutes I got a reply from another digg user, which got me a bit miffed. I thought here are a group of people (rural queenslanders) who are in a distinct minority, who have been denied a say in the future of their communities, and here is a digg user who has the potential to give these people voice.

Although I now appreciate the concerns of rural Queenslanders, are probably far removed from that digg user’s sphere of concern. It really got me thinking. In first world countries, in countries such as Australia and the US, it may be rare for the average person to think about the gifts that they are given. For example the right to free speech, to associate with like minded people, or the ability to participate in virtual democracies such as digg.There are people in your community and mine, who don’t have those opportunities. Not to mention the residents of developing countries, and the globe’s disadvantaged.

So I started a digg post asking if digg users, who enjoy a strong grassroots democracy, had a responsibility to support others whose voice is lost or weak. I got minimal uptake, so whether digg users are prepared to use their power to lift others up or whether they are all just waiting for the next i-phone scoop remains to be seen.
It was a revelation for me though, had I been neglecting my responsibility?

Of whom much is given, much is expected. What had I done with the freedom I enjoy?

What have you done with the influence you have?

On Red Friday, Friday 8th of June 2007, citizens from the Burnett district where I live marched in protest against the forced amalgamation of councils. I am pleased to say in some small way (creating the youtube video below) I was able to help Burnett citizens raise their voices.

So now I ask you. Will you join me, will you add your voice, your influence to the cause of rural Queenslanders against amalgamation?