The Meek's Inheritance and an Invitation from John Q. Public

Introversion or anxiety should not be seen as valid excuses to avoid public service, especially when the survival of a free society depends on the active participation of competent individuals. Liberty and good governance are sustained when those who are capable step forward to fulfill their civic duties. Everyone, regardless of personality or temperament, has a role to play in shaping the direction of their community.

With anxiety and introversion at the forefront, it raises an important question: the meek may inherit the earth, but should they govern it? I have witnessed firsthand the pitfalls of "pearl clutching" in governance—situations where individuals, lacking experience in negotiations, contracts, disputes, or personnel management, make critical decisions driven by fear rather than competence. If you propose even the slightest deviation from the path of least resistance, you're quickly branded a rabble-rouser, as though rocking the boat is more dangerous than steering it into shallow waters. This dynamic often results in the hiring of conflict-averse staff and contractors, leading to significant real monetary costs as well as the compounding opportunity cost of inaction. This critical view of certain personality traits is primarily on elected and leadership positions. Of course, other personality types are well suited for myriad public service roles.

Competence cannot remain idle when the health of a free society depends on active participation. Governance suffers when high-agency, productive individuals—those who are net contributors to society—turn their backs on public life, leaving leadership to those less suited for it. The result is a void filled by the unqualified or disengaged, which weakens the institutions that protect our freedoms. This abdication of responsibility by the capable is not only a moral failure but also a practical risk to the survival of a free republic.

The same conditions that have led to our elected boards having the highest average age in history also allowed me to get elected to the Town Council at just 19 years old—neither of which should happen in a well-functioning system. The failure of capable individuals to step up has created an imbalance where governance is left to a mix of the overcommitted, special interests, and the under qualified. As beneficiaries of this system, we must do more than pay taxes; we must fulfill our obligation to contribute actively to the governance and administration of our communities. Civic engagement is not just an opportunity—it is a duty, a practical necessity to ensure the continued health of the republic.

If you're waiting for someone to ask you to serve, who is it exactly?

I'm still waiting on my invite from John Q. Public.