We each have the ability to spark change. One way to do this is by voting.
“Voting is power. It is the responsibility of citizens to be informed about the issues,” said Leon P. Hart, a civic-minded Long Islander who started the blog "Civics in Seconds" to discuss basic civics. "The purpose of the blog is to help people become more engaged with the issues to make more informed choices in the voting booth.”
The term "civics" refers to the rights and duties of citizenship. “Civics in Seconds” discusses contemporary topics ranging from politics to social issues to history and more, all of which revolve around the basic concept of civics. Articles include “Civics and NATO,” "Civics and Woke in America,” “Civics and Memorial Day,” and much more.
The blog is comprised of short, easily digestible articles to give readers a distinct and comprehensive overview while maintaining an unbiased and fact-based viewpoint; it’s just enough information to whet the reader’s appetite and encourage more thought about the issues. Armed with information, Hart believes that people will be able to make better informed decisions when voting.
Hart has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years working in various positions. He has been aprosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and works currently for the City of Yonkers.
Until recently, Hart taught at Queensborough Community College, where his classes ranged from government to criminal justice. He also runs a private practice, and at one point launched an unsuccessful, yet spirited, bid for the N.Y.S. Assembly as his first and only time running for elective office...though perhaps not his last.
Hart also has a long history of volunteering time for political issues.
He believes in maintaining community ties and participating in activities that make good citizens of us all. Therefore, when his teaching duties were greatly diminished during the COVID-19 pandemic - and considering the vast political discord overtaking our nation - Hart was inspired to start a discussion on basic and pressing civics issues.
And in October of 2020, “Civics in Seconds” was born.
“I try to give a background on the issue, and then ask the reader: ‘Why do you need to know this? Why is this important?’ And that's where I give my opinion,” Hart said on the blog’s format. “I try to challenge people and get them to think. I present both sides without being dismissive. I try not to alienate anyone. My approach is unbiased, just laying out the facts as I believe they are. I recognize that opinions differ.”
Hart notes that he deeply researches the topics he writes about to get the facts straight before presenting them to the reader.
“The most time-consuming part of this is to make sure that I get things right. The last thing I want is for someone to check my article and find out I was wrong, or that I presented unsupported information,” he said. “I am married to that way of doing things. If something is not my idea, I strive to give the proper credit and attributions.”
While writing on different topics of national interest, Hart began to see a need to also incorporate a more regional focus for his articles, especially as it relates to more local matters. The driving force behind "Civics in Seconds," as well as his overall engagement with his local community, is his sense of wanting to be a good and active citizen. He sees the blog is another way to get involved.
“I love being out there in the community, which is why I ran for office," he said. "I always said to my students, it is your responsibility to be informed citizens and by all means, vote. If you want to see change, get involved.”
“Try to make a difference,” Hart added. “Don’t let life pass you by. That's why I created 'Civics in Seconds'...to help people to become informed voters so they can turn around and make informed decisions. Don't be afraid to step up. Every vote matters.”
To find out more about Civics in Seconds, please visit the website at https://civicsinseconds.com.