“Half the world hates what half the world does every day.” These thought-provoking words, crooned by Canadian songster Geddy Lee, summarize the entire U.S. political process.

In the American political landscape, there are two types of people: Those who do, and those who criticize. The vocally discontent — led by the current battle cry of “Throw out the incumbents” — are happy being unhappy with how things are nowadays, but very few get off their backside and try to do anything about it.

Now is their time.

This November, a slew of elected officials at the county, state and federal level will be on the ballot. We hope, in the spirit of political debate and to provide choices for voters, that candidates will flood the county elections office with applications, yearning to become the change they seek.

How refreshing it would be for a fresh crop of faces to surface on the ballot. How wonderful it would be for the voters to have choices. And how amazing would it be if those who have firmly planted themselves on the sidelines, criticizing our current legislators for every decision they make, put themselves out there and get involved in the process, rather than just curse those with the courage to do so?

At the risk of sounding crass, it’s time for the critical to put up or shut up. Either get involved — by putting yourself on the ballot or supporting a candidate with whom you agree — or stop complaining.

For those who choose the former, the candidate filing period is June 7 to 11. Let the games begin.