Wednesday, November 14, 2012

A Bold Statement


Talk about making a statement.  America has made its statement loud and clear.  Ouch.   As of 8.40 pm last night, 42 states had petitions on the white house’s petition page, calling for the secession of their state.  This isn’t by the way, governors, senators, or anyone like that.  No, these are ordinary people, making a petition for the president to see.  Some of the states have multiple petitions even.

Talk about a statement, and one I understand.

These people don’t believe they will be able to secede.  Instead, they are, essentially, giving a vote of No Confidence in the entire Federal Government.  I hope and pray they don’t secede, but I would not be surprised if they did.

Forty-two states.  When I had checked around noon it had been 33 states, and only one had enough signatures.  At 8.40?  Much more.  As of nine pm last night, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, South Carolina, and Texas all had even signatures to land their petitions on the President’s desk.

I should note, however, that Missouri’s count was split over two petitions, neither over the necessary 25K, and Georgia had three petitions, the middle one over 25K. Texas, however, only had the one petition at the time, and had over three times the amount of signatures needed.

I think the people have spoken clearly in this vote of no confidence.

But will anybody understand?  Will the politicians hear “They have no confidence in me, personally.”  Or will they hear “It’s all Obama’s fault.”

It’s not his fault. Not entirely, though blame must be shared.  He’s been a semi-decent President.  Not the best, but not the worst.  At best, he’s average.  Unfortunately, he has a congress that won’t play nice.  And even when congress does play nice, he and his fellow politicians seem unable to get work done.

The President has ignored the protesting in the streets.  He’s ignored attempt after attempt to get him to open his eyes.  Corporate media no longer cares.  But…we still do.

I hope this vote of no confidence opens his eyes.  I hope it opens Congress’ eyes.

But I doubt it will, because they choose to be blind.

One Final Byte: One way or another, people will be heard.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Week Twelve: Voting


Yesterday was Election Day in America, a day where we as ordinary citizens make decisions on everything from city proposals to the President of our nation and National Matters.  I don’t need to mention how important it is to vote, every election day, no matter what, and to inform yourself through multiple sources, even those with different opinions, about the positions and laws being voted on.

Listen to the news, yes, but not just the news.  So many news organizations are so political that they are little more than the mouthpiece for their party.  Instead, listen to three or four news sources, but especially the local news, not the national big news corporations.  Find a few outlets rated on an international level for trustworthy journalism.   Speak to your religious leader, and if you have no religious leader, then speak to an elder who you consider wise.  Talk to your family, your friends, and find out what they know.  Then decide.

Unfortunately so many people on my campus will not be voting this election, and for some of them, any election.  I have heard a plethora of reasons from ‘My parents didn’t send me my absentee ballot.’ To ‘What’s the use?  My choice won’t win anyway.’

To that, to those insignificant infinitesimal reasons, I can only say ‘You Fools!’

You parent shouldn’t have had to send in an absentee ballot.  You knew where you were going to be on election day, and you knew perfectly well it wasn’t going to be near your polling place.  Much of your year, including the election time, is spent in Alabama at school here.  Switch your voting registration place and vote like a person who cares.   Vote like a citizen enjoying the privilege of being able to be heard, because in so many places they aren’t!

As for the fools who ask what the use is, the use is simple.  Do you want to be heard?  Do you want to be a citizen or are you merely a lay-about, unable to fulfill as simple a civic duty as selecting a multiple choice option?  Can’t find one you like?  I have a solution! Write someone you think would make a good president in, and heck, organize a write in campaign for that person!

Participate.  You think it’s hopeless? It’s more hopeless if you can’t manage this simple act.

But the biggest fib I have heard, the biggest sign of a ridiculous head in the clouds ninny-pated fool that I have heard this election season?  ‘I don’t have time.’  The polling place on campus here is open from 7 am to 7 pm.  Most employers are willing to work with employees so they can have a longer break, to vote during that.  If your employer is not, consider Early Voting.  Check out the regulations on that in your state, but it’s an option just in case.  You have more time than you think.

In short, there is no excuse not to vote.  None.  People constantly complain the elections are bought out.  I will tell you now, that you can change that easily.  Look up your civic rights, your civic abilities.  Sometimes, it’s hard to find information on these things, I know.  But check out a book from the library, if all else fails.

People say that they as citizens have no voice in our government.  I say that if you aren’t willing to speak up, then you have robbed yourself of your own voice.

One Final Byte: Learn what you can do as American.