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.
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