This is about as partisan as you will ever see me. I'm going to *gasp* share some of my political opinions.
One--we live in a REPUBLIC, not a DEMOCRACY. If you have trouble with this, look the meanings up. Or recall reciting the National Anthem, which we used to do in school. Remember that part where it says "And to the Republic, for which it stands"
Yeah. It helps if we first educate ourselves on what we actually practice.
Someone I greatly revere once said that the United States was not in danger of losing its liberties because of an invading army. But rather by the slower effects of apathy in the average American. To me this means when we vote for someone--not because we know anything about them--but rather because we like their name, their party affiliation, it "feels" right, etc. Or we just don't like the other guy.
I want to point out the old saying that actions speak louder than words. I am much less inclined to listen to what a candidate has to say than to look at their record and see what they've actually done (or not done).
Now, I'm saying this to you as much as to me. I have been guilty in the past of not properly educating myself before voting. Sometimes I've even not voted because I don't know anything about the candidates and don't want to make an uninformed decision. But I'm changing. And, because I know I'm not the only person out there to have done these things, I'm making a public plea.
We need to know the people running for office. I don't care if it's the treasurer of the city council or the POTUS. Take a little time and do a bit of research so you can make an informed decision come election day. And, for the record, if you're making an informed decision on who you vote for, I DON'T CARE which candidate gets your vote. That's your personal choice, and one of the things I love most about this country.
A couple hundred years ago, when voting was till pretty new, people in this country took this sacred responsibility very seriously. Nowadays, not so much. I've heard many who don't believe their vote will count. I guarantee you that if enough people who don't believe their vote counts actually voted, it would make a difference. And, I also believe that each voter who doesn't vote hurts the process. Yes, that's even when that nonvoter was me.
If you don't like the way things are being done, educate yourself and do what is in YOUR power to change it. On the city level, on the state level, on the national level. And don't tell me you don't have time, or you are too busy to take the time to research each candidate. We are all busy, but each of us can make time for the things which are truly important.
Apathy is our true political enemy.
