Politics… some would call that a dirty
4-letter word twice over. Campaigns and elections have historically brought out so much ugliness, attacks against each other, name-calling, manipulation, intimidation and sometimes even violence. It is not a pretty time in our society. During primaries and even election night itself there are often horrible displays of apathy, disappointments, name-calling and insinuations, tears for some and jubilation for others — and even that jubilation is sometimes guarded.
4-letter word twice over. Campaigns and elections have historically brought out so much ugliness, attacks against each other, name-calling, manipulation, intimidation and sometimes even violence. It is not a pretty time in our society. During primaries and even election night itself there are often horrible displays of apathy, disappointments, name-calling and insinuations, tears for some and jubilation for others — and even that jubilation is sometimes guarded.
I’ve always said, not that any politico has listened, please
tell me what YOU can do for me/us/our country and NOT what is wrong with “the other
guy”. I am tired of voting for the lesser evil, I want to vote for a champion,
for someone who will champion our country and all of its citizens. I want to
vote for someone who I can take pride and have confidence in. I want to vote
for someone who I won’t regret down the road. I don’t want to vote for someone because
of their gender, race, religion, sexual preferences or money. And I don’t want the
politics to divide families and friends or leave wounds on people who have
taken the time to care.
“The
eligibility of an individual for voting is set out in the constitution and also
regulated at state level. The constitution states that suffrage cannot be
denied on grounds of race or color, sex, or age for citizens eighteen years or
older. Beyond these basic qualifications, it is the responsibility of state legislatures
to regulate voter eligibility.”
[-Wikipedia]
[-Wikipedia]
Our Constitution gives us the right to decide (within set
parameters) who we want sitting in the various government seats. Despite the
constant
hue and cry that “my vote doesn’t count” IT CERTAINLY DOES. Even our debatable Electoral College, used in Presidential elections, is based on each state’s popular vote. It has been a very rare occurrence when the elected president has not received a popular vote and in those cases where it has gone differently it has been VERY CLOSE. Yes, YOUR VOTE COUNTS. The President’s spot (and of course the Vice-President’s) is the only election decided by the Electoral College. EVERY OTHER SEAT IS CHOSEN BY POPULAR VOTE.
hue and cry that “my vote doesn’t count” IT CERTAINLY DOES. Even our debatable Electoral College, used in Presidential elections, is based on each state’s popular vote. It has been a very rare occurrence when the elected president has not received a popular vote and in those cases where it has gone differently it has been VERY CLOSE. Yes, YOUR VOTE COUNTS. The President’s spot (and of course the Vice-President’s) is the only election decided by the Electoral College. EVERY OTHER SEAT IS CHOSEN BY POPULAR VOTE.
America doesn’t have a perfect system and there is no denying
that dirty politics has reared its head more than once. But when our populace
keeps itself informed, THINKS FOR THEMSELVES, and actually gets to the polling
place and VOTES, we have a pretty good system where decisions can be made with
the best of intentions. It’s also admirable when youth gets involved because,
after all, this is their future we need to preserve. Yes, I WILL be fulfilling
my responsibility of voting, it is more than just a “right”. You and I may not
agree politically, we may vote differently, but it should not be construed that
we are opposing one another, it is only with our combined voices that we can
effectively keep our government representation on course.
Please do your research, be open to listening to all sides,
and think of what is important to you and what you truly believe will be in the
best interests of our country and our future. Make sure you vote in primaries
and in EVERY general election.
.
photo credit: John Galt
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