|
|
April 1, 2004
I have run out of words.
The state of politics has left me speechless. Disgusted, worried about the future, and speechless. I always hated election years. The mud-slinging and the way that no real work can possibly get done because everyone is too busy trying to get elected. Or trying to make sure someone doesn't get elected. It is all about sound bites and air time. Real issue don't even seem to matter anymore.
But this year it has gotten so much worse. I can't believe the politician even believe what they are saying - let alone the American public. It has truly gotten pathetic. Is this what our country has come to?
Voice of the people. Great concept. Except that the media is telling us what our voices should be saying.
And as a public we're sheep. We don't even have our own beliefs anymore. We hear a news anchor or some political puppet talking on TV and we automatically believe what they say to be truth. Despite the fact that we can later find out it isn't so - the damage has been done. Is it because we're afraid to admit that maybe we were wrong? Is it that much easier to simply stand by something that isn't true rather than admit we were wrong and change our minds?
Is it too hard to actually research something? To gather varying opinions on a subject so that we may make up our own mind? Do we even know what we stand for or believe in any more?
How many people are registered to vote? Of those - how many people do vote? And of those - how many people really know what they're voting for?
Scary to think what a minority it is deciding the fate for the rest of us.
I was in Portland recently and a guy came up to our table at a bar and had a seat. He immediately began talking politics. He asked who we were going to vote for. He then told us that he had decided and that we should vote his way. Since this isn't about parties or the candidates I won't even mention who he was for. That's not the point. The point is this: He couldn't give me a single reason why he was voting for the candidate.
He talked in circles and could back nothing up with any facts. When confronted with anything that contradicted his beliefs, his response would be "He's the best choice for president." But never had any reason.
Not one. And that scares me. Why? Because he is voting and doesn't even know why or what for.
I vote in every election. I'm proud to do so. It is our way of controlling our future and destiny. I won't even argue politics with someone that won't vote. If you're not going to do anything to change what you don't like - why should I spend any time talking with you?
I know that people have different views than me. I know people vote differently than I do. That's a great thing about this country. All I ask is that you know what you're voting for and why you're voting for a particular person. I want every vote to count for something. I have never agreed 100% with any candidate - but I have learned to vote for the one that I agree with the most. After doing a lot of research. And after prioritizing what is most important to me. Which isn't an easy thing to do at times. But it is the best way I know of to make my vote count for what I want it to count for.
If I could do anything to influence anyone in this year's election it would be this: Be educated about your choices. Vote - but make sure you're voting for something or someone you believe in. If you don't have the time to do a lot of research (looking at past voting records, listening to speeches, etc.) then at least visit some of the sites listed below. At some you can take a quiz to see which candidate you are best matched with.
It doesn't take long, but it is important. This is your voice. Your vote. Your chance to make a difference. Use it.
Men and women better than us have died for this right.
~Trixie
Send this page to a friend
|
|
Printer Friendly Version