VOTE first and then complain all you want
Al’s Loupe
VOTE first and then complain all you want
If you’re not registered, click here to register to vote today.
By Alvaro F. Fernandez
alvaro@progresoweekly.com
I come down hard on politicians and their shenanigans in my writings. It is constant and with little mercy. Most are conservative republicans. Many democrats, I’ll admit, deserve much of the same.
I am also reminded that voters (and non-voters) who elect these scoundrels are as much to blame as the politicians themselves. So in the end, it’s mostly our own fault. We can blame the money in politics, the fraud, special interests and all the excuses we can put forth. It is still our responsibility to punch, push or write on a ballot come election day and reward those who will lead us.
And therefore, as much of a pessimist that I sometimes become – when it comes to our broken down political system – the process offers us solutions. But it seems we take lightly the electoral process that we tout so highly. And the results due to our widespread indifference can be seen in front pages of newspapers across the country – daily. Usually in the form of bad news.
That bad news is compounded if you live in South Florida, like I do. A day does not go by that we don’t hear of a member of Congress, the county commission, or state legislator, tainted by questionable ethical standards. Or a governor who knows a law is unconstitutional but still signs it knowing full well he will have to defend it, foolishly wasting much needed tax dollars.
It is why I apprise you of census figures that demonstrate that about 40% of U.S. citizens are NOT registered to vote. That figure surpasses the 50% mark when considering those of Hispanic descent.
As sad as those figures may seem is the fact that, come election day, except when electing the president, a great majority of registered voters in this country DON’T vote. Take a look at any recent county commission or school board race, for example. A 30% turnout, which is rare these days, is deserving of a 4th of July fireworks display. Normal turnout may run between 10% and 20%. And even when it comes to the presidency, in 2008, for example, turnout was a bit over 61%.
In other words, and using the optimistic 40% not registered mark, we chose a president in 2008 with less than a majority of eligible persons participating in the one act that defines our electoral democracy. And when it comes to our day-to-day politics and politicians, those who often decide the fate of our children and their education, for example, participation in those elections is less than 10% of eligible U.S. citizens.
Do we have a right to complain?
Sure we do. But the fact is that the solution is before us. And it could not be simpler to apply. You can start solving the problem today.
Are you registered to vote? If you’re not, you can click here and do it right now.
Once you’ve registered, read, investigate, attend community meetings, do whatever it takes to become knowledgeable of coming elections and what and for whom you will be voting for. Remember, in this country you often have several, different elections in the same year. They are ALL important. Participate in ALL of them. Don’t settle for simply voting for president. Consider sacrificing one night of TV in exchange for a better future.
Our biggest problem is not the crooked member of congress from District 25.
If you dig deep in search of answers you’ll note that our biggest concern should be the apathy we demonstrate when so few of us bother to vote.
One last time, register to vote (if you haven’t). And don’t forget to VOTE in every election that affects you.
VOTE!
