The power of an individual vote
Turning 18 can be the most exciting time in a young adult’s life. Suddenly, you can purchase cigarettes and porn. Plus, as a legal adult, you can vote! Unfortunately most people take more advantage of the first two benefits than the latter.
Voting is not only a privilege, it is a constitutional right. Voting gives voice to the American public, a voice that is sorely needed in this time of conglomerates and corporate bankers ruling the roost.
Everyone has run into people at one time or another that have declared their “non-vote,” a decision refusing to vote on the basis that their vote won’t count. These people are also usually the first to gripe and moan. If you don’t vote, the way I see it, you don’t have the right to complain about the results.
Presidential elections aside, numerous propositions appear on the ballots affecting our schools, communities and money. If you feel strongly about supporting the Indian gaming proposition, vote for it. If you don’t support it, well, then don’t vote for it.
Our government is designed to cater to the needs and desires of the people living in this country. THAT’S YOU! Propositions 94-97 have some good ideas but there are enough bad ideas that I don’t support it. If there were changes to it, I might support it.
I have the power to express my opinions by voting. We elect congressmen who are supposed to listen to their constituents. If you are not voting and not writing letters to them explaining your viewpoint, then they are left to their own devices and to make their own decisions, which is not the way the system is supposed to work.
We all know that congressmen are hounded by lobbyists and special interest groups who want their agendas met. Anyone can complain that the soft money being funneled into politicians pockets are fueling the votes being made in Congress, but I’ll bet those lobbyists and members of the political action committees are voting.
Most everyone wants some change and sees need for reform somewhere. But without voting, the changes and reforms YOU want could never happen. Voting is not to be taken lightly, and it’s not a laughing matter. America and your future are at stake.