I know, you are already starting to think that I have an agenda and want to use my social media footprint to push it (insert laugh here). I just want you guys out there to take some time to think about how much of a privilege it is to cast a vote. Many of you may have has family that fought in wars or know someone that is serving in the military now. That is an easy way to judge the cost of freedom. I encourage you to take a deeper look. Look at the Women's Suffrage movement that led to the 19th Amendment that allowed everyone to vote regardless of sex. Look at the Civil Rights movement battles that were fought. While the 15th Amendment stated that "The right of citizens of the United States to vote and hold office shall not be denied or abridged by any State on the account of race, color, nativity, property, creed or previous condition of servitude" in 1870, many minorities still faced public discrimination until people like Dr. King took a stand.
I'm not wanting this to be a history lesson, but without the ability to vote, none of this would have happened. I know that everyone has their own system of beliefs, that is what makes this country so great. Whether you support the war, gay marriage, abortion, prayer in school, social security, government bail outs or oppose them (the list can go on) make your voice be heard and vote. While you hear people say one vote won't matter..... it does. If everyone stopped voting, what would all the lost lives in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, WW1, WW2, Korean War, Vietnam, and the Middle East mean? I know that my ability to write my opinions and wake up every morning in a safe, sovereign state is all because I can vote.
Vote Obama, Vote Romney... hell, right in a name. I don't care... Just take advantage of this privilege and make a difference. Your candidate may not win, that's ok. This country is too strong to fail because of one man or woman.
Educate yourself, make an informed decision... and vote.
No comments:
Post a Comment