The Vote
I had a long talk with someone in my office today, and he said, "why vote, it doesn't matter." After a long discussion with him, I had to hold myself back from throttling said individual. After reflecting on that hour long discussion (that kept me after work, natch), I've come to a conclusion: Kids don't fuckin' vote.
Maybe that's a bit harsh. I suppose I could switch it to: Think long term, people.
He said to me, "Voting doesn't change anything. Why bother?" Shaking my head, yo. Let's think about this: in a world where many countries don't allow its citizens to have a say, voting is a right and one of the things that make this country a great place. It's easy to see how your one measly vote doesn't change the tide of the ocean, but it's also easy to see how that one measly vote is important in the ebb and flow.
For me, a vote is a voice. It's a simple statement of how you feel, but more importantly, it's you saying how you feel about a particular issue or candidate. Take that voice away, and you have no say in anything. Even if you are on the losing side of an issue, you have every right to add your vote to that side, so be it. You have a voice, so use it. Yet many people don't. Frustrating.
There are people who are banking on these who choose to not vote to NOT come out. Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote. — George Jean Nathan (1882-1958). No shit.
I worry about my people who dare to not vote, or worse yet, fail to see the relevance, the power, and the strength of their own vote/voice. One of the best feelings I've ever experienced was walking into my voting place (at the dump. woot.) and connecting my two arrows. SO amazing. But that's because I care enough to take that detour to vote. That's because I know my vote is important. I know that my voice needs to be heard. I know that I defy those who hope the empowered electorate don't turn out.
I don't care if my candidate doesn't win (keep on keepin' on, Barack). But I will let my voice be heard. And if you don't vote, childrens, you have NO right to complain. You have NO right to bitch. For four long years. Meet me at the polls. Done. I will see you there.
Voodoo