It’s not enough to rage against the lie . . .
you’ve got to replace it with the truth.”
[Bono]
Look at the person sitting across the lunch table today. If you’re in Ohio, chances are one of you didn’t vote.
In case you have missed the avalanche of political ads that have blazed across our televisions screens the last few weeks . . . or avoided the talking heads discussing the candidates and issues and parties . . . or still think Tea Party only refers to an event in Boston Harbor we studied in History Class, today marks election day across the country.
People are angry. They’re fed up with no jobs and high taxes. A national government filled with people who pass bills without reading them and from which they, themselves, are exempt. Some constituents are even threatening to unseat the ?&*#! incumbents and put the President on a Performance Improvement Plan. We’ve drawn a line in the sand and said enough is enough.
But not everyone.
In fact, barely a majority of Ohioans are expected to put forth the effort to vote today. Only 52% of registered voters care enough about the future to take the time to do a little research about the candidates and issues, and then actually cast their ballot. Seriously?
I’m fed up with the whole ball of political whacks, too. Is one party any better than the other? Well, it depends on who you ask. However, I’m probably speaking for a majority of citizens who are just sick and tired with the entire system and especially with the people who keep it running.
But I’m not about to let political foolishness silence my voice.
Every election is my chance to hit it out of the park by participating in one of the coolest gigs anywhere — helping choose who will hold positions of power in our government. Every time I vote I feel blessed and honored to have been born in a country where I’m given this right and allowed to safely exercise it.
In a lot of ways, though, politics is like life. How many times do we fail to take action, speak up, or do the research because we feel hopeless? We convince ourselves it’s too much energy, it doesn’t matter, things will always stay the same, what we want doesn’t count.
And in the end, what we get is a future looks surprisingly like our present, but not quite as glamorous (and usually with higher taxes).
Is that what you want? More of the same? Because that’s what will happen if you are content with sitting around complaining while refusing to take action — whether in the political arena or in your own life.
Whatever you are, step up to the plate and be one of the 52% who are willing to put in the effort and make a difference.
Deanna
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One 