This year, I've received more emails and seen more blog posts about political issues than ever before, and I love it. I hope this isn't just me and my circle of friends. I hope that its indicative of the entire country. Because whatever your thoughts or beliefs, the most important thing any of us can do is go out, get informed, and vote.
In 2004, approximately 64% of voting-age citizens turned out to vote. I guess its not bad compared to some years, but it still appalls me to realize how many people don't take advantage of their opportunity to have a say in the political process. Whatever the reasons are for not voting, believe me, I've been there -- too busy, totally indifferent about the candidates, hate standing in line, forgot to register. I don't believe there's been single election where I haven't felt one of these. Last time, I forgot to re-register when I moved and was just thankful it wasn't a presidential election year. But I didn't get to make the difficult choice between Obama and Hilary!
I wonder if our general abysmal record when it comes to voting isn't indicative of a larger problem -- is it just me or as a society, do we just not discuss politics? I rarely engage in political discussions with friends. While I tend to have strong opinions, I don't really go around talking about them. And (maybe as a result), I actually don't really like having prolonged conversations with people that disagree with me politically. I'm not sure its like this world wide. Traveling around, I feel like I've encountered much more animated political chatter in other countries. In India, for example, at least in my family, sounding off on politics is an almost daily occurrence. And it seems that no matter what the level of education or socio-economic background, people are enthusiastic about having an opinion and making it known. They recognize the value of being part of the process and take advantage of the opportunity.
I don't know what the numbers are in other countries so I might be totally off base. But whatever -- there's no reason why we can't have a 100% voter turnout in our country. I'd love to see everyone get excited about politics. And more than that, to see everyone really get informed and vote for the right reasons, rather than what a 2 minute commercial tells them. My biggest fear this year is that too many people will get in that voter box, where no one else can see them, and give into that little racist voice in their heads that says a black man can't be president. Or, in California, that people won't recognize that Prop 8 isn't about a moral values but denying a minority group certain fundamental constitutional rights.
So I'm off now to vote for Obama and NO on Prop 8. I hope you do the same, of course. :) But more than that, I hope you take the time to read about the candidates' positions, the arguments for and against the ballots, and vote. Its not too late!!
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