I'm sure that most of the world knows by now, that America is about to take the big vote. Should we be bothered or should we take note? Does it really matter who is in power, after all, whatever these polititians say now does not always have any affect after they have taken up office, so why is it so important that we should waste our time voting anway?
For many years I have heard many critisms about voting. Some are justified and many are not.
How can you really just sit back and do nothing, then without shame start to verbally abuse the person in power because of what they are now doing?
Should we not be happy that we live in societies where we can vote with our feet so to speak without fear of reprisals? Many countries don't have the freedoms we do and voting can be a matter of life or death.
Just one example, to put my point across, let's look at black people in the US. Digging back into a time AFTER slavery, blacks were discouraged from voting in many states when it should have been a right. They were not given details of how and when to vote, a poll tax was used, knowing they could not afford to pay it, and even if they could afford it many were not able to read or write. I read today that black slaves were counted as 'three fiths' of a white or freed black person in regards to voting. With that in mind, why wouldn't a black American person do all they can now to exercise that right now?
Conversely, if voting was so insignificant, why did blacks, the common people and women have to fight so hard to win it?
Shouldn't we be overjoyed that the person we voted for will run our country the way we want? Why is it that so many people still feel that it's ok not to vote?
Do we ever think about the harsh struggles that won many of us the vote? But now, years later, after all they suffered we sit back with our legs up, beer or tea in hand, and can't even be bothered to put a tick next to someone who may possibly change our future for the better?
I know, it's difficult at times. Politicians are notorious for saying one thing, and as soon as they get into power they have a change of stance. But could it be because once in power they were shown what was really going on behind the scenes and their dreams were never going to make reality anyway?
What if you were not able to vote right now? How would you feel?
What reason do you have for not voting? and can you justify it?
Do you feel that everyone is society should have a vote regardless to their disposition?
(ie: the over 65's, under 18's, the mentally ill, those in prison etc.)
What do you think about all of this?
I'd love to hear your opinions and comment on this.
