After having a rousing political discussion with a good friend of mine yesterday...her words inspired me to talk about something that I have and will always be very passionate about. It seems over time American Politics has become more of a "Blood Sport" than an avenue for progression and change. Not a day goes by that I don't hear SOMEBODY complaining about the political landscape of either local, state or federal elections. In the midst of all these complaints...there is only one way to re-work this flawed landscape and that is through active participation by "WE THE PEOPLE" a.k.a. "Voters," Sadly...it seems that a growing number of people are choosing apathy over activism thus bringing me to my soapbox of today.
The same friend brought to my attention that Marengo County had a 52% voter turn-out on Tuesday. She was appalled at this number and was obviously very upset. perhaps the saddest part of this whole discussion is that 52% "turn out" is well above the state and national average. In fact...statewide on Tuesday...approximately 30% of Alabamians took advantage of ...not only a constitutional right...but something that I consider to be a "moral imperative." This...in my opinion...is beyond disgraceful!! 70% of Alabamians did not deem it important to elect local officials, possibly determine our next Supreme Court Chief Justice (arguably the most powerful position in the state), or choose delegates for the Presidential nominee in November. What was going on in their lives that was SO important??
Let's run through some possible excuses of why they couldn't vote..shall we. First "I have to work." The Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Regardless of what "shift" you work or what your schedule is...there is a time available for you to vote. In addition...Federal law mandates that no employer can prevent an employee from excercising their right to vote. Tell your boss you will be right back...and take care of your obligation!! Second..."I was too tired." Walking into a room...picking up a ballot...sitting down at a table...and drawing "black lines" is not what I would call "manual labor." If you are too LAZY to go vote...to be honest...the right should likely be taken away from you completely. Do you think the young men and "boys" were tired when they stormed the beaches of Normandy on "D" day? Do you think the Allied forces were a little drained in the Ardennes Forrest as their fingers and toes were literally "freezing off" during the "Battle of the Bulge"? Do you think the soldiers of the Revolutionary War..many of which were untrained and poorly armed farmers...would have preferred to rest with a pipe and a pint... than to take on the heavily armed, and professionally trained British? If you view voting as a "chore" or an "irritation"...then you are a disgrace to everything this country was built on and stands for...period. Finally..."My vote doesn't count." Take a look at the past 10 years and do the research locally, statewide and nationwide. We have had more elections decided by a "handful" of votes in the last 10 years than in our nation's history combined. Counties are split, states are split and this nation is split...right down the middle. We are at a crossroads with regard to the direction we choose to go. It's up to each and everyone of us to place our footprint on the path that we envision as the one which will lead us to prominence, greatness and personal growth. If you want a great story about "one vote" counting...research Edmund Ross. He was a little known...relatively new Senator from the state of Kansas who almost single handedly shaped history during the Impeachment Trial of Andrew Johnson. The only vote that doesn't count...is that which is not cast!
I will wrap this rant up with an appeal to the "fairer sex." Of all the people in this country...black, white, hispanic, etc...you stand to gain and/or lose the most everytime we have an election. It was less than 100 years ago (92 to be exact)...that the 19th ammendment was ratified giving you the right to vote. It was less than 50 years ago...that the Unites States legalized your ability to use "contraception." Your rights are very "young"...and many debates still rage today with regard to what you can and cannot do with your own body. I contend that women...above all other discussed minorities...have been relegated to a "forgotten" group. You have taken the back seat to more "sexy" civil rights groups. I blame much of that on your own "apathy". Women...unlike so many other "oppressed" groups have more or less embraced the idea that they...to some degree...must always walk in the shadow of their male counterparts.
In 2012...women continue to average $.75 for every dollar that men make...for the same positions. The dawn of the 21st century has seen dictators fall after decades of totalitarian rule. It has been a witness to the United States' election of a black President. It has given rise to the legalization of "same sex marriages" or at least "civil unions" across the United States. Whether you agree or disagree...all of these acts are signs of a "progressive movement" that would reflect a culture where "complete and total" equality is the norm. Yet...in the midst of all these historic events...women still make 25% less money...on average...to perform the same work as a man?? Wake up ladies...don't let the 21st century pass you by without taking control of your destiny and once again bellowing that feminist cry from your fore-mothers..."I Am Woman...Hear Me Roar!" That "Roar" must start as a whisper...with the simple mark of a ballot. Then collectively...as those whispers begin to come together from the East Coast to the West Coast...from the Deep South to the Midwest...from the Great Lakes to the Appalachian Mountains...there will be a national awakening. At that moment..the memories of women like Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony...will once again be alive and well through the actions of each of you. Allow yourselves to once again become representatives of change...take back this cause...so that those who died...might live again!!
In less than a month...this city and county will see several run-off races. Let's see if we can't SHATTER the National/State average as it pertains to turn out. Men and women...regardless of color, religious affiliation or sexual orientation...let's stand together and do what is required...to take back what is ours!! VOTE...VOTE...VOTE.
Until next time friends...
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