You probably didn't know this but my hubby Bryan does actually have a blog. A blog that no one reads but me so he can say whatever he wants. And trust me, usually he says WHATEVER he wants. Or doesn't post for months at a time. Whichever. But today he posted something I loved so much, I asked if I could repost it here.
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I Don't Vote.
I've heard this and read this several times lately. I don't vote. The system is so screwed up that my vote doesn't make a difference, so I don't vote. I don't vote to protest the way that government always ignores the needs of the people and takes care of its own. Voting is just a way to pander to the people so they think they are in control, so I don't vote.
By this reasoning, would you also say:
Yes, there is a leak in my boat, but the water keeps coming in, so I'm not going to bail.
There is a mouse in my kitchen, but every time I catch one, another shows up. I'm not going to do anything.
I have an infection, but what can I do? There are billions of bacteria and they keep breeding.
Many of us seem to ignore that politicians work for US. We give them the power. We are the boss in this. Yes, it is a drag that we don't always get our way. But the strength in this system we have resides not in the power to get your way all the time, but in the ability to voice an opinion and guide the choices that are made. Many of the seemingly powerful people who are out there only have any power because WE give it to them. Their power is bestowed by US, and can be taken away and given to someone else.
It's strange but totally true: One vote means nothing. Just like one snowflake or rain drop means nothing. One ant means nothing. One bacteria means nothing. But just like all these things, hundreds and thousands and millions are incredibly powerful.
If you don't vote, you are giving away the power to do anything, to whomever has the balls to stand up and accept that power. An unused vote delivers even more power than a used vote. It gives the power to rule but attaches no strings or oversight.
We are in a difficult time and we need to decide how to get out of it.
I vote.
I don't always get what I want.
I vote.
The people who get in office often abuse their power, but we can hold them accountable.
I vote.
I might not get anything for it today, tomorrow or next week, but I decide what kind of world my son will inherit.
I vote.
==============
I Don't Vote.
I've heard this and read this several times lately. I don't vote. The system is so screwed up that my vote doesn't make a difference, so I don't vote. I don't vote to protest the way that government always ignores the needs of the people and takes care of its own. Voting is just a way to pander to the people so they think they are in control, so I don't vote.
By this reasoning, would you also say:
Yes, there is a leak in my boat, but the water keeps coming in, so I'm not going to bail.
There is a mouse in my kitchen, but every time I catch one, another shows up. I'm not going to do anything.
I have an infection, but what can I do? There are billions of bacteria and they keep breeding.
Many of us seem to ignore that politicians work for US. We give them the power. We are the boss in this. Yes, it is a drag that we don't always get our way. But the strength in this system we have resides not in the power to get your way all the time, but in the ability to voice an opinion and guide the choices that are made. Many of the seemingly powerful people who are out there only have any power because WE give it to them. Their power is bestowed by US, and can be taken away and given to someone else.
It's strange but totally true: One vote means nothing. Just like one snowflake or rain drop means nothing. One ant means nothing. One bacteria means nothing. But just like all these things, hundreds and thousands and millions are incredibly powerful.
If you don't vote, you are giving away the power to do anything, to whomever has the balls to stand up and accept that power. An unused vote delivers even more power than a used vote. It gives the power to rule but attaches no strings or oversight.
We are in a difficult time and we need to decide how to get out of it.
I vote.
I don't always get what I want.
I vote.
The people who get in office often abuse their power, but we can hold them accountable.
I vote.
I might not get anything for it today, tomorrow or next week, but I decide what kind of world my son will inherit.
I vote.
29 Comments:
This is awsome! May I please repost on my blog?
Good on ya Bryan! I vote too!
Brilliant!
Augh! I hear people complaining about the state of the country and when I ask them who they voted for, they have a bunch of reasons for not voting and I have a strong desire to shake them. If you don't vote, you don't get the right to complain.
Women before us fought tooth and nail for the right to be heard and to me, it's one of the most important rights we have.
So no more excuses, get registered and vote in November. Because your one vote may not make a difference in the overall scheme of things but if everyone who questions the government decided not to vote, that would be disastrous.
By the way, beautifully written Bugfrog. Sorry to go off in the comments.
Thanks for writing this Bryan. Well said!
This is a great post! Here in Colorado we need to convert each and every non-voter.
I also have not always gotten what I want. However, I keep hanging on to my first voting experience when I cast my vote for Bill Clinton in 1992, after seeing him campaign in the primaries. I was so hopeful then, I did not understand how lucky we were in the 1990's and how fragile our Democracy can be.
Fantastic!
My stepdad is among those who don't vote for many of the reasons Bryan wrote. When I found this out, any time he'd complain about political issues, I'd tell him he gave up the right to complain when he decided not to vote.
I'm off to work for Obama tomorrow, so we'll see what he has to say about someone in the family actually campaigning for once!
Well said... I love that post.
Bravo Bryan. Well said!
Great post, Bryan.
That's perfect.
Great Post Bryan.
Thanks for reprinting it Aimee.
{standing ovation}
Kath, Bryan said go for it.
And thanks for all your kind comments!
i vote, too!
right on, Bryan!
I agree!!! Here's my take. I always vote. Then sometimes I shake my head in disbelief when it feels like I was the only person that voted that way! Especially in wacky colorado!
Thank goodness there are other people out there that agree with me...call me old fashioned or stodgy, but it is my right and, therefore, my obligation to vote.
Great post - inspiring! I link to it from my place!
yes, brilliant!
wtg Bryan!
man, that post was really awesome, thanks for re-posting it here to share with all of us!
I kind of feel like I NEVER get my way. The only consolation is that no one else really does, either. Not to the degree that we want. Compromise, checks and balances, that's what keeps our Constitution and our Country strong.
So yeah, even though I NEVER get my way, the politicians always throw in something that pisses me off, or pull out something I wanted, or sell out to the highest bidder...even so, I vote.
Actually, I just don't understand people who don't. It's not just our right...it's our duty.
wow, that was amazing. TFS.
Good for Brian! I'm firmly of the opinion that if you don't vote then you have no right to complain about the politicians running the country and what they do. No vote, no voice.
You had me a little worried for a minute... thought i was going to have to stop loving that Bryan!
Great FILCH!
Can't vote but I did follow Nutmeg's lead:
http://eluckypacket.com/2008/09/26/for-those-who-cant-vote-pass-it-on/
Well said! :)
I also vote.
Yes yes yes!
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