Divided We'll Fall

May 06,2015

It seems today that the politics in this country are getting more and more controversial, and it’s looked at as poor taste to bring it up. Many people believe that their say isn’t heard and feel their vote doesn’t matter, so why bother? From my experience this opinion is common among my peers, that being the college aged generation. Where does this lack of interest in leadership come from? Why is voting the way to relieve our dissatisfaction?

Less than 60% of the eligible voting population voted in the 2008 presidential election and even less than that in 2012. With 40% of the eligible population voting during the midterm elections, the turnout rate in the US is disappointing to say the least. How can we as US citizens be upset with our elected officials if we don’t utilize our right to choose? Countless members of congress have been in office for decades, accused of corruption, and have not been acting in the best interest of the US, yet they are reelected every term. Not voting only exacerbates the problem that causes many not to vote in the first place, creating a vicious cycle of discontent.

Voting in my eyes is not a privilege but a duty as a citizen in a Democratic country. This country was founded on freedom and we enjoy many of the luxuries that come from it, but when we don’t cast a ballot we say to that corrupt and selfish acts are acceptable, we say we’re content. However, there area lot of feelings that say otherwise, so why not voice those feelings?

The younger generation is moving up in this world and will soon be subjected to the harsh reality of just how directly politics can effect quality of life for the better and for the worse. This is the exact reason why we need to be the ones at the polls. This right to vote for our leaders is often undervalued, and this is detrimental to positive progress.

In recent years I have seen the first hand cause and effect that government leadership has on a personal level. I do not say this to demonize our government or to call out politicians. I say this to provoke deeper thought about elections and the power of one vote. This is not limited to just presidential elections but elections for our state representatives as well. When electing a leader, we our telling the government what kind of world we want to live in, so why not voice our thoughts.  

There are many worthy candidates out there, and taking the time to get to know them is a step toward being an active member of society. The path to change is not through avoidance. Take my words for what they are, words from a concerned but hopeful citizen. Take time to understand the world we live in, from our front door to the other side of the world. As humans our say impacts it and our say matters.

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Divided We'll Fall

 Divided We'll Fall

Divided We'll Fall

Divided We'll Fall

It seems today that the politics in this country are getting more and more controversial, and it’s looked at as poor taste to bring it up. Many people believe that their say isn’t heard and feel their vote doesn’t matter, so why bother? From my experience this opinion is common among my peers, that being the college aged generation. Where does this lack of interest in leadership come from? Why is voting the way to relieve our dissatisfaction?

Less than 60% of the eligible voting population voted in the 2008 presidential election and even less than that in 2012. With 40% of the eligible population voting during the midterm elections, the turnout rate in the US is disappointing to say the least. How can we as US citizens be upset with our elected officials if we don’t utilize our right to choose? Countless members of congress have been in office for decades, accused of corruption, and have not been acting in the best interest of the US, yet they are reelected every term. Not voting only exacerbates the problem that causes many not to vote in the first place, creating a vicious cycle of discontent.

Voting in my eyes is not a privilege but a duty as a citizen in a Democratic country. This country was founded on freedom and we enjoy many of the luxuries that come from it, but when we don’t cast a ballot we say to that corrupt and selfish acts are acceptable, we say we’re content. However, there area lot of feelings that say otherwise, so why not voice those feelings?

The younger generation is moving up in this world and will soon be subjected to the harsh reality of just how directly politics can effect quality of life for the better and for the worse. This is the exact reason why we need to be the ones at the polls. This right to vote for our leaders is often undervalued, and this is detrimental to positive progress.

In recent years I have seen the first hand cause and effect that government leadership has on a personal level. I do not say this to demonize our government or to call out politicians. I say this to provoke deeper thought about elections and the power of one vote. This is not limited to just presidential elections but elections for our state representatives as well. When electing a leader, we our telling the government what kind of world we want to live in, so why not voice our thoughts.  

There are many worthy candidates out there, and taking the time to get to know them is a step toward being an active member of society. The path to change is not through avoidance. Take my words for what they are, words from a concerned but hopeful citizen. Take time to understand the world we live in, from our front door to the other side of the world. As humans our say impacts it and our say matters.