Apathy

English: Ballot Box showing preferential voting

Apathy is defined, in part, as a state of indifference, a lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting. In other words, apathy is being in a constant state of neutrality. Kind of like the Swiss.

I had lunch with a very good friend today. This person is one of my best friends. This person is highly intelligent. As we were leaving lunch, a pollster approached him and asked, “if the election were held today, who would you vote for?” My friend responded: “I don’t care; it doesn’t matter to me.” Hearing this comment started my blood pressure on an upward track. “How can you not care?” I asked, already fairly confident I knew the answer I was going to receive. “Because it doesn’t matter, they’re both idiots. Besides, I didn’t vote in the primary.”

First of all, not voting in the primary has no bearing on your ability or responsibility to vote in the general. Second, they’re not both idiots. Say what you want about any candidate, but you can’t be a complete idiot and get your party nomination. You must at least have the talent to regurgitate what the smart people around you are telling you to say. That at least requires some level of intelligence.

And finally, IT DOES MATTER! Your vote matters! Every single vote matters! If you fail to cast a vote, you fail to make your voice heard. You may vote for someone because they appeal to you and you feel they would do a good job in the position in which they seek. Or, you may vote for another candidate in order to remove an incumbent from office because you feel the incumbent has not done a good job. This is how constituents grade their elected officials. And, it does matter.

Need I remind you how close the 2000 election was? Every vote does matter. Make your voice heard. Tell your elected officials what you think of their job performance. Voting is the ultimate responsibility for anyone living in this country. This country was an idea; an idea that was treasonous. But, the people forming this idea had faith in the people and, recently, the people have failed to stand up to the obligations. This idea can not survive without participation. Do your part: participate.

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Bryan is the founder of 2 Rights Make a Left. While obtaining his J.D., Bryan researched and wrote extensively on Capital Punishment, an issue that remains close to his heart to this day. He has spent the majority of his adult life involved in politics in some form or another. Bryan spends most of his time reading, writing and discussing all things politics. Bryan loves to travel and, if he had his way, would constantly be jetting off to another destination. The rest of his time is spent following his beloved Bears, Bulls and Cubbies.

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