As usual just before an election, I have recently received several emails regarding the importance of voting. That’s a blessing to me, because it tells me they see the importance of getting involved–many don’t care enough to get off their backside and go vote. They are usually the first to complain about the results.
Perhaps you’ve never thought about it, but in a sense we all vote, even when we do not cast a vote. You might not participate in the electoral process, although you should, but you send a message by refusing to go to the polls. When you don’t vote you still influence the election.
As Americans we are a very privileged people. We have been blessed beyond measure. But, we also have a great responsiblity. John Jay said,”The Americans are the first people whom Heaven has favored with an opportunity of deliberating upon and choosing the forms of government under which they should live.” He is right. We set the pattern for every democracy that exist today. Every free nation on earth today owes a great debt to America. God has blessed us and made us a blessing. If we truly appreciate this blessing we will vote. The person who refuses to participate in an election gives up his right to complain about the outcome.
William Penn said,”Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them; and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than men upon governments. Let men be good and the government cannot be bad—-But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their turn.”
Abraham Lincoln spoke about a “government of the people, by the people and for the people”. So, all the people should be involved. Every citizen of the United States should participate in choosing who will represent us. Voting is a right and a responsibility. To neglect it is a disgrace.
Remember, brave men and women have fought, suffered and died to secure and preserve our right to vote. How can you then dare refuse to do your part? No one is asking you to climb the highest mountain, or swim the widest ocean, or shed your blood on a foreign battlefield far far from home. We’re just asking you to do your duty and vote. Please step-up, speak-out, let your voice be heard–VOTE!
The up-coming election might be one of the most important in history. Don’t just sit back and hope that things will turn out right, vote! You owe it to your children and grandchildren. If you care about the future of our country prove it–VOTE!
