Tomorrow is election day. For Virginia and New Jersey, as well as the City of New York, these are big days. We (in Virginia) are going to elect new governors, as well as legislators that will make laws we will have to live with for years, if not decades. And, that’s the point. Too many of you (I have only missed one election- a primary that was held in March- since the first time I have been allowed to vote) only vote in Presidential elections. Which means that you let other folks pick your Congresspersons and state officers- that pass rules with which you vehemently disagree. Or let them move district boundaries to insure that their favorites get elected time and time again, or to insure the opposite party has no chance of gaining a seat. 
The bubble has burst on the American Dream. We have lost sight of our vision, our mission. As President Clinton said, “If we become ideological, then we’re blind to evidence.” So, I guess we are totally blind, because we have become inimically ideological.
Yet, our political parties are desperate to stoke those ideological fires. Because it gets us motivated to vote. Those not burning with ideological fervor (or with a passion to participate as Americans) just don’t come out to vote. The last gubernatorial election for the Commonwealth of Virginia involved only a few moderates, progressives, and/or liberals. They were “tired” from filling out their ballots in 2008, when they overwhelming elected President Obama, with only about 40% of those who voted for Obama voting in 2009. (Virginia had been considered a Republican state before that national election.)
In New Jersey, Governor Christie, who swept into office promising to cut taxes and bureaucracy and be NOT part of the Democratic Party, is about to win because he is abandoning the GOP principles. Oh, wait, not the GOP principles that I understood growing up, but the ones that seem to obtain today. (For example, he has decided – despite the rhetoric of the New GOP- to NOT continue the fight against gay marriage in the state.)
So, regardless of your political positions, I am asking you all to vote tomorrow. Whether it’s for governor, legislator, mayor, or dog catcher. Because you can still make a difference. And, because that’s your obligation as an American citizen.
And, if you don’t vote- what gives you the right to complain?
You’re right! Don’t vote, don’t whine…
I prefer to avoid letting one even consider not voting. Vote- or you have only yourself to blame!
This is a great reminder to us all to VOTE!
I am so glad- that was the idea, Suerae!
It is the same the world over – people whinge about politics but if they can’t be bothered to vote then they don’t have a leg to stand on. And don’t get me started on politicians – they all seem to lose sight of what they were elected for…
I’m with you on both accounts, Caro! VBut, we still need to vote- or it could be worse…much worse.
We fought so hard to get the right to vote and not enough of us vote for local elections. It is such a shame!
Muriel recently posted..Bring Out the Gutsy In You!
That is the point in a nutshell, Muriel. Thanks for that addition to the discussion.
I wish voting really changed things, Roy. I really do, but I think that people can say whatever they will and may not be able to do at all what they say or may not intend to or may change their minds. How do you know a politician is lying?
Ann Mullen recently posted..Seniors Suing Family for Care: It Can’t Happen Here
Voting changes things. The problem you mention is that too many voters only hear what they want to hear- and don’t believe the facts CLEARLY in front of their eyes.
since the election is over- let’s give a real example.
Cuccinelli and McDonnell both had records that any sentient being (ok, that eliminates most voters) would recognize would impose their religious beliefs upon the citizenry of Virginia. But, they promised they wouldn’t. And, what did they do? Imposed among the most restrictive rules on abortion, demanded the use of vaginal probes (this is NO government intrusion?), cut funds to education, and Cuccinelli- in his most recent foray- said he would no longer impose a law rendering the divorce by a woman (not a man) who did not get her husband’s consent- even in abusive situations- possible. Yeah, right- I’m typing this from Jupiter right now, too!
It’s so important to vote. Thanks for the reminder. Unfortunately too many people voted for our mayor, Rob Ford 🙁
Carol Tomany recently posted..Feast or Famine
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