William T. Robinson, Jr.
Early voting for the midterm election is taking place in many states. The most important thing you can do is to make sure you vote, and if possible encourage others in your immediate circle to vote. There are too many crucial issues at stake affecting you and your family’s future. Your vote does count in deciding the direction this country is taking whether in a local, state, national, or global capacity.
Do your part and don’t squander your ability to make a difference in the outcome of this nation by not voting. It is your most important constitutional right, and it was a long time in coming for many people. Now it is your responsible obligation to utilize this right that so many before you worked tirelessly and assiduously to bring to fruition. Make no excuses and exercise your right to vote. There was a hard fought battle to make it possible for all citizens. Therefore, many would consider it disrespectful and disheartening to the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice if you don’t vote.
You can understand the importance of this right when you see how some states are using questionable and unconstitutional methods, contributing to allegations of voter suppression. That should show the average citizen how the powers to be or who are in control understand the power of the vote and what it can do. As potential voters, we should be cognizant of the misrepresentation of issues and just straight out lying by some party candidates seeking office. Amendments presented before the public should be examined closely for their veracity and to avoid false interpretation by skeptics.
Do what you must do, but do your homework first, because there are those who apparently feel the average voter is credulous, believing anything that is put before them without questioning the veracity of what is presented. Many voters find it insulting and condescending. For the most part, we know that people vote for candidates or issues that at the time they feel will personally benefit them and their families. I guess that is why so many people find it ironic that you have many states, especially southern states, that are considered ‘red’ states or predominately Republican –but have a large population of poor and marginalized people. It is puzzling that poor citizens found in many southern states continue to support those with an agenda that doesn’t better their living condition. They produce career politicians that eventually become millionaires, with free lifetime healthcare who cater only to the lobbyists representing big businesses and corporations.
I can only speculate that this conundrum continues because a large percentage of voters are not utilizing their power to change their destiny by voting. I truly feel when you do your homework, you can get past the lies and rhetoric presented to you and makes the right decision, regardless of party affiliation (which sometimes seems to be detrimental to making the right decision for the average American citizen, anyway). I am constantly reminded of a statement by Malcolm X: “If you are not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people doing the oppressing.”
I personally consider myself an Independent, but because of my natural humanitarian moral compass, I gravitate toward the policies of the Democratic Party when compared to those of the Republican Party. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I truly find it hard to understand how you can be a Christian and continue to be a Republican—especially when many of their views seem inhumane in scope, favoring a select elitist self-serving group lacking sensitivity or empathy to those with less. It doesn’t help that at this time, most Republicans continue to support a mendacious, amoral, and unscrupulous president. However, it is your right to vote for whomever you desire, ‘JUST VOTE.’
Early voting is in progress in most states and November 6 is the official Election Day. I pray and hope that we can change our state to a blue state as well as ratify Amendment One in Nashville, which will bring about a Community Oversight Board (COB) to oversee complaints made against police officers. The COB can only bridge police community relations in this city. Making Tennessee a blue state will confirm that there is a majority of citizens with a moral compass and a desire and hope to heal the wave of hate that is being perpetuated by the president.
