Friday, October 14, 2016

Vote or stay home? What should you do?

As this political season sinks ever lower I'm beginning to hear and read about people who have decided to sit this one out.  The idea of voting for either of the two candidates is so repugnant as to make them want to just opt out of the election this year.  They argue that they have a right to vote or not to vote.

I have a problem with this position on two counts.
First, there are more people than the two presidential candidates running for political office.  There are senators, congressman and a host of state and local people.  What about them?  Are they all as unacceptable as the two top posts?  No, I don't think so.  They deserve to have your vote.

Second and more importantly, free elections are the bedrock of a democracy.  A lot of people sacrificed their lives to preserve your right to vote.  It is your first responsibility as a citizen.  You owe it to yourself and your country to vote. 

Can't bring yourself to vote for Trump or Clinton?  Fine, write in someone's name (this is useless too but at least you're voting).  Make the effort.  Vote.

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