Thinking About Staying Home on Election Day?
In this week of political posts, I thought I would bring your attention to a blog post I wrote two years ago this week...leading up to the 2006 elections:
From my blog on October 25, 2006
- I don't put up political yard signs. I don't care how much I like the candidate or believe in his/her views--a yard sign or bumper sticker puts a potential wall between me and my neighbors. Views on politics tend to isolate and polarize. It's more important to me that I build a relational bridge to those around me than letting them know who I'm voting for.
- I don't care if the Republicans lose the House or Senate. It's not going to matter all that much. It doesn't matter what happens in Washington...they can't change hearts. And until hearts change, this world is not going to change. That's why I've given my life to the heart-changing business.
- I'm sick of political advertisements. For the most part, they insult my intelligence and treat me like an idiot. The "mute" button is my friend.
- I love America. I like our system. It has its' flaws, but it is a representative system and mostly reflects our corporate values as Americans. I really respect the men and women who give their lives, under unbelievable amounts of scrutiny and pressure, to enter the political process and try to make America a better place to live.
- Anyone who doesn't vote is a loser. Really. I want to say harsher things about you, but let's just leave it there. I have verbally pummelled my friends in past years who have admitted that they just couldn't find time to get away during the day and vote. Grow up. Plan your day. People all across the world make it to polls even though they might get shot in the head on the way there.
It has been two years since I wrote those words, but I pretty much still agree with every word. Perhaps I'm not as feisty now.
You may be thinking of staying home from the polls this year. You might even think you have good reasons. The top two reasons I've heard?
- My vote won't matter. It's going to be a landslide in my state. Uh, are you a prophet? No one knows what the results will be. Don't pay attention to pollsters or reporters. They all have an agenda. Just exercise your freedom to vote...a freedom, by the way, that thousands of Americans died for so that you would have the choice.
- The lines will be too long. I can't get time off work. Wanna bet? Ask your employer. Go in early. Put in extra hours the day before. Stay late. If you want to vote, you can figure out a way. If you don't vote, for goodness sake don't blame it on your employer or someone else. Just own up and admit to being a loser.
I guess I'm still just as feisty. Oh well, there's hope for the future.
So, anyone brave enough to tell me your reason you aren't voting next week?