In the supposed, freest nation in the world, where voting has always been a right for certain male adults, for all male citizens since the Civil War, and for all our people (regardless of sex), since the early part of the twentieth century, we consistently witness, less than half of the eligible voters, going to the polls. Although, obviously, in this free nation, it’s also a right, whether to vote, or not, wouldn’t it make sense, if more people, believed/ felt. voting was not only a right, but a meaningful obligation! How many times, have you heard, someone say, My vote doesn’t count, or, All politicians are alike, etc? Elections have consequences, as we have certainly (or should have) realized, in the aftermath of the last Presidential elections, and, it’s past the time, for us, to stop, merely, complaining, and blaming, the present, public officials, but, to do something about it! With that in mind, this article will attempt to consider, examine, review, and discuss, why/ how, our voter apathy has ramifications, and five current examples.
1. Vote doesn’t matter/ They’re all the same: In the Presidential election of 2016, we continued witnessing the pattern, which has existed for quite some time. Americans appear to take this right and responsibility, for granted, and more people decided not to cast a vote, than to get involved, and committed! Why did voters elect, President Donald Trump, in 2016, instead of his competitor, Hillary Clinton? Although she won the popular vote, he won the election, in the Electoral College, to a large degree, because, in a handful of states, he received a small majority of that state’s votes. Therefore, those deciding not to participate, actually, elected Mr. Trump!
2. It won’t happen here!: Probably, because, in the past, although someone, individuals opposed, may have been elected, there were few significant long – term ramifications, because each, for the most part, appeared to respect the Balance of Powers, and the so – called, political norm. Whether someone agrees with, or opposes, the present occupant of the White House, they should realize, what we are presently witnessing, isn’t normal!
3. Climate change: Certain issues are time – sensitive, and if we fail, to take timely action, we risk significant, undesirable ramifications! Despite the preponderance of the scientific evidence, and the overwhelming opinion of scientific professionals/ expert, President Trump, articulates a message, which indicates, he denies climate change, and does not consider it, a priority! There is little doubt, his opponent would have, been, far more proactive, and committed, in the fight to combat, and reverse, climate change, than this victor!
4. Deficits don’t matter!: No respectable economist believes, in the longer – term, huge federal deficits, are, either beneficial or sustainable. We’ve witnessed trillion dollar deficits, and an apparent attitude, that’s okay! His supporters point to the present – day, economy, and proclaim, he is correct, but, the reality, is, while the United States economy, appears healthiest, perhaps, ever, much of this is somewhat, artificial, propelled upward, because of this huge infusion of borrowed funds! Eventually, these deficits will have to be addressed and repaid, and future generations, will be stuck, holding the bag!
5. Trickle – down economics: Trickle – down economics, has never been a successful solution, in this country! President Reagan realized this in the 1980’s, and less than two years, after his major tax reform, we began taxing Social Security benefits, for the first time, to address this! There is no doubt, the legislation, passed in 2017, helped some, but certainly, the wealthiest to a far greater degree! Indeed, we have a lower unemployment rate, but we have not witnessed an accompanying, wage increase!
6. The tone: We have not witnessed, perhaps in centuries, the polarizing tone, of today! This President’s rhetoric, which approaches being, vitriol, has had the effect of pitting, the so – called, haves against the have – nots!
Wake up, America, and get involved in voting! Your vote matters, has ramifications, and we must transform apathy, into a more informed, involved public!