The Up Escalator: On Election Day

The Up Escalator: On Election Day: "Did you know that in the 2006 mid-term elections, only 40% of eligible voters actually voted? Did you know that on average, a member of cong..."

On Election Day

Did you know that in the 2006 mid-term elections, only 40% of eligible voters actually voted?

Did you know that on average, a member of congress represents approximately 400,000 eligible voters? (218MM/ 535)  I wonder how well any of us would hold up under the scrutiny of 400,000 constituents.

We are all blessed to live in a country that allows each of us to be an active participant in how we are governed. Unlike our forefathers, we now live in a society where all eligible citizens are able to cast their votes for the people they feel best represent their individual  and collective interests.

Where does this notion come from that there is this nefarious, conspiring group of individuals called “The Government” that is not interested in the good of the country? Why do we feel the people who represent our team, don’t want the team to succeed?

Why is it “us versus them”?

Actually, it isn’t “us versus them” because “us” asked “them” to represent “us”. Well, at least 40% of the eligible voters did. If you are unhappy about the state of the country, then do something about it. 

• Vote. Voting is a start, so work on getting that 60% of non-voters in 2006 to the polls today. That 60% of non-voters are allowing the minority of individual voters to make decisions for the majority.
• Vote smart.. Reality is if I am 1 of 400,000 constituents, then I am probably not going to find a candidate that is aligned with all of my values and goals. Even if I did¸ they wouldn’t be in my priority order. If I can vote  for a person or persons who has shown through their actions not words, that they align with my number one priority, then at least I know that the one thing most important to me will be well represented.
• Vote responsibly. Voting for a person because we feel they aren’t as bad as the other person, or because they are members of a certain party is easy but not very responsible. Most important, ask yourself how am I going to continue to support the team, even if the majority choose to move in a direction that isn’t aligned  with my individual desires? National elections are a big bi-annual event,   but we have to continue to live in this great country every day of the year. Get involved with your elected representatives regardless of who wins.

You probably don’t leave your family or quit your job if you aren’t in agreement with individual decisions of the majority. You probably don’t tear your house down because of the individual flaws in the walls.  However, if you do believe that the only way to make this country a better one is to change and start all over, then understand that there will be a period of adjustment and self sacrifice that may rival the worst periods in your pre-change situation. Sometimes change is necessary, but I have never witnessed a successful team that is more interested in dismantling than it is in building.

Horace said over two thousand years ago that, “anger is a short madness”.  When we snap out of it, we still need to deal with the massive problems confronting our country.

It’s all right to throw rocks, as long as you know who is responsible for picking them all up at the end of the day.