Be Useful…Use Your Voice; Take Care of Each Other and Vote

We live, day to day, in what can only be called a grand experiment. Our founders were sure that a government by and for the people could succeed. Are we perfect union? Hell, no, but with each election, from city councils to the presidency, we work to create a country that is welcoming, just and holds opportunity for all, regardless of who you are or where your people came from.

Is it often unfair? Yup. Can we do better? Yup. Much better.

This November, your chance comes around again to participate fully in our election process. And if you think your vote doesn’t count for much, think again. Our vote is our only way, outside of running for office to voice our opinions and help decide what our country will be. You see, the founders wrote the dream of our country, for the people and by the people; remember that piece? Well, our government can’t be “for the people” if we don’t take part in the “by the people” bit…by voting.

No matter what side of the aisle you vote with, remember one thing. All of us, disagree or agree are Americans. There are no Americans who are more real than others because of where they live or what they believe. Nothing incenses me more than seeing shirts that read “I’d rather be a Russian than a Democrat.” Seriously? Seriously?

If that’s how you feel, then take a page from the playbook of the dude from Vancouver who did not want his children exposed to pride flags, so he sold everything and moved his family to Moscow where their assets were immediately seized while they were investigated by the government. The wife of this genius decided to go on her social media and post a video critical of the Russian government, you know, just like she could do in Canada or as we could do in the US. With their assets now indefinitely held up, they are stuck in Moscow regretting their actions, trying to get back home.

The country I grew up in; the America that is my home is a country where we lift each other up. It’s not a place where we attack those we disagree with or consider them enemies. My parents were on completely opposite ends of the political spectrum. Were the dinner conversations lively? You bet. Did I learn to listen to others and see if we could communicate; find common ground; learn something? I did. I am not sure how we lost that. I know that 24-hour cable news and social media played role; a big one. Hatred violence, just plain meanness makes for great ratings and clicks. Joy is rarely celebrated or reported on.

It’s time to set aside differences in ideology and come together; to lift each other up; to take care of each other in our communities. Instead of telling people to “get off our lawn,” it’s time to run to that neighbor’s home who needs help; it’s time to be there for each other. Isolation breeds fear and contempt; community breeds long life and joy. I’m all in for that.

Voting creates the government we want to have…or if we don’t vote, the government we deserve. If we leave it others to decide because we are too busy or not interested, then we have no right to complain or to be shocked when things don’t go as we wish. Government is necessary for the function of any country and ours is unique in that it relies on us to make it work as we want it to work. So if you are unhappy with how things are, don’t vote for the same representatives and senators, city council people and mayors…even presidents over and over until they become fossils. If the only interests they are serving are their own, replace them with people who represent you better.

Look, you’ll never find a representative with whom you agree 100%, but don’t let that stop you from voting. People are imperfect and so government is imperfect. Nothing is 100% as we wish, but let’s work together…as Americans…to create a more perfect union.

And that begins in the voting booth. In the meantime, cook and be kind…please.