Vote! For Who You Don’t Believe In.
Political poster by Jorge Arrieta
How many people have asked me if I am going to vote? How many more interject before my answer, “You have to vote!” Some people tell you that you have to vote because it is your duty and that if you do not vote then you cannot have an opinion. Those same people also believe that you have to vote for the lesser of two evils and that it is a cop out to not vote. Mention that you might vote for a third party candidate and they will scold you for “wasting your vote.” All of their reasons that you should vote (particularly for their party) are simply echoes from government propaganda that do not hold water.
The only duty I have is for truth – to myself and everyone and everything.
Let us say that you are a Christian. Now, let us further suppose that you are asked your religion. Oh no, you are not allowed to say Christian because that is not an option. So are you Hindu or Muslim? Time is running out. You cannot have a voice unless you choose your religion! Come on, don’t cop out on me. Pick Hindu, everyone knows it is the true religion. No, you are a Muslim says another – there can be only one God. Wait you say. I am considering picking Jewish. Oh please, you are throwing you vote away. Hindu or Muslim! But I’m a Christ… Didn’t you see the news about what will happen if you vote Hindu! Come on, don’t be an idiot if you do not vote for Muslim then we will all be speaking Chinese in two years. Well, if you vote Hindu then at least our children will have schools to attend! Yea, Chinese schools! O.K, I’ll vote…
Perhaps you are African American and you are asked your race, but only Caucasian and Asian are your options. Do you say Asian because you enjoy lying to yourself? Maybe you are gay and you have to pick between bisexual or straight. Oh you say, well I guess I am straight afterall. Could you possible just be someone who tells the truth and you must confess that you are a liar or a cheat.
Are you going to submit? By voting out of duty or for the lesser of two evils you are at the very least giving in to injustice and at the most you are an advocate and cheerleader of your candidate for better and for worse. Do not think that you can separate yourself when your leader chooses injustice over justice. Or seeks personal gain at the misfortune of others. Or that you can for a minute escape guilt when your leader desires war instead of peace. No, you are a part of this injustice and war and misfortune. Your vote has empowered your politician. Your tax dollars have supported their cause.
If you have a viable candidate that you believe in, then by all means, please vote! But by not voting for someone because you do not think that they are qualified, or because they have different philosophies and beliefs then you do – well that is using common sense and it is the logical conclusion. Only vote for who you believe is going to do what you think is right or who is going to represent the people.
Follow your Truth! Make a Statement. Take a Stand. Do not Submit!