*sigh* Why?
I'll tell you why.
I admit, I probably have gotten out of hand the past couple of days. And while the nationwide returns last night were a bit bluer than I would've wanted, I do feel as though I did my part.
I count 9 seats in Congress in 7 different states from yesterday's entry. (Yeah, I'm counting you, Lady K, Makutaman, and Mikerahk.) Thank you for voting, or wanting to vote. And this is where I tell you why.
I come across many people, both in person and online, who complain about the government they have, either in Gretna, Baton Rouge, or Washington, D.C. Before they get too riled up, I ask them: "Did you vote last election? Did you vote last time these 'bums' were elected?" If they didn't vote, and didn't have a good (I mean, birth/death in the family-esque) reason, I can't maintain the conversation with them. They have no right to complain.
In the USA, we have an opportunity that is unique across much of the world: We are able to change the political landscape to mirror popular opinion, and we don't need military force to do it. (Mind you, the US isn't the only democratic republic on the globe, just the most famous.) All that is necessary is the casting of a ballot. If you can't do that, you obviously don't care enough to do anything but complain. And if that's the case, then I really don't have time for you. (Some individuals, including a certain admin who does not go by BR, being excepted: if you don't vote and don't care, I can only look at you funny and nothing more. I'm not going to try to vote vicariously through you.)
Omi, Swert, Toaraga, LehvakLah, 22, and Turakii's mom (even though she didn't post), thank you for voting yesterday. Lady K, Makutaman, and Mikerahk, thank you for wanting to vote. Everyone else who voted, thank you for voting yesterday. My entire readership (all 20 (maybe) of you), thank you for bearing with me. In 2 or 4 or 6 years down the road, be reading the newspaper and register to vote in time for elections. You do 200+ years of democratic process proud when you do.
And, barring a followup of the December runoff on the other side of the River/17th Street canal or something exceptionally boneheaded that happens locally, I've said my peace on the political spectrum. For a while, at least.
Thank you, all, for bearing with me. This is my life; welcome to the fray.
-KIE
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