Often people who don’t vote, don’t volunteer or don’t engage in other activities that matter use the excuse, “One vote or action will not make a difference.” This year the United States is undergoing redistricting. Why do you ask does redistricting matter to me? I don’t vote and politicians always do whatever they want anyway. I am so sick and tired of people undervaluing one of the most fundamental rights and obligations granted to us as citizens of the United States – the right, the honor to vote.
This new school year when you drop off your children at a school with less teachers, no art classes and one custodian vs. three think about what a difference the act of voting could have made. This past legislative session in Texas politicians did get away with cheating residents of this state. Rather than dip into the Texas Rainy Day fund, the money that is supposed to be used in case of emergency or low funds. Note to elected officials, in case you hadn’t noticed IT IS RAINING IN TEXAS.
As our governor travels around the country touting his jobs record – more minimum wage jobs and the highest amount of uninsured workers in the US; his education record – dismal graduation rates especially for minorities and highest rates of teen pregnancy and repeat pregnancy. I say, who is watching Texas?
The apathy of many has negatively affected all of us who live in this state. If you think one vote doesn’t matter just listen to what the politicians are saying. Politicians, pundits on television and talk radio and so-called leaders of political organizations disparage Latinos, discuss us as if we can’t hear them and have nothing positive to say about us. They boldly discuss the burden we pose to this country and if elected what actions they would take to “cleanse” this country of Latinos. All those individuals and groups speak those bold words of hate even though we are the largest minority and continue to grow.
They spread this vitriol because they feel secure – since we, as a group DO NOT VOTE!! Yes I shout that from the highest mountaintop because everyone knows that. My friends that, is the reason we are not taken seriously as a voting block, minority group or citizens of this country. I ask, aren’t you tired? Tired of being ignored. Tired of being mistreated. Tired of not being included in this national conversation.
If you are in agreement with allowing someone else to make all the decisions for you then stay home on Election Day. However if you are tired of being ignored and used as a wedge issue then get off the couch and take some action. You, one person can make a difference to that teacher, that student, that state employee and most importantly your child, your elderly relative or yourself. Tell the politicians they can’t continue to mistreat us and think of negative stereotypes to perpetuate.
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
