I was going to write a light, happy post today – like I usually do – but I can’t. Since hearing the results of Election Day, I’m feeling so discouraged about the state of the world.
And I’m angry.
A whopping two thirds — TWO THIRDS — of eligible voters didn’t even take the time to vote this Election Day.
That’s appalling.
And it’s why our country is in very big trouble.
We have elected into office people who, by their own admission, are anti-choice, anti-same sex marriage, anti-raising the minimum wage, anti-gender equality in pay. They deny climate change and believe corporations deserve the same rights — actually more rights — than actual human beings. They believe gun owners’ rights trump children’s lives and that our country is a Christian nation rather than a melting pot.
What they have done in the name of God is sinful.
Their number one priority is not to help get jobs or health insurance for their constituents.
It’s to get the President out of office.
They’ve made that clear, and said it out loud, from the day President Obama was elected.
Despite a basically treasonous Congress — what would you call people who set out to destroy their own country to prove a point? — the President has managed to repair an impressive amount of the damage caused during the Bush years.
Unemployment is down, the stock market is up.
But, alas, to quote Andy Borowitz in The New Yorker, “President Obama is still black.”
And racism trumps sanity. It trumps facts. It trumps humanity.
And that’s why I’m so sad.
It’s time to wake up and stop watching cat videos. Forget about what Kim Kardashian’s doing and take a look at what our own lawmakers are doing.
And turn off that damn Fox News — which is anything but news, and which should be cited by the FTC for false claims.
We’re in trouble, and we just elected in people who couldn’t care less.
They’re being funded by the Koch brothers, who are worth $40 BILLION EACH and whose agenda has nothing to do with improving your life. These men have chosen to spend their money to buy Washington rather than feed children or help any one of the myriad areas that are desperate for help in this country.
If you don’t believe that, do some research. Get off Facebook and actually read what they — and our newly-elected officials — say. They’re pretty transparent, and the things they say will make you cringe and think you must be reading The Onion.
Unfortunately, you’re not.
Our education system, which used to make us a solid leader, has pushed us so far down the list, we’re not even in the top 10 any more. We are becoming dumber and dumber. And those politicians are becoming richer and richer.
They’re counting on our complacency, and it’s apparently an effective strategy. While we’re playing Kandy Krush, they’re winning elections — even if they have to do it by lying and cheating. Hey, why not? We’re not paying attention.
The women before us were beaten and jailed in order to get us the right to vote. Yet we can’t take the time to actually go to the poll?
If that’s the case, then register right now for a permanent absentee ballot.
By not voting, you are certainly voting. And by thinking the midterm elections aren’t important, well, let’s see how the next two years actually play out.
And let’s make our officials accountable so we still have clean air to breathe and water to drink in 2016 when we finally change the world for the better by electing our first female President.
I so love your passion Lois. And though I might not agree with all your opinions, I heartily concur — “It’s time to wake up and stop watching cat videos. Forget about what Kim Kardashian’s doing and take a look at what our own lawmakers are doing.”
It does seem that we — and the younger set — are in a mind-numbed, online state.
YES, YES, YES to all of this.
I didn’t realize it was as high as TWO THIRDS that didn’t vote. I’m sure those are the biggest whiners and complainers, too.
This was my first election as an “independent.” When my driver’s license recently came up for renewal, I chose to not be affiliated to either party because they ALL are self-interested idiots in my opinion. At least now I can complain about both sides… and pick and choose according to common sense — if only there were some in Washington.
You are absolutely right! When will people wake up to what is happening in this country. On the optimistic side, there is still time to become active and try to make changes. I love your enthusiasm – keep up the good work.
I am so bummed and angry as well. Where are the voters? WHERE?? Why do people dismiss these midterm elections? It’s so important to vote.
Gulp… I do appreciate and admire your passion, Lois. And I do agree that it is a crying shame that people put such trivialities ahead of their responsibilities as U.S. citizens.
Here’s the thing. Nothing would be different if they voted. Or if another party got in. And that is what scares ME.
Lois, the world is a scary place. I voted and can’t wait for 2016 for our first female president. Let’s do it!
If I could I would share the photo I made for this quote yesterday, it is so fitting:
“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision if they decide to turn their backs to the fire and burn their behinds. The they will just have to sit on their blisters.” -Abraham Lincoln
What’s sad is apathy is like mold. It spreads and grows in the dark…and that sadly is where so many Americans are.
I like that quote Elin.
Preaching to the choir. Apathy is chronic condition…. and I hate it….
Yes, like Ruth said, preaching to the choir. This is our dinner conversation every night with our son. But even if we disagree, he cares deeply for our country and went canvassing to get people to vote. Shameful turnout.
I’m so ready for a female president!
You can say that again, all of it. I have been so sad about the state of people’s involvement and the total lack of critical reasoning.
I’m trying hard to understand my friends on the other side. I can’t change their minds, but perhaps I can soften them a bit…I have a brother I am going to work on this weekend. : )
I don’t understand why any adult would not choose to vote in the only truly free country in the world either. I do believe that many politicians are self serving just the same, no matter which party they are in. I see the country being closely split near 50/50 anyways, with many of us common citizens all wanting the same thing, just in a different way from each other.
You did what you could!! You showed your passion and you voted. Great things will occur, I promise.
Yes, the results left me dispirited and depressed. We have t work harder to get the messages out in 2016. This time around they were ignored. Or not heard.