I will vote for the first time in my life in the next presidential election. I conjecture that it may be the first time for lots of other young adults who were 18 or older and could vote in the past election, but just didn’t know or care enough about politics to vote. I remember explaining my decision to not vote by saying, “I’m a firm believer that my vote doesn’t count.” I’ve changed my mind about that. I have learned to see the importance of using my voice at the ballot box. Theoretically, in terms of democratic ideals, one vote is very powerful and represents the beauty of democracy: that with citizens’ voices raised together, we can steer the direction of issues important to us. That sounds so nice. I wish it played out in reality as well as it does in theory. But the grim reality of the very powerful hold that lobbyists and private interest groups have on our elected officials is enough to let me simmer in cynicism and rage.
But I cannot. Or I will not. So I’ll vote. I’m not sure who I’ll vote for yet, but I’m sure he or she will be a Democrat. I, like millions of others, am very wary and weary of the current administration and am ready for change. In fact that seems to be the buzz word in the recent Democratic debates: change. I like how Barack is younger in the political world simply because it gives me hope that he’s not as bought by the aforementioned private interest groups as the other candidates. Even though he was given record amount in donations. But, I’m also hopeful because he’s made comments about taking back power that the private interests groups have. That sounds really appropriate and necessary to me. Money mongrels shouldn’t have the power. The people should have the power and we should elect people who have OUR best interests in mind and will be a public servant.
On a similar, but separate note, Chad and I recently saw Michael Moore’s new documentary, Sicko. It was fabulous. Despite being all but demonized by the conservative Right, I find him to be intelligent, fair, funny, creative, and kind. More on that documentary later. I think it deserves its own post
