Voting as an Obligation

People think that voting is a privilege--something they can exercise or not. I think that is a short-sighted, even stupid position. Voting is an OBLIGATION inherent in being a citizen--it's the one, basic right that gives any meaning to being a citizen. Even when you think--as most Americans do--that your vote doesn't count, that your one vote won't change anything, it is still incumbent upon you as a citizen to register your position. And when you vote, don't do it as one individual; go with as many friends as you can gather up and go vote as a BLOCK.

But there is more than one way to vote. One more immediate and meaningful way is to vote with your dollars. Every time you spend money, you are voting in support of the company to whom you are giving that money. Like it or not, when you shop at Wal-Mart, you are condoning the fact that their products are made by virtual slaves under sweatshop conditions. How else do you think Wal-Mart can sell so much for so much less than anyone else? (And to me, Wal-Mart is the generic name for all of the big-box stores, like Target and K-Mart--they are all the same to me.) Not to mention the fact that Wal-Mart is the beneficiary of huge amounts of corporate welfare and responsible for the loss of countless numbers of small, local businesses.

If you really want to make a difference, if you really want to change the course our country is taking, take the time to VOTE! This election may be the most important in our nation's history. This election could determine whether we continue to have even the illusion of a democracy, and even whether you will still have the right to vote (look at what's happening in Pakistan--do you really think the Administration isn't watching closely and taking notes) in the future. Vote with your dollars by buying only from those companies who actually contribute something to your community and local economy instead of milking it for whatever they can without returning anything other than token gestures. Make your voice heard, while you still can.........