Human Rights -- voting
comments | Posted in rights on Thursday, February 14 2008 12:23:04 PST
A discussion on human rights and voting was brought up at the dinner table last night. Those of you that know me know that I do not vote. I am not a registered voter.
This conversation began because my parents were talking about the candiates and my cousin from Mexico asked me if I was going to vote. My mother prodded me to answer my cousin (because this is one of a few things in my family-gatherings I know better than to bring up). So I told my cousin that I do not vote. My mother tried to explain that I do not vote because I don't see merit in any of the candiates in todays elections (or ever).
For me, politics is a game that is played but can never be won. The only way to win the game is to not play to begin with. I would rather buy a #1 from McDonalds and give it to a homeless Vet, or give money directly to the Salvation Army than spend the time to vote. I know that these small actions will affect someone now.
My cousin very plainly pointed out that since I don't vote, I don't have the right (or any ground to stand on) in complaining about whomever wins once the new President has been decided.
It took me a few moments to formulate a response ... but I said that I have every right to complain or argue about the new president as much as everyone else (who did vote). Freedom of Speech is the 1st Right of many I am given as a natural born citizen of this country. Like it or not, my rights are not incumbent on my actions, my social status or authority. Everyone has certain rights simply because they exist and are aware enough to make choices involving these rights.
Everyone has rights. One of my extended family members in my apartment works with mentally disabled young adults. And, my uncle is a schizophrenic Vietnam veteran. Some people do not have the capacity fend for their own rights. But even without being an active voter we can all aide individuals less fortunate than us by being an active voice, a friend, a companion, a resource for such people.
Politics is a game ... played too often by people who've been caught up in the game. It shouldn't take 3 weeks to get water to the super dome. We shouldn't have ~4,000 dead soldiers overseas right now. Examples such as these that show that politics often times gets in the way of taking action.
Take action.