It's November. November 6th. In an election year. If you haven't voted yet, please do so. Even if you're not in a "swing state" and even if your vote is different than mine, please don't let neglect this fundamental Constitutional right.
In the Army, if programs are not utilized (determined by assessing the amount of use/number of users) they are eliminated. What if our right to vote (which also requires significant work and funding) was treated as an optional program - what would our Nation's participation rate signal about how much we truly "value" this priceless privilege?
Consider this:
In Athenian times, the word IDIOT was birthed and was used to describe Athenians who were solely focused on private (or personal) matters and neglected public life and democratic affairs. It was often thought that "idiots were born, but citizens were made." Through education and more of an outward focus, people gained respect and were considered honorable when they took an interest in public affairs.
Over time, the term "idiot" shifted away from its original connotation of
self-centeredness and disinterest in public matters and came to refer to individuals with overall bad
judgment–individuals who are "stupid" and lacking mental capability.
It is seemingly harsh, but also intensely interesting that a word we now know as "mentally deficient" was originally a descriptor for one's apathetic dispensation towards the democratic process.
Something to consider next time you're tempted to say, "Oh, I'm not really into politics."
So, don't be an idiot - get out and vote!
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