09.02.04
Posted in politics at 9:56 pm by
I wonder to myself what will happen if John Kerry is elected in November. I was thinking about that on my drive home from school today. I mean I support John Kerry in the election and all, but that’s not to say that he and I share views on all topics. Anticipating the change in our relationship gives me a bit of angst. I feel like I’m forced to support John Kerry a bit more than I normally would if we didn’t have an incumbent in office with whose policies I roundly disagree.
I feel like I’ve been forced into a relationship with Kerry, because, after all, you have to love somebody on an election year. If Kerry wins, I’ll need some space in our relationship. It’ll be sort of like a break-up. Time for him to put his money where his mouth is. I think he deserves that chance–and that’s why I’ll vote for him. But my, how our relationship will change. For one, he’ll have to be okay with my being a skeptic. Cuz’ that’s what I am. I’m going to want to see results. He’s going to have to be okay with my constant emails telling him my opinion on things.
I think Americans have slacked off on their duties a touch. It’s like we’ve bought into the myth that our voice is only heard on election day in the polls. Truthfully, though, that’s not the way a representative democracy is intended to work out. We have a civic responsibility to be actively informed about our government and make our voices heard. Of course, my voice being heard really only matters if someone cares enough to listen. Perhaps that famous “unwaverability” of President Bush isn’t quite the virtue that it’s touted as. Perhaps, that’s one of my biggest reasons for witholding support from Dubya, I just don’t think he’d listen to reason–or if not even reason, my opinion.
Regardless, whether or not my opinion is respected, responded to, or even read, it is my responsibilty to make that opinion known. We’ve got opportunities like never before: email, blogs, petitions, rallies, protests, phone calls, personal visits, and even the occasional postcard. Still, it’s too easy to do nothing at all, but sit on one’s overstuffed chair, drink beer, and complain. Regardless of who carries the day next November, I’ve a responsibility. It’s my distinct hope that I’ll be able to leave an indellible mark on our next President.
All you naysayers are thinking to yourselves, “No way some blog boy will get his emails through to the leader of the free world.” Perhaps, but apathy is lethal. Who better to aprise of my thoughts but someone who could make a difference. Setting my sights at the President may be a bit presumptuous, but a congresswoman or man could be a bit more attainable. Regardless of who I try to sway, the important thing is that I’ll be trying. That, to me, is what it means to be a citizen. Stay tuned then friends for my weekly email to our leaders–I’ll post any responses I receive as well. Mostly, though, I’d encourage you all to do the same. Perhaps if we can turn citizenship into an action verb rather than a common noun this world will be a bit better off!
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Posted in politics at 9:56 pm by
I wonder to myself what will happen if John Kerry is elected in November. I was thinking about that on my drive home from school today. I mean I support John Kerry in the election and all, but that’s not to say that he and I share views on all topics. Anticipating the change in our relationship gives me a bit of angst. I feel like I’m forced to support John Kerry a bit more than I normally would if we didn’t have an incumbent in office with whose policies I roundly disagree.
I feel like I’ve been forced into a relationship with Kerry, because, after all, you have to love somebody on an election year. If Kerry wins, I’ll need some space in our relationship. It’ll be sort of like a break-up. Time for him to put his money where his mouth is. I think he deserves that chance–and that’s why I’ll vote for him. But my, how our relationship will change. For one, he’ll have to be okay with my being a skeptic. Cuz’ that’s what I am. I’m going to want to see results. He’s going to have to be okay with my constant emails telling him my opinion on things.
I think Americans have slacked off on their duties a touch. It’s like we’ve bought into the myth that our voice is only heard on election day in the polls. Truthfully, though, that’s not the way a representative democracy is intended to work out. We have a civic responsibility to be actively informed about our government and make our voices heard. Of course, my voice being heard really only matters if someone cares enough to listen. Perhaps that famous “unwaverability” of President Bush isn’t quite the virtue that it’s touted as. Perhaps, that’s one of my biggest reasons for witholding support from Dubya, I just don’t think he’d listen to reason–or if not even reason, my opinion.
Regardless, whether or not my opinion is respected, responded to, or even read, it is my responsibilty to make that opinion known. We’ve got opportunities like never before: email, blogs, petitions, rallies, protests, phone calls, personal visits, and even the occasional postcard. Still, it’s too easy to do nothing at all, but sit on one’s overstuffed chair, drink beer, and complain. Regardless of who carries the day next November, I’ve a responsibility. It’s my distinct hope that I’ll be able to leave an indellible mark on our next President.
All you naysayers are thinking to yourselves, “No way some blog boy will get his emails through to the leader of the free world.” Perhaps, but apathy is lethal. Who better to aprise of my thoughts but someone who could make a difference. Setting my sights at the President may be a bit presumptuous, but a congresswoman or man could be a bit more attainable. Regardless of who I try to sway, the important thing is that I’ll be trying. That, to me, is what it means to be a citizen. Stay tuned then friends for my weekly email to our leaders–I’ll post any responses I receive as well. Mostly, though, I’d encourage you all to do the same. Perhaps if we can turn citizenship into an action verb rather than a common noun this world will be a bit better off!
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Just Pat said,
September 2, 2004 at 11:44 pm
Forgive me if I sound like an unpolitical girl blogger, but I just have to ask; if your email is heard, what then?
I’m certain that you are DOING something to better the world you live in, because you seem very passionate in your convictions. But, getting your emails and postcards read sounds a bit like working on gaining a girl’s affections and finally banging her with the result of…what?
Really, I could care less if President Bush reads a letter I write, as long as he does his job. Mr. Kerry is so busy campaigning he can’t even show up to vote on the issues. If I were you, BC, I’d wonder if a response from him was tied to his popularity ratings.
Okay, I got political. But dammit, it isn’t my blog!!
Brandon said,
September 3, 2004 at 8:07 am
I appreciate your perspective, Pat. But to a certain degree isn’t sharing one’s opinion “doing” something. And, I’m not suggesting that writing a postcard takes the place of all other civic action. I’m not sure I follow your “banging the girl metaphor,” but here’s my answer to what then: I’ll keep writing, and I’ll keep doing. Working in my community, my church, and making my voice known. Perhaps that doesn’t have the flashy wherewithall as a law passed in my name, but I don’t need that.
Also, I think that there are two politicians right now guilty of not doing their jobs. John Kerry is definitely one of them…but George W. Bush is the other.
Just Pat said,
September 3, 2004 at 5:55 pm
Okay, BC, I got a little metaphor crazy. What I meant by the vulgar metaphor (for which I apologize), is that once the goal is accomplished, then what do you do? And not you specifically, but all of us who enjoy talking and writing and thinking. It’s amusing to read how creatively we can criticize our leaders on both sides of the political fence (I’ve seen a lot of “charicature” all over the internet these last few months), but I tend to get frustrated by it all because I feel it’s unproductive.
You articulate your views well, better than most, and I’m certain your convictions will reach an influential ear because of that quality. I hope I haven’t offended you. I enjoy reading your thoughts.
Brandon said,
September 3, 2004 at 6:08 pm
Not offended in the least, my friend. I like to hear your perceptions, so keep it up regardless of what those perceptions are!