Street Beat Editorial: To vote or not to vote

Back in November 2008, this nation elected its first African American President on the pretense of change and upheaval of the status quo.   Whether you think that change has come or not, one thing has always been certain:  the vote and 'the right to vote' does make a difference.

In the past, I would often be scoffed at for wanting to discuss voting and politics.  It seemed like everyone had an "I am black so it doesn't matter" attitude every November.  My attitude was that those who were ignorant of there own history were the cause if it repeating itself.  And since, people protested, marched, bled and died for my rights in this nation, I don't see the harm of bringing it up from time to time that my vote counts.

Most people don't realize that their vote counts, because they don't realize that they have choices beyond Republican and Democrat, Conservative or Liberal.  Many people vote one way or the other, because it has been ingrained in there minds that one side is for them while the other is against them.  Still, we complain when the same amount of nothing gets done by these lying politicians and our taxes are raised to support their special interests.

Well, there are other parties, and other candidates, just as qualified to do the jobs of the ones running the attack ads against each other.  Right now, in Congressional District 10, we have GREEN PARTY CANDIDATES, (learn more about that party by clicking the link)  as well as LIBERTARIAN, and Independent non partisan (stand alone) Candidates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE PARTIES

There is also the option of writing in your candidate for election into public office.   For Representative District 60 this is the case with Valerie Devost who is write in for Illinois State Representative and Micheal White who is running for Governor of the state of Illinois.  You can listen to Micheal White being interviewed by clicking the link to Lenny Palmer's podcast page.   Lenny's Podcast AM 1050 WLIP & AM 1220 WKRS and You can listen to this interview featuring write in candidate Valerie Devost by Jerry and Nick on WKRS 1220 AM Devost's Jerry and Nick Interview. 

If you have never heard of these people or these political parties, it is not a coincidence.   Ignorance drives the masses when you are playing a political numbers game.  And it is a numbers game.

This is a learning opportunity for all who read this before the November election.  But if you cannot make it out in November, please note that you still can vote early in October from the 11th to the 28th.  That means right now you can make a difference and let your voice be heard.  Right now, if you are fed up you can do something about it.

EARLY ELECTION OFFICES

The reason I vote is not only to preserve my right to complain, but it is also done by me to remember those who came before me who could not.    I have to live in this country, and by God, I am going to let my voice be heard.

Get out and vote.