Nearly fifty-two years ago, a former actor from California spoke about the future of our nation. He spoke about the geopolitical threats, the economic stagnation, and the social unrest that faced the country at that certain time. His speech catapulted him into national political prominence and eventually helped make him the President of the United States.
Today, my friends, we are facing similar issues - similar threats to our democracy at home, and abroad. These include, but are not limited to; financial debt, racial division, and foreign terror.
America needs an executive who will solve these issues and stand up for the rights of the common citizen. Unfortunately, many Americans are dissatisfied and torn over who that may be.
However, there are choices to be made in all levels of government to ensure that our freedoms and liberties remain true.
On Tuesday, we have a chance for our voices to be heard.
This election has important decisions up and down the ballot, from district attorney to dog catcher. We are selling ourselves short if we think we’re voting for just the President this November. Our Founding Fathers wanted our government to be just as vital at your town hall as at the Capitol Building.
I've said it before, but I'll say it again - It is our patriotic duty to vote our conscience up and down the ballot box. Our state representatives, city councilmen, and board members will have a lot more influence on our daily lives than Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. They are the ones who decide on matters such as construction projects, school budgets, and local policy. The presidential election may captivate national news headlines for the ten days, but it’s our regional elections that have instrumental impact on our future as millennials. Likewise, we need to look closely at Senate and House races which may impact what laws are passed at the federal level, if any.
These are the individuals who create, debate, and make policies for our town and state, not the president.
I’m not asking you to join every local organization or attend every selectmen’s meeting. But I am asking you not to stay home next week just because you’re dissatisfied with two individuals. Our country is at stake all over the place, even if it’s just down the street.
Ultimately, our job is to be practitioners of principle, defenders of democracy, and lifeguards of liberty. In America, we have far more in common than we do apart, so we must utilize such strengths. Therefore, with malice toward none, and charity toward all – let’s restore the promise of America for generations to come.
As President Reagan once said, "You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We'll either preserve for our children this; the last best hope of man on earth, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness."
My friends, this is a time for truth.
This is a time for liberty.
And this is a time for choosing.
