It's 2016. The two candidates are Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. It's apparent that this election isn't a case of which candidate you like more, but which one appalls you the least. Congress remains divided more often than not, and when they do manage to come to a concession it seems to be on something almost irrelevant because no one will budge on the big issues concerning this nation. The Supreme Court is split 50/50, causing a stalemate on rulings, and yet again any chance for progress taking place is thwarted.
It's frustrating and exhausting, and you begin to believe it's easier to remain ignorant towards political issues and avoid participating in the political process than involve yourself in something so vexing.
But that is precisely why it's so crucial you do.
There are thousands of people in this country who have a chance to make a real difference, but choose not to out of sheer lack of concern, or for some because showing concern becomes more of a burden than they're willing to carry.
Admit it, we've all had those thoughts, the "I hate politics so let's please change the subject" sort of mindset. You wouldn't be the only one. It's no secret that American politics is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, research, or even think about. But as a citizen of this nation, it's incredibly important that you do.
See because it's not just you that decides to opt out of the political process to avoid distress. In fact, according to FairVote, during most presidential elections, about 40% of the country is right there with you, choosing and sometimes even refusing to vote or take any part in American democracy. That means 2/5 of this entire nation had no say in the candidates elected to govern them, and the decisions they make. We're supposed to live in a representative democracy but how does that work if you're elected officials don't accurately represent their constituents as a whole?
In addition, it seems pretty counterintuitive to do nothing in protest of an authority that aggravates you. It's like running away from a bully with the expectation that you're running away is really going to teach him a lesson. Not only is that a futile way to go about dealing with harassment, but by running away from this said bully, you're actually allowing the harassment to continue on even longer, with no repercussions whatsoever. If you really want to stand up for yourself, for your autonomy, for you rights, then do something.
If you're so tired of the way your government is performing take action. Get out and vote. Protest, lobby, petition, run for office yourself, start a blog, even just educating yourself on the matters surrounding your governance makes a difference. Don't just sit around and complain about what your politicians are doing to you, but then refuse to lift a finger to do anything about it.
It was once said by the famous Author Elie Wiesel "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented". Will you remain silent and aid the tormentor, or will you use your voice for the better?
