“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’’
For the past 12 years, my morning classes began with reciting these words. Now that I am old enough to understand what these words truly mean, I am able to exercise them. One of the possible ways of exercising this understanding is through my right to vote. This upcoming election is different than the ordinary in more ways than one.
I won’t apologize for not voting.
I’ve heard that I’m lazy. I’ve heard that I’m not exercising my duty as an American citizen. I’ve heard that I am taking advantage of my country. I’ve heard it all. But the truth is I am none of these things. I am a well informed American citizen. I took AP American government in high school. I am a registered voter. I’ve kept up with the debates. I voted in my state’s primary. I CARE. I am not lazy. I am not disregarding my duty as an American citizen. I am not taking advantage of my country. In fact, I am doing the complete opposite. I’ve done my research on both candidates, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
The truth of the matter is, I cannot find a reason to vote for either candidate. Clinton boasts of a slogan, “stronger together.” In reality, she thinks of herself as above all of us and the law. Creating private email servers, defending rapists, and speaking words such as, “Many of you are well enough off that the tax cuts may have helped you. We’re saying that for America to get back on track, we’re probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We’re going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.” Within her character I cannot find a representation of the pledge. The opposing candidate is nothing better. Preaching “grab them by the pussy,” racist attacks on people of all cultures, and a misunderstanding of what it means to be American. Neither of these candidates model the words I have been reciting and believing all my life.
I won’t apologize for not voting because I have done my part. I have done my research and tried my best to understand these candidates to the best of my ability. I know that a vote is a precious thing that many have died for and would die for. I know that. But I also know that I will never be able to forgive myself if I vote for someone who represents anything less than what our country stands for. I’ve pledged to that American flag my loyalty and to that flag I will stand true.
I won’t apologize for not voting.
