So I want to make it perfectly clear that this has not been written to discuss my personal opinion of the next President of The United States..But rather, to explain how I came to my own political realization
I was born in the United States, and I will likely die in the United States..
But that is besides the point.
The fact is that I realized something very important this year, something that I couldn't see for so many years.
The freedoms and privileges that we Americans take for granted every day are countless. A structured Constitution and a set of Rights and Laws that ensure an opportunity for anyone in this Country to make something of themselves.
What I was missing for so many years was the fact that my right to vote and participate in our Democracy did not come at any price. Our Servicemen & Servicewomen throughout History have spilled their blood and sacrificed their lives during conflict for the future preservation of America's freedoms. The bravery of our Men & Women serving this Country is quite remarkable.
Up until this year, my life was devoid of any electoral participation and this was most certainly by design. But in light of recent events in the United States and abroad, I feel now more than ever that it is my civic duty to participate.
Ashamed? Yes, actually I am. I regret my self righteous attitude. I regret the fact that I manipulated situations and gave my false cause both a name, and a face. I turned thirty years old this year, which equates to three previous elections in which my vote had no meaning whatsoever.
1996- A major turning point for fiscal America, and I was off smoking pot somewhere. Sad =(
2000- Arguably the "Most important election" prior to this year's election..I don't think I ever returned home from the "Millenium party"..
2004- A phenomenally important election year, a controversial election year. I watched it unfold on CNN. Quite sad really.
It would seem my ignorance was due in large part to my lack of an education, and a bi-product of this was my attraction to conspiracy ideology which I knew nothing about. Twelve years later, and I feel a different kind of respect. It means everything to me today to know that I actively participate in the Democratic process.
Whatever the headlines..Whomever is on the Front Page..
I no longer carry shame, I know that my vote counts. Today I can justifiably speak my mind without feeling guilty for my actions. I realize that if a person chooses to abandon the process this does not make them a symbol of Anarchy, but I can appreciate where one's mind can take them. Because that was me.
Every God Damn Vote Counts.
Make a difference.
~To The Booth!~