As I was perusing the news on a break today an OpEd about the youth voter apathy in pending federal election caught my eye (link in title of this post). Here I was thinking that someone was going to address some of the issues that have motivated me to abstain from voting in my first election since gaining the right to vote at 18. I was hopeful that I might find a smidge of insight, but instead I read a theory that young voters like myself are turning their backs on the political process because we are too self-absorbed to care.
It wouldn’t be untrue to say that I am the poster-girl for vanity and self absorption. It’s true, I am all about me. However, that doesn’t mean it’s accurate to put all the blame for this disenchantment on my shoulders. I pretty sure the actions of a myriad of corrupt and moronic politicians has something to do with my dissatisfaction. Or perhaps growing to an age where the sheer futility of the political system can no longer be ignored. Why am I not going to vote? Because it won’t make a shred of difference. The politicians aren’t leaders and many of my fellow voters couldn’t find a rational argument with a GPS tracking system.
Yet, none of that is taken into account. No. It’s all the fault of youth who won’t fall in line and get passionate about the dregs of leadership that are presented to them. How thoughtless of us. Pardon me Mr or Ms OpEd. My Bad.
Today’s sing-a-long song: “On one is to blame” by Howard Jones
HRH
I couldn’t agree more with your point of view … though something to think about regarding voting via my family’s thoughts to me. The right to vote is indicative of our freedoms, throughout time, that right has not always existed and doesn’t always exist today. We are able to vote and so we should exercise that right. It is sometimes the act itself which makes a difference. I have always voted though there have been times when I have spoiled my ballot, written poetry on why I am spoiling my ballot, etc. But to be able to vote and give voice, to have the freedom to do that without persecution, well, that is something I want to value. Just a thought.
spoil your ballot,write a passioned speech on why … it may not make a difference but if enough people placed expression on why they are not voting, why they are exercising their right to spoil a ballot, why they think the actions of a myriad of corrupt and moronic politicians has something to do with dissatisfaction – I don’t know but maybe … thoughout time people have made a difference and change has turned the tides of lives.
By: Anonymous on May 29, 2004
at 5:44 pm
Chelsea, you should publish an op-ed.
By: Wendy on May 30, 2004
at 6:54 pm