Dear Editor:
Why should I vote? I'm only one person. Vote because the design of our Constitution and Bill of Rights formed a government to serve "the will of the people."
You express your will with your vote. Our founding fathers had lived under tyrannical (dictatorial) governments. They wanted this new United States of America to have a government "of the People, by the People and for the People." They wanted "the People" to have more power than the elected politicians who governed them.
The current laws are in place to facilitate this, but the average citizen has lost confidence in the system. The average citizen has become cynical and feels helpless to change what has happened. Currently the paid politicians we have sent to Washington, DC to govern us have evolved into an "elite dictatorial society." They pass laws that favor themselves and the "special interest money" that contributes to their election. Politicians no longer truly represent the citizens of the State that sent them to Washington DC. They have become "power hungry" and want to dictate to the people rather than represent them.
Individual citizens have allowed the system to fail because they have chosen not to participate in the system as it was designed to function. Do you personally know who represents you in the nation, state, county and city where you live? Each one has a "say" in the laws that govern you. Do you know the basic "values of life" that governs their thinking and actions? Have you ever let them know that you agree or disagree with their positions on an issue? How can they represent you if they don't know what you want?
In the upcoming election, there are 7 people running for President of the USA. I've never seen so many before. In our system only two can be effective - one represents the Republican Party and one represents the Democratic Party. If you choose not to vote or to vote for any of the other 5 candidates, you are in effect voting the Republican or Democratic Party candidate - whichever one gets out the most votes.
In Presidential elections we must evaluate the primary values espoused by the Party the candidate represents. Very seldom can we be in agreement with everything. As an individual, we must choose the candidate and Party that most closely represents us. This holds true of every political candidate who is elected to represent you. They make it known where they stand. As an individual, you must make it known where you stand and what it will take to get your vote.
Individuals band together in special interest groups to increase their effectiveness. Contributions to support these groups can contribute to their effectiveness in lobbying in Washington DC. It helps to know how your representative votes on bills on interest to you. "Special Interest Money" cannot vote but it does publicly advertise what it wants and influences votes of individuals and expects favors from the politicians it supports.
Absolute power to govern in the hands of a few corrupts absolutely. Weed out those who do not represent you by voting in those who support your most basic views on what is best for all mankind. Wake up America and exercise your vote. We have seen enough corruption to provoke us to action.
Arlen G. Webb
East Liverpool
