I voted today [in the] presidential election, admittedly nervous in light of the closeness of the race. But, thankfully, in the town where America began, it was easy, simple, the persons working the election were friendly, indeed, neighbors. I experienced no hassles, intimidation, and I even received a sticker saying that I was a person who voted early – which I promptly affixed to my jacket. A remarkable statement for much of our world.
And before I voted, I did my civic duty and researched the positions of the candidates running, particularly the two persons wanting to become the most powerful leader in the world. Because history has shown us that politics in a democracy is not a spectator sport. If I am to preserve the gift granted me as a second generation American, and so born lucky, I am obligated to invest time and effort to learn about my ballot choices. I owe that to my children and grandchildren — as you do to yours. I know that means taking time out of our busy lives — but it is the price, and duty – imposed by democracy.
In this election, the contrasting visions, policies, character, personal fitness for office of the two leading presidential candidates is so clear, that claims of “I haven’t decided, I don’t know what they stand for, it doesn’t matter what I do, I don’t believe anything they say, what have they done for me lately…” these are dangerous and hollow excuses. They represent a personal failure to carry out our burden to be informed voters. In this election, such failure presents the most dangerous risk of electing autocracy in my adult life.
The world is watching and waiting to see if our beautiful and amazing nation will remain the “city on the hill,” continuing to lead the free world towards our vision of peace, broad and balanced prosperity, freedom, fairness, and justice.
– Lois Karfunkel