We all had in our possession a very powerful
"device." A "device" that when used, could either
help or hurt thousands, perhaps even millions of
people? The effect of using such a powerful
"device" might last for many years to come.
And what if the only requirement to use it was
to register with the government?
As long as we are "what if-ing" here,
What if.......
We had a RIGHT to use these "devices" as we
see fit! The "devices" were completely lawful,
and we had a RIGHT to use our "device" even
if we gave little thought to the impact it could have.
And what if...
There were people out there who "pushed" us
to use our "device", even if we didn't really
know why we should, or in which direction to
point the thing. These people would "push"
because of a belief that every "RIGHT"
must be exercised. Believing that if we have
a "RIGHT," then it's also our "DUTY"
to use it! They would even get people to
register these "devices" that had not been
considering using one, then persuade these
people to use his/her "device's" to achieve
a certain outcome.
If there were such a powerful "device,"
should people use it without knowing the impact,
or let others make that choice for them?
Should people be pressured into using such
a device? And wouldn't using such a power
without thought be wrong?
We, as Americans, have such a "device."
We take it for granted, many ignore it, and
others abuse it. We have those who decry it,
claiming its unfair, or corrupt. It's an imperfect
"device," yet its the best of its kind.
Many of our fathers and those before
them have died in defense of it. It's
one of our greatest freedoms!
I'm talking about our RIGHT to vote, the
power we have to choose who will lead our
government. Yes, it's our RIGHT as American
citizens to vote, but its also a responsibility
to vote knowingly, and to be informed. I would
suggest that for those who are completely
uninformed, voting is a misuse of that RIGHT.
We don't always send our best and brightest
to represent us. We might elect cousin Fred
to be our sheriff, or Uncle Bob to be our dog
catcher, but on a national level, we need to
wake up and consider who we're voting for.
I encourage every American to vote,
(including in the primary's) but I ask you to
do it with thought. Things like honesty,
intelligence, and morality do make a difference.
You have a great power America, use it wisely.
