By Kathie MM
The floodgates are open: “Vote, vote, vote!” “Vote for me!” “Vote for him!” “Vote for her!”
Engaging Peace has contributed to the flood. Like millions of other people in this country (and around the world), we see the American flag becoming increasingly a symbol of racism, sexism, hatred, violence, and environmental holocaust. And we believe it’s not too late to start turning the tide.
Many people are asking, “Why vote? The politicians are all equally corrupt, it doesn’t matter which party label they wear.”
So, don’t vote for parties. Vote for candidates based on their demonstrated principles, their records, their affiliations. They are not all alike. You have almost a week; check into every candidate and every issue on the ballot for your district (if you have not voted already). New voices are speaking up for old and neglected principles like peace, social justice, the environment, democratic principles, moral principles. Find out who they are. Vote for them.
Being an activist isn’t easy. Promoting true democracy, representative democracy, isn’t easy, But many people are recognizing that government by the rich means government for the rich, and that’s not a government that serves most people well. While you’re checking out the candidates for this year’s elections, check out their social class background too. If you want a more representative government, if, for example, you are in favor of Medicare for All, if you recognize that Citizen’s United has given the ultra-rich too much control over the government and its policies, then identify the working class candidates on your local ballot and help them open the doors to change. Grass roots grow.
Finally, 2020 is only two years away. Unless you want more of the same, start planning now for that next challenge to democracy.* You can do it.
*A good place to start is reading Dr. Nicholas Carnes’ article “Working-class people are underrepresented in politics. The problem isn’t voters.”