The Day Democracy Died!

"Hello World"

and

Welcome to my final pre-election comments

I encourage you to also read my short 'post' on Facebook (Michael Lambiotte)

Yes, I have very strong feelings and opinions regarding tomorrow's election. Very personal feelings. And for that reason, they will remain "Personal." Unlike many of my friends who have chosen to publically 'bash' one candidate over another, I chose a different path.  If we could meet face-to-face and have a frank discussion, I would welcome the opportunity. However, I find way too many people find comfort behind a keyboard. Looking into someone's eyes is entirely different than looking at a screen and clicking "Send" or "Post."

However, I will take a very public stand on VOTING. I will not waste my time or energy talking politics with someone who is eligible and did not cast a vote. In today's democracy, we have no excuse, especially with early voting.  What you are about to read is a reprint from a story I wrote several years ago which focused on my home in North Central West Virginia.  The story is from Vol I of my book, "Life Through These Eyes." A bit eerie: Although the story was written more than 8 years ago, it is still very much alive today. 

 

‘The Day Democracy Died’

“A democratic society depends upon an informed and educated citizenry.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

 

For three days I racked my brain trying to come up with a unique way to write this story.

I wanted it to be as eloquent as one of Thomas Jefferson’s speeches. As fiery as John Adam’s pleas for independence.

Or as impassioned as Patrick Henry’s speech in St. John’s church in Richmond, Virginia on March 23, 1773.

It ended with these famous lines, “Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”

I thought about writing this story in the context of a talk a husband and wife gave to my political science class many years ago after becoming American citizens.

He looked into their eyes and said, “For the first time in our lives we are truly free. Free of fear. Free to make choices.”

While contemplating my options a little voice inside me said, “Do you remember what Lloyd Bentsen said to Dan Quayle during a 1988 Vice Presidential debate? Senator Quayle, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”

That little voice meant, “Forget about trying to be eloquent, fiery, or impassioned…just be yourself!”

So here goes. A straight-forward story from atop my soap box!

Through these eyes, one of the cornerstones of a successful democracy is exercising the right to vote!

And being blunt, based on voter turnout for our local elections…we’ve failed our founding fathers and the others who fought and died establishing this country!

Think about these statistics: Of the 10,842 registered voters in Clarksburg, only 22% voted in the last municipal election.

Of the 6,036 registered voters in Bridgeport, only 23% voted.

To me, that means 78% of Clarksburg and 77% of Bridgeport either doesn’t care or don’t have enough information to make “informed and educated” choices.

That needs to change.  For if it doesn’t and the numbers don’t increase, we will see “The Day Democracy Died.”

In my opinion, there is no acceptable excuse for not voting: We have absentee voting, early voting, and Election Day voting from 6:30 am – 7:30pm.

However, we must vote for the right reasons. Which means learning about (and understanding) the issues.

Finding out who the candidates “really” are: What they stand for. Who is backing them? Their vision. And how they plan to carry out that vision.

We read profiles and ads about the candidates but that isn’t enough. They’re too scripted.

We need organizations to step forward and arrange “Meet Your Candidate” events.

Schedule some “controlled” debates. Question the candidates! Test their knowledge!

Granted, sometimes the turnouts may be small. But the people who attend will walk away “informed and educated.”

And they will vote for the right reasons. Not the wrong ones like: She (or he) has a really nice personality. Well, I knew his father.

I see his/her signs everywhere. I really like the way he dresses and her accessories. He’s been in office for a long time so he must be doing a good job.

While attending a charity event the other night a friend asked a City Council candidate this question, “What’s your credentials?” Their answer, “Well, I live in Clarksburg and I want change.”

They had the stage and failed miserably and we certainly learned something.

If we want responsible leadership, we must vote responsibly. We must not only expect professionalism from our leaders…we must demand it!

If you’re embarrassed by your leadership, make your voice heard.

Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. But an “informed and educated” vote will!

Yet, many times I’ve heard this, “I don’t like any of the candidates.”

I’ll give you the same answer I gave my political science students. “Too bad. One of them is going to be in office…make a choice!”

And finally, for the pessimist who believes “my one vote doesn’t count,” there are 15, 247 people who potentially read my stories every Saturday.

If they all felt the way you do, it has finally come… “The Day Democracy Died.”

Prove the pessimist wrong!  Cast your “informed and educated” vote June 2.

For if you don’t vote…don’t *&^% (complain)!

 

Not long ago, I stood staring at the grave of Thomas Jefferson, and I thought, “Mr. Jefferson, where will it all lead?”

 

Regardless of how the election ends - it will end. The loser needs to be gracious and the winner needs to humble.  We need a united America - the world needs a united America!

 

Until next time,

Michael