Alternate Title: If you’re an American citizen and registered to vote in the 2020 presidential election, but have not done so yet… do so
As of this post, we got 10 days…
I don’t like politics.
I dislike participating in decisions that I know I’m woefully uninformed about. And that has the potential to cause major and long-lasting effects.
And I’m annoyed by the struggle involved to try and glean a general understanding of a topic without being told what to think alongside the information.
But, despite all that, I voted. And it’s partially because…
The American experiment is at risk
Even before 2020 began its “A Lasting Impression” world tour, many Americans were disenfranchised. But, America has this narrative of “we’re different and we’re gonna make it.” And obviously, that’s useful for seeing ourselves as an exception to the rules. And enough people, from various walks of life, carry that idea with a rigid certainty that it’s like a cornerstone of the American experiment.
I hadn’t realized before how much I relied on that narrative. I didn’t believe it, but I could always count on dozens of millions of Americans to go through their day assured that nothing could stop the “Land of Liberty.”
Yet, for once, I can look around and the various parts of America sense that there’s a bullet train pummeling towards us. Of course, we disagree on who and what’s at fault – systematic racism, abandonment of religion, wealth disparity, political correctness, intolerance, the media, attack on traditional values, a broken healthcare system, misinformation, the left, the right – but, so many of us are aware.
And that unsettles me.
I think people are exceptional at ignoring things they don’t care about, even if it can affect them. But, in a country with over 330 million people with varying cultures, priorities, and perspectives… it’s not often that so many Americans are tuned in to the same issues and seem to care.
Yet, here we are wondering and waiting to see what comes next…
What comes after the vote?
No matter the results of the election, we’re the United States of America. Regardless of your political affiliation, if you live here, you’re dealing with the results too. This vote is sure to make an impact (as always).
And it’s possible you don’t care in anything more than a superficial sense. But, you’re still a part of this society. And there remains a social obligation for us to keep the American experiment going. The narrative doesn’t end after November 3, 2020. It’ll go on for as long as this country can keep enough figurative bridges connecting the opposing sides together.
And it’s okay if you’re doubtful.
Or angry.
Or scared.
It’s also okay if you’re rolling your eyes or scoffing at my words that imply “America is at a breaking point.” I just ask that you acknowledge that millions upon millions of people from across our nation are upset. And regardless if you think their perspective is valid, that something tangible and effective is desired.
Many people want change. But, any meaningful change rarely happens without dedication, sacrifice, and willpower. True change requires that we can handle that.
But, do we have the energy and determination to keep going? Can we strive forward after setbacks? Do we have the ability to change (both personally and as a nation) and continue onwards despite not knowing when “good enough” will come?
Do you?
I sure hope so.