Democracy Inaction

America.

The pillar and shining example of democracy in action.

A land governed by the people for the people.

At least in theory.

America is a nation that ranks 139 out of 172 for the lowest voter turnout. As a matter of fact, on any given election, it would be considered a good showing at the polls if 25% of American citizens voted.

Which, by my math, means that 75% of the American population’s voice is not heard.
I have noticed a growing complacency in people. I see laziness. I see people not caring. I see people with no confidence in the whole voting process.

But most of all I see a country being lead by people that were voted into office by less than 25% of said nation’s population. A nation whose elected officials, from the president on down to local, county level positions, are corrupt and only care about themselves and passing bills that would benefit their own bank accounts.

I see a lot of people complaining about how unfair things are. About escalating fuel prices and runaway inflation. About a war with no end in sight. About a poor economy.
Yet these same people have the power to make a change. With one simple act.

The vote.

To make their voices heard. To become one powerful entity, strong enough to take back control of this country and return it once again to its former greatness. A strong, respected nation where the people, not profit comes first.

So, if the American citizens have the power to make a change, why are more people not showing up at the polls?

The most common reasons seem to be:

• There isn't enough difference between the candidates/parties to make it worthwhile
• The outcome is a foregone conclusion and my one vote won't change it
• The candidates can't be trusted to do what they say Voters don't know enough about the candidates or the issues to make an informed choice.
• Voters get depressed when the candidates they get worked up about almost invariably lose, or fail to deliver.

These are lame ass excuses but when citizens were asked, these are the best they can produce, to which I reply:

BULLSHIT!

The runaway inflation, the floundering economy and the war in Iraq are among the topics that I find people complaining about the most, yet these same people don’t exercise their right to vote, where they can make a change.

People of the not so distant past knew the way to make a change. They got out and rallied for their candidate. They attended protests. They fought for the changes that they thought the country needed.

These days, people are more like sheep than ever before. They are content to see their neighbor be slaughtered, just as long as it’s not them. They allow their government to strip away their rights as Americans with not even a peep.

As a country, American’s have become lazy.

But the whining continues.

Consider this a call to action America.

Get out and vote or quit your bitching.

A nation with its elected officials placed in office by less than 25% of the people voting is hardly what democracy is.