Home Invites Members Groups Events Careers Videos News Photos Blogs Singles Health & Wellness
Home > Blogs > Post Content

VOTE FOR ME! (3418 hits)

It's gut check time again. Same rules: If you are not ready to explore your inner feelings and beliefs...leave now...don't read another word!

AS ALWAYS YOU'VE BEEN WARNED
----- Part XX- Who you voting for? By Dr. Ahmad
I wish I had time to write y’all a long one, but my time is scarce.

I had to tell everyone about something that happened to me yesterday. As you know I am very nosey and often find myself “accidently” overhearing other folks conversations.

Well yesterday was no exception. I overheard two non-black guys talking about the elections and how bad the country has become. From our location and their conversation I assume they were both Republicans.

One guy tells the other guy that he’s not voting this election because there was no way he could support a liberal and McCain didn't promote his views. The other guys seemed to have an issue with Sarah’s gender and made a point of making s*xist jokes about the Alaska Governor.

After a few moments a Black guy joins their group and joins in on the “I’m not voting/ things are so bad” conversation. I overheard the Black guy say…”our votes wouldn’t matter anyway”.

It was about this time that I couldn’t take it anymore. The voices that guide me were screaming…”say something Doc”. So I made my way over to them and asked…”Are you happy with the way the country is today?” You guessed it…they said no!

So like any nosey person butting in on someone else’s conversation I asked…”If you don’t vote…if only a few folks voted…would things get better?”

Before they could answer, I walked away like superman after a good fight.

I have no idea if they are going to vote, but I’m sure they changed the conversation.

But what about you? I’m not just taking about voting for Barack or Johnny.

What about the local races where you live or the ballot initiatives?

Are you going to make your voice heard or just talk folks to death about how bad it is out here?

Does your vote matter? If not, why not?

Do you have the guts to call out folks who aren't voting...
Posted By: Dr. Ahmad Glover
Thursday, October 30th 2008 at 9:57PM
You can also click here to view all posts by this author...

Report obscenity | post comment
Share |
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
Does your vote count?


You ask me how I know that it doesn't; how do you know that it does?


What has our government done to show you that they honor your opinion and want to make the best decision for YOU(US)?


If it hasn't been much, that's okay. Although our objectives might not be the same: it would still make sense for them to allow us the ability to choose the leaders, right?


Local initiatives are great. We should focus more on community. The macro will adhere to the micro.


Maybe those guys couldn't justify why they didn't want to vote. Maybe they're apathetic, have limited social imaginations, or just couldn't qualify the feeling; however, there may be good reasons.


One could outline a history, and present, which might suggest our vote, is more of a statistical measure/test of the American demographics' conditioning than an electoral process. A ping test if you will.


It can be easy to sound good from that side of the fence but I haven’t seen many real changes yet*. I’ve voted in each election since I’ve been eligible. I’ve been an INFORMED voter no less.

*That might fit the definition of insanity.

Thursday, October 30th 2008 at 10:36PM
Jeremi Arnold
I only vote out of respect for our people has was killed. For us to have the right to vote. We get nothing for our vote. Instead of treats we get tricked, Instead of kissed we get kicked. It's the hard Knock life for us. We should vote out of respect for the dead but don't be fooled into thinking that they will make our condition better. We must unite to make our condition better
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 1:57AM
Maurice Muhammad
A vote matters, because it was cast. If it left idle it will never be counted. No one is assured that all changes will be great solving problems ideas. But an idle vote is never counted. Voting counts, and look how much suffering went into us gaining the right just to VOTE. Yes, voting counts, and is now our right. I am thankful.
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 10:37AM
MIISRAEL Bride
You made a very good point Dr. Glover. Many people are excited about this presidential race but the local races get ignored. I admit I have been guilty of that. I do believe its time for a change. Elections don't only happen every four years. Look for me to be more involved in my local and statewide politics. And yes, glad to see your back.
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 11:26AM
Justin Tomlinson
People didn't die to give us the right to vote; they died for the change us having a right to vote would represent. If it has become, or possibly always was, an empty institution (which it as shown itself to be); it would be doing a disservice to their memory to lose site of the actual objective in exchange for ballot casting.


For most, voting is a cop out. It allows a person to make an idle gesture and say they're trying to make a difference when, in fact, no change takes place. We see this everyday. We've seen this through every election, yet: we vote. Why?


Instead of casting a ballot lift a voice. Take that time to educate the youth, or even yourself, about what's going on around us.


By virtue of your citizenship you have a right to complain about the government. In a decision between the lesser of two evils, chose neither. That’s an option, too.

Friday, October 31st 2008 at 12:11PM
Jeremi Arnold
...We must unite to make our condition better...

Brother Maurice I don't see this unification process happening anytime soon among black people in this country. I have witnessed more than I would like to talk about just from interacting with people on the Connect Platform Sites & I am not going to even mention interacting on the outside.

There is nothing like unity with black Americans since the civil rights movement so I don't even think about it at all. I'd just rather interact with those who want to interact with me be it white or black asian or hispanic. I really don't care, because I have suffered enough at the hands of my own to know better. I vote because it is my civic responsibility. I go to jury duty instead of trying to find excuses for the same reason. It is my civic responsibility. I am happy to be an American inspite of the history of this nation. I will even add that I like the Star Spangled banner (LoL). Apathy is the killer of dreams. Nuf said.

Friday, October 31st 2008 at 12:41PM
Jen Fad
...Are you going to make your voice heard or just talk folks to death about how bad it is out here...

Sí se puede... I did already and I plan to continue.
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 12:45PM
Jen Fad
I have already cast my ballet last week. Here in my area "Northern California" they are talking about Obama as President. They are farwell parties in Oakland-S.F. and surrounding areas. Rejoicing for the upcoming elections and happy in getting rid of President Bush.
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 1:01PM
Beverly Sligh
I second Jen Fad's comment regarding apathy killing dreams.


What about displaced focus?


What about an uninformed pursuit?


I hope we're taking time to research, what are ultimately, the rituals we're being coaxed to participate in. Study the history; I can help provide direction for those who may be interested.


Don't misinterpret a persons' choice not to vote as inaction. There are more effective ways to try and bring change. ‘Nuff said.


How many people are aware of Obama's proposition to build a "national security force", targeting the youth as recruits, that will rival the size and funding of he US Military; not a branch of the military: the military. It would be difficult to know unless you caught the speech on TV and held your applause as he spoke through everyone else’s; they deleted it from the transcript (only transcripts independently copied from the live audio/video outline the entire speech). I can guide you to the video*.


After all Joe Bidden, Michael Bayer, a veteran defense consultant, and Colin Powell who even gave dates, have GUARANTEED there’ll be a national security crisis that will force the president to take unfavorable action after taking office. There’s a reason so much is happening now. Voting might not be the key, people.


How many people know that the first line of the PATRIOT ACT says it should be used: “To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes”, leaving those other purposes undefined. How many people are aware that you can be labeled a terrorist for buying baby formula or home schooling your children and, subsequently, be arrested with no regards for Habeas Corpus?
Our elected officials are eroding our freedoms and no one is discussing bringing them back: two line-ups on the same team.


Research: Bohemian Grove, The Trilateral Commission, The Council on Foreign Relations, The Bilderberg Group and their meetings. Please people, let's keep our eyes open. I don't fault anyone for voting if they feel it's an actual responsibility AFTER they've done their research on what we're actually supporting: not just the "platforms". However, I don't think we should hold any initial opinion of those who choose not to; sometimes, they know what they're talking about.

*This link will take you to an excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt2yGzHfy7s


*Here’s the entire speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw


When watching the entire speech you’ll see that he mentions this in conjunction with the Peace Corp. with is generally staffed by the youth. It occurs around the 16 minute mark. We have to be conscious of THESE little slips. This is the true objective.

Friday, October 31st 2008 at 2:27PM
Jeremi Arnold
The only article that applies to us under the constitution is article 26 which references the US's duty toward treaties. Our relationship with the US should be governed under the 'Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1786'. However, now that the United States has become the corporate entity the United States of America, and we have been incorporated through our birth certificate and the social security system, we now operate under corporate law. Black's Law book is an excellent resource.


This has been an enlightening discussion. Ya'll take care.

Friday, October 31st 2008 at 7:17PM
Jeremi Arnold
My first opportunity to vote was when the ping pong ball said 244, and I was relieved that I would not have to claim citizenship in the land of my birth to get out of dying and killing for the Devil in Vietnam.

My father is from one of the wonderful Red States and I would now have the opportunity to be the first in my family of Slave Americans.

The Democratic Party, was of course the party that would not allow my daddy, grandd, greatd etc. to vote(not a human being they claimed in the Constitution). But they had killed the Natives, Puerto Ricans, Germans, Italians, Koreans, Chinese and Vietnamese for the Constitution.

The Republican Party of Abraham Lincoln(THE LIBERATOR) had been run over by these same Dixie Democrats.

So yes, I have never and may never vote.....................................................

The Constitution was not made for people like me, or any of you--As the Clintons, Palin and McCain have pointed out--"Real hard-working Americans, Good Americans, Fairy Tales and WHAT?

But I may vote when I get 40 acres and a mule, I may vote when Thomas Jefferson and the rest are classified as Rapists of little girls and sellers of their own offspring to other Rapists, I may vote when there are less Slave Americans in chains than in 1856, I may vote WHEN I GET MY DRIVERS LICENSE BACK...............from the gut Dr.
Friday, October 31st 2008 at 11:59PM
robert powell
hey Doc, welcome back even if for a day to get everybody roweled(?) up!

It matters to demonstrate the popular vote of choice and all the comments are all so on point and interesting. We do realize that in our country it is the electives' vote that matters for President. However, the popular vote will weigh heavily in the calculations per demographic area....yadda, yadda, yadda!

Then, whomever gets in office will be subject to the watchful eye of Congress. That is why it is so important to stay on top of your congressional representatives throughout the presidency of any candidate. The peoples' voice does count the most AFTER the election process.

The checks and balances that our country has between the Supreme Court who can overide vetos as "unconstitutional, etc.", the President who can override vetos of Congress and introduce his own bills, and Congress who can override the President's bills and policy. Our job is to watch Congress and keep them on their toes. Having said that, Bush has been lame since the Democrats took over and it is time for change!

Oh, the parties that must be going on in heaven by our ancestors that chickens came home to roost (feast). Our ancestors opened the voting door with their blood and any black person that cannot or will not step through that door every voting year to wipe blood away is shameful! (dare I say stupid...)

When Obama is sworn in, there will not be policy changes the following day. There is a process that takes time. It is understood that the President spends the first two years undoing and implementing. STAY ON CONGRESS TO BE SWIFT UNDOING Bush policy and passing the Obama implementations!

Yes, it is quite a different story when someone wins office and we allknow that. However, we become a part of how that story is written based on how we advocate and guard on the local level.

As far as local voting, as a people we must be more active in understanding the convoluted statutes, etc. up for vote consideration. For example, in my locale slot machines is the big issue. I hope that we spend a few minutes asking volunteers for a particular candidate or issue to explain what it means in layman's terms and then vote for those matters smartly. In order to stay on top of Congress, we have to stay on top of actively participating in local elections!!!!

There is an energy in the air that I have never experienced in my lifetime with this Obama nomination success! I find myself thinking at times if this is the energy likeness that my ancestors felt when they seized the right to vote. Unfortunately, many, many of them were beat and killed trying to exercise that right. Let's beat down and kill any reluctance we might have to pass up an opportunity to make a difference in the long run.
Sunday, November 2nd 2008 at 6:36AM
agnes levine
yes, our votes do matter. But what matters more is being educated on who you're voting for. Do you know where they stand? And once you do cast your ballot, stay in touch with your elected officials! That's what townhall meetings are for, that's why every memeber of congress sends thoes annoying mailers to every voter in their districts... apathy breeds apathy and the 'tude that my vote doesn't mean anything is just that... apathetic, and pathetic. We make time to be educated on whatever we deem important... and we definitely should be educated on who we vote for ! rhttp://hubpages.com/hub/The-important-aspect-of-political-involvement-happens-AFTER-you-vote
Monday, November 3rd 2008 at 1:48PM
r.e jones
I agree with Mr Maurice below...I voted out of respect for those that bled, sweated, and died for my right. I am unsure how much difference my vote makes when it is really the Electoral College that decides who becomes president.

Our votes are just to let the candidates know where the American people stand as far as their popularity is concerned. But as far as making a difference in the actual outcome of the election, I DON'T THINK SO.
Monday, November 10th 2008 at 10:40AM
Shawnna Williams
Is is true Dr. that saying about if you do not vote you have no (legal) right to complain about the government at all?That saying about the citizens of America are themselves the actual government?Just asking...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
I chant(pray)that the next time we vote for president that there will be a major "CHANGE" in our look at the land of our birth, America and its government as encluding us. Lets allow Obama to take the lead and we not regret our trust and faith in his leadership. I am too proud of his having the same color skin as me to doubt that I will not regret that I have decided to follow his lead.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
This is so true Maurice. I had never looked at this this way before you said this.Thank you for opening my eyes to this. Placing blame or complaining will do nothing to help those who gave their lives for us to be able to vote and live to tell about it. V-O-T-E...then count your blessings...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
I repeat, how many people in America know about our Constutition:what is says, what it means,and more important, why are African-Americans still trying to get equal justice in America under the Constitution?!!?

How many of you have written a letter or made a phome call pro/con to your local, state.federal representative, in the last week, month, year, ever?Or, do you just settle for the blame/complaint game?Or do others STILL have to do this for you so that you can have freedom of speech,etc.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
I wonder where the idea comes from that because your skin is Black you can not UNITE?!!? Oh, well, maybe it came from the same place that those of Black skin are:violent, school drop outs. go to jail, do drugs, and let us not forget the famous, "all Blacks steal"...P-L-E-A-S-E...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
Avis you are so right, because for every action/enaction there is a reaction.For all of us in this country who claim to be against dictatorships/lack of civil freedoms, we act just like our president, congress are dictators with their own little private governments that have no affect-effects on us the 'average' citizen of the U.S.

thank you for your wise comments, I hope your words were able to get through to one person who reads it as I did.
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
Please Login To Post Comments...
Email:
Password:

 
More From This Author
Happy 2021 - Now let’s change the world
K-12 Sports
November 18, 2008-Take Back our schools
Money For the Holidays: Get Rich or Die Trying! Idiots
VERY IMPORTANT--THE BAILOUT & YOU!
What an Idiot
I Didn't Want Your Money Anyway!
Do What I Say Not What I Do
Forward This Blog Entry!
Blogs Home

(Advertise Here)
New Members
>> more | invite 
Employer Showcase
>> more | add