If you're one of those people who follow campaigns, debates and political commentary on cable TV-the whole elections enchilada, culminating in that ultimate patriotic manifestation of heavy duty civic engagement: casting that vote come election day-then maybe this message is not meant for you. Seriously. Here's why: you've probably already determined that 2008 is a pivotal year for all Americans, and you've probably picked a candidate. But whoever becomes the next President better get it right, and fast.
Times are tough and uncertain. People are losing their homes, jobs are scarce, gas is expensive, America's image around the world is at an all-time low, and despite the optimists, we are teetering on the brink of a recession, all the while still fighting a war.
And yet despite the challenges and the doom and gloom, America continues to be the land of opportunity and innovation, a land of immigrants and possibilities, a place where citizens are making things happen, and as such, you'd expect a high level of community participation and civic engagement, yet few will show up at the polls come November.
Some argue that in the end their vote doesn't matter with an all-too familiar tone of apathy about the whole political process. Others may not care or feel a part of the political discourse that will impact their life via taxes, legislation and reforms. But inevitably we all feel the impact of laws and legislation passed. There's no option but to begin to grasp the cause and effect of our inactions.
Take Latinos, for example. We're notorious for not showing up at the polls. And we have and will continue to pay the price through lack of political representation, and non-inclusion in circles of influence, resulting in little political clout as an ethnic group. That boils my blood, and it should boil yours too.
This must change. The national statistics are staggering with high school drop-out rates increasing for urban youth, incarceration rates significant for Latinos and African Americans, and a young population on the horizon ill-equipped educationally to face the challenges of this country, or become the next corporate CEO or the next Bill Gates.
Just as knowledge is power so is the use of knowledge in political participation. We can all do our part. The message is simple: register to vote and go out and vote on November 4 as if your life depends on it. Take your son/daughter/sister/brother with you and show them the way. Your vote counts. Use that power.
Making It Count In 2008: To Vote Or Not To VoteElection 2008Tuesday, November 4If you're 18 or older and a U.S. citizen, it's your right to vote!