This is to those folks who are registered to vote, but thinking about not showing up at the polls November 6th.
Dear potential absentee,
I'm not going to harangue you with stories from the civil rights era, or run down a list of people who died so we can all vote. I should, but I don't think it will make any difference to you. What would make a difference is if you think voting would improve your own particular condition. You don't. Add to that a healthy dose of "they're all crooks", and I get where you're coming from.
I know you because I used to be one of you. Back when I was a very young man, I thought all politics was a load of crap. I wanted a better world for me, and those around me. I thought politics was the least likely road to that better world. I was supremely confident in my cynicism. You couldn't tell me there was a reason on earth to pay attention to who my representatives were.
I was so bad I didn't even think the late Sen. George McGovern would change anything back in 1972. He didn't get a chance, due in part to people like me. So along I went, smug in the knowledge that I was better than politics, or any politician I could think of. Voting was for suckers, since nothing would come of it.
I was wrong. So are you if you think politics makes no difference in your life. Who you elect, from the President on down to your local assembly person or state senator, does have an impact. They decide whether wars get fought, and whether some, most, or all of us have affordable healthcare. They decide how much money will be spent to educate your children. They'll decide, believe it or not, whether your favorite restaurant will have outdoor seating.
In short, every aspect of your life, unless you choose to live off the grid, will be contingent on who votes, and how many people will be cynical like you (or me, back in the day).
I'm not egocentric enough to tell you who to vote for. I'll leave that to the Koch brothers, and others who try to extort votes from their employees. All I can ask you to do, humbly, is get and and vote on November 6th.
Sincerely, Your Friend,
Mark
