Voice, Vote, Vitality

Today is Election Day in these supposedly United States and today I voted my conscience. I had to stand firm on my convictions by casting a protest vote and it hurt. It hurt me to see the political machine strip power away from the American electorate. It hurt me to feel alone in standing against an oligarchy disguised as dysfunctional democracy. It hurt me to use the loudest voice I have to tell the leaders that govern our laws, send living breathing humans into unspeakable violence, and represent the image of the free world that I don’t trust them. It hurt me to bear the weight of responsibility now imposed on my generation and younger to shed light on injustice and change the system – A process that will undoubtedly be painful, costly, and lengthy.

Today is a sad day for me, but I respond with hope. I respond with a vigorous fight and resolve to stay optimistic and bring about an election day when I don’t have to protest – when I can select a candidate that represents freedom, virtue, integrity, compassion, and the true majority of the American people.

The American experiment is ongoing. It is supposed to be a country comprised of voices that speak in different tongues - The melting pot of the world whose very identity is defined by diversity. As a citizen, I take part in this experiment and change whatever variables I can for the sake of progress.

Progress looks like candidates that are there to serve the American people, not their own egos or careers.

Progress looks like an electoral process that fairly allows the voice of every American to be heard; without difficulty, delay, or gerrymandering.

Progress looks like a nation united against discrimination, bigotry, dangerously vile rhetoric, and inequality.

Progress looks like leaders being held accountable for their actions.

Progress looks like American principles applying to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or political status.

Progress looks like power in the informed vote, not in big money.

Progress looks like character, integrity, and leadership skills being necessary qualifications.

Progress looks like foreigners being welcomed, fear being conquered, and love being prioritized.

Progress looks like a multi-party system, or at least a two-party system that works and can be bipartisan.

Progress looks like an oppositional media that isn’t bought or partisan and informs us without directing us. Re: http://observer.com/2016/11/this-election-has-disgraced-the-entire-profession-of-journalism/#.WBwVFw4csMg.facebook

Progress looks like us taking care of the freaking planet.

Progress looks like separation of church and state.

Progress looks like diversity being the solution, not the problem.

Progress looks like grass roots, vision, inspiration, hope, and drive.

Progress looks like party chairs not getting fired, speeches not being copied, media not being manipulated, debates not being garbage, votes not being suppressed, parties not being inauthentic, money not buying influence, and corruption not being rewarded.

Finally, progress looks like everyone voting and making their voices heard, with future generations in mind.

This race should not be this close. The two major parties have produced the two most disliked candidates in the history of presidential races. Clearly, something is broken, and it’s our job to fix it – with our votes, our voices, and our political participation.

Idealistic? Yes. Impossible? No.

I hope you voted, even if it was for a third party or a protest vote like mine! The key is to speak up and say something. Be heard! Change is implicit in democracy, and our beautiful imperfect union is in desperate need of revolution.

“A nation which can prefer disgrace to danger is prepared for a master, and deserves one.” – Alexander Hamilton

*Disclaimer:

The decision to protest vote was a very difficult one for me (I only protested the presidential race). I hesitated as I was filling out the ballot. However, it was made infinitely easier by the fact that I live in the state of California, which overwhelmingly aligns with most of my political views and supports Hillary Clinton. I must confess that if I still lived in Florida, a battleground state, I would have most certainly not protested and voted for Hillary Clinton to help prevent Donald Trump from winning. He is THAT dangerous. I took advantage of the luxury afforded to me by my location to vote my true conscience. That being said, if you live in a swing state and have struggled with the same decision, I can imagine how difficult it must be, and how torn you must feel. I want you to know that, either way, I honor the intention of your vote, without judgment, and completely understand. You’re not alone.