I Don't Care About Politics
pol·i·tics
ˈpäləˌtiks/
noun
- the activities associated with the governance of a country or other area, especially the debate or conflict among individuals or parties having or hoping to achieve power.
When I hear the statement: "don't care about politics" it takes a lot of self control to keep my mouth shut. I find it difficult to understand this statement on a fundamental level. To me, it is the equivalent of saying, "Just tell me what to do and if I don't like it I will complain and hope you change the rules."
During this past primary election campaign season, I volunteered for a candidate, Megan Hunt (NE Legislative District 8). We have many of the same ideals and while I don't agree with her 100% but I trust her judgment to make the right decisions. I also believe that she is willing to open up to listen to those with differing opinions than her own.
One day, our entire family showed up to do some volunteer work for Megan, and my 3 (almost 4) year old started asking a lot of questions about what we were doing - what it means to vote - and what it means to be elected. I came up with a simple explanation that I thought was quite useful.
One day, our entire family showed up to do some volunteer work for Megan, and my 3 (almost 4) year old started asking a lot of questions about what we were doing - what it means to vote - and what it means to be elected. I came up with a simple explanation that I thought was quite useful.
I told her: "There are people who make the rules for us to follow and we get to choose who those people are by voting for them. I think that Megan will make good rules, so I want her to be chosen. I think some people will make bad rules, so I don't want them to be chosen."
I understand that it seems easier to not get involved, avoid eye contact, and live in your personal bubble. Politics is messy. No politician is perfect (fact: they are human beings). But to ignore your RIGHT as an American to choose who will make the rules that you live by is ignorant.
In the primary election in Nebraska on May 15, 2018 - the Nebraska Secretary of State reported that only 291,197 of the 1,199,660 registered voters actually voted. That is a dismal 24.27%. I have heard this is normal - even high for a primary. But, that is not acceptable.
It saddens me to think I live among so many disengaged citizens. It is time for a change - the biggest place this happens is when people get involved and stop sticking their heads in the sand.
So even though you don't "care about politics" I hope you care about shaping the future for yourself and for the next generation - I would say that is a pretty good reason to start caring.
In the primary election in Nebraska on May 15, 2018 - the Nebraska Secretary of State reported that only 291,197 of the 1,199,660 registered voters actually voted. That is a dismal 24.27%. I have heard this is normal - even high for a primary. But, that is not acceptable.
It saddens me to think I live among so many disengaged citizens. It is time for a change - the biggest place this happens is when people get involved and stop sticking their heads in the sand.
So even though you don't "care about politics" I hope you care about shaping the future for yourself and for the next generation - I would say that is a pretty good reason to start caring.
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