The pianist of one of my favorite bands has a sticker on his keyboard that reads “If you don’t vote, don’t complain”. As a citizen of the United States, you have a right to vote and in exercising that, you have an important role in your government. The true strength of a democracy lies in the hands of the people. We decide who represents us in making decisions on how this country, state, county, or town should be run. The constitution allows moderate flexibility that leads the degree of government role in our lives to be decided by the citizens. We are facing discrepancies about when we want the government to step in and when government should keep out. How big is too big? We are to decided, in the voting booth.
As a citizen of the United States, I am protected by a democracy that has persevered through 44 presidents, and 234 years. Upon my eighteen birthday I fill out a paper, send it in and I can vote. I can have a major effect in my government. Am I being naïve? How can one vote effect who becomes the next president? In the 1960 race, John F. Kennedy had a victory over Richard M. Nixon by just 0.1 of a percent. Still 0.1 is around 3,000 votes in a presidential election. Imagine if 3,000, some odd people decided they made no difference? We could face a very different outcome. Perhaps the impact of citizens not exercising their right is greater seen in local elections. My first voting experience was a few days ago at the school. I walked in, surprised there was no line at the two booths. The next day I checked the paper and just over 500 people had voted. That equates to the number of students in the 9th- 12th grades alone. Figuring they have two people eligible to vote in each household, you can see how a large percent of eligible voters did not. My dislike and complaining about the outcome is justified by my role; I voted, I tried, so I can complain all I want. However, if your name was not written down and you didn’t pull that curtain closed don’t come to me gloating or complaining.
We play an important role in all aspects of government. However, how involved do we want government in our lives? The media, especially the right wing, expresses concern about “Big Government”. When do we draw the line? The proposed “soda tax” in New York State, casually known as the ‘Fat Tax’ would add cost to sugary beverages. Many residents are out raged, not only are you utilizing the unspoken word “tax” but justifying it by saying, well sugary drinks are leading to obesity. Even if it is true who says government should charge you more in an attempt to control your diet. This proposed tax has many wondering if the line has been crossed. Historically, Americans have always had a fear of the government gaining too much power. The bill of rights was instated to protect citizens from that and more.
When it comes to government less is more. The less people rely on government, the more, rightfully so, they rely on themselves. Balancing the size of government has always been a touchy area, which I began to see in middle school. One drowsy post lunch social studies class, my teacher wrote one word on the board: laissez-faire. Well I sat right up; it just has a nice ring to it. The denotation wasn’t bad either. Merriam Webster defines laissez-faire as: a doctrine opposing governmental interference in economic affairs beyond the minimum necessary for the maintenance of peace and property rights". Basically, keep your big government hands off my money. The Stimulus packages we have heard so much about, have allowed weaker competitors to delay their falling from the market and many seem to have positively “bounced back”. Nevertheless, the greater impact of the governmental chokehold on these companies will show, and may have a grave economical blow.
It is not that simple to say government should keep out of the economic business of a nation all together. Government is defined as the organization, machinery, or agency through which a political unit exercises authority and performs functions and which is usually classified according to the distribution of power within. Government must allocate goods and assure the safety and security of its citizens. Sometimes a small guiding hand must come from big brother.
It is easy to see why government would crave a dynamic role in the economy. Economic stability greatly correlates to political and national security. Without economic stability, a nation stands like a Jenga tower, each player be it international or internal is pulling out pegs, removing the very foundation and strength until it tumbles. The United States government should observe, like mother bird watches her baby open up its wings and fly, but be at the ready to catch it right before it hits the ground.
Words are powerful tools, just as I read that sticker and its point struck a chord. Many politicians hope that they can strike a chord with you. But, all is to no avail if no action is taken. In the West African proverb: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." Made famous by Theodore Roosevelt, as citizens of the United States our stick is our right to vote. Going unguarded will leave our nation vulnerable to corruption and instability. Think one vote doesn’t matter? Tell that to all people in the totalitarian nations or corrupt democracies. Carry your stick, your vote matters in the United States, let’s keep it that way.
Sources:
Numerous Guests who have visited our class.
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/closerace1.html
http://www.consumerfreedom.com/news_detail.cfm/h/3828-new-york-soda-tax-dead-on-arrival
http://www.ushistory.org/Declaration/document/
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/life/quotes.htm
