This blog is not about camping or writing or even food. This year, four of our eight grandchildren will be eligible to vote in the presidential election. And I hope they do.
But I would like to give them some advice--not about who to vote for because that is their decision. But about what to do before hand, and that is this:
But I would like to give them some advice--not about who to vote for because that is their decision. But about what to do before hand, and that is this:
Ask Questions
By the way, politics is not a dirty word. It is defined as "activities that relate to influencing the actions and policies of a government or getting and keeping power in a government." It is necessary for a democracy to function.
But the practice of politics has always involved slogans and what has become known as 'sound bites.' Because, too often, people don't ask questions. And the media has unfortunately pandered to an interest in celebrities rather than issues. So, when someone says "I'm going to balance the budget," it's up to us to ask "How are you going to do that? Are you going to get more money and if so where? If not, what are you going to get rid of?" And maybe remind them that the President only proposes the budget; Congress has to pass it. Or if a candidate says "I'm going to secure the borders" or "I'm going to provide free higher education" or "I'm going to get people off of welfare" or "I'm going to wipe out all of our enemies," we must ask how are you going to do that?
Because there are no easy answers and that's why political slogans don't tell us much. Have you ever had a disagreement with your family or friends over what restaurant to eat in or what movie to see? Now add in 300 million + opinions and make the stakes life changing. How can there be an easy answer?
Neither is it easy to get this information. Sometimes it comes out in debates; some of it might be on candidates websites. If you have a chance to see one of the candidates in person, you might be able to ask them. But listen and look to make yourself as informed as possible. Don't use the cop-out that the candidates are all the same or that they are all crooks. You don't know that unless you look for the answers.
The right to vote has been fought for and paid for. I hope you use it and use it wisely.
But the practice of politics has always involved slogans and what has become known as 'sound bites.' Because, too often, people don't ask questions. And the media has unfortunately pandered to an interest in celebrities rather than issues. So, when someone says "I'm going to balance the budget," it's up to us to ask "How are you going to do that? Are you going to get more money and if so where? If not, what are you going to get rid of?" And maybe remind them that the President only proposes the budget; Congress has to pass it. Or if a candidate says "I'm going to secure the borders" or "I'm going to provide free higher education" or "I'm going to get people off of welfare" or "I'm going to wipe out all of our enemies," we must ask how are you going to do that?
Because there are no easy answers and that's why political slogans don't tell us much. Have you ever had a disagreement with your family or friends over what restaurant to eat in or what movie to see? Now add in 300 million + opinions and make the stakes life changing. How can there be an easy answer?
Neither is it easy to get this information. Sometimes it comes out in debates; some of it might be on candidates websites. If you have a chance to see one of the candidates in person, you might be able to ask them. But listen and look to make yourself as informed as possible. Don't use the cop-out that the candidates are all the same or that they are all crooks. You don't know that unless you look for the answers.
The right to vote has been fought for and paid for. I hope you use it and use it wisely.
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