You Have a Voice

TONI EDWARDS |

Whatever the faults and failings of our nation, democracy has always triumphed.  Nevertheless, it is currently being challenged like never before.   Subsequently, those who are not in tuned to what’s happening in our nation and the world around us can easily find themselves ill-informed, disillusioned or bamboozled.  As such, complacency is not an option, nor is depending on others to govern ones path or articulate ones story.  Moreover, it’s imperative that all Americans take ownership of what they want for their future.  For instance, stand by what’s acceptable and what’s not, stand by what you see and the impact you feel, not what others dictate.  Recognize that regardless of the opinions of others, you are in control and in tuned to what’s happing around you.  Perfect example being, whether facts are misrepresented or not, you know if fuel prices are rising and how it impacts you, you pump gas, you know whether your wages are stagnant, you receive a paycheck, you know if housing is becoming less affordable, you see the steady rise of interest rates and assisted living programs being dismantled; You can attest to the distribution of wealth gap simply by paying attention to your pay stubs and income tax returns in comparison to the massive tax reductions for the wealthy, corporate ball-outs, bonuses for CEOS and the types of legislation being passed- who benefits? You know if your rights are being ignored- you witnessed the Supreme Court strike down the heart of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, repeal of the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order and the rise of hate crimes and unjustifiable killing of black and brown men by some police officers.

Similarly, there are other numerous illustrations.  For instance, you’ve observed in horror how Wall Street (Dodd Frank) and EPA regulations meant to protect the American people have been rolled back and climate change denied; you’ve witnessed the continuous battle to retain access to affordable health care as laws are enacted to dramatically compromise the Affordable Care Act, Medicare/ Medicaid and Social Security. You feel the backlash of discrimination as diversity is slowing being annihilated and your religion, race, citizenship constantly being challenged and demoralized. You don’t need anyone to explain these things to you because you live, see and feel its affects every day.  Don’t let those who don’t care tell you otherwise.  Don’t allow confusion to set in to divert or reshape the “truth” or dictate what is acceptable and what is not.  It’s up to the American people to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, not big money, power, business, deceit or corruption.

Lastly, it’s imperative that all Americans vote based on policy issues, not “Red” or “Blue”, but what is true, what is just and what is morally right for “everyone”- which make no mistake is being distorted, tested and challenged like never before.  I am of the opinion that “truth” is not always found in the direction that validates ones theory or selfish desires, but in places where the most resistance resides and the least challenged.  I welcome the day when the “Me 2 victims” the economically disadvantaged, the disfranchised, the poor and hungry, the voiceless, the suppressed, the wealthy and the powerful can unite and speak as one voice, one America.

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