On this 50th anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, I'm thinking about the rights and responsibilities of citizenhood. I have many friends who are disengaged from politics and policy, either because it's too frustrating or because they think voting doesn't change anything. I get that. I really do. Sometimes I feel the same way myself. But ultimately I think this is a myopic view of one's place in the world.
For those who don't think your vote matters, consider where we've come from. Consider how enfranchisement has made a difference to African Americans since the March. Consider the ways in which the vote has changed the world for women since we gained the right to vote in this country not even 100 years ago. And consider how badly some politicians want to curtail voting by making it more difficult to prove residency and register. Yes, your vote matters, even though you may be frustrated with politicians in the two major parties because so much of what they say sounds the same, and because they are constantly in the thrall of those with the most money. Your vote matters, because it's the little things that differentiate them that will become big changes in the world. In a republic such as ours, it's the judges and justices our leaders choose, the policies they implement via government agencies, the economic priorities they make, that demonstrate that yes, it does matter whom we put in office. And it matters even more in the United States at the state and local levels.
For those who don't think your vote matters, consider where we've come from. Consider how enfranchisement has made a difference to African Americans since the March. Consider the ways in which the vote has changed the world for women since we gained the right to vote in this country not even 100 years ago. And consider how badly some politicians want to curtail voting by making it more difficult to prove residency and register. Yes, your vote matters, even though you may be frustrated with politicians in the two major parties because so much of what they say sounds the same, and because they are constantly in the thrall of those with the most money. Your vote matters, because it's the little things that differentiate them that will become big changes in the world. In a republic such as ours, it's the judges and justices our leaders choose, the policies they implement via government agencies, the economic priorities they make, that demonstrate that yes, it does matter whom we put in office. And it matters even more in the United States at the state and local levels.
And if you do vote, consider that the gains made since the March for Jobs and Freedom were not won by a vote alone, nor were they made by politicians in a vacuum. They were made by people who risked their reputations, their freedoms, and their lives knowing the future might not arrive in their lifetimes. Nor are these gains irreversible. Voting is not enough. Be aware of the world. Listen to different points of view. Consider the motivations of the actors. Learn history and understand how your governments work. And when you see a wrong, call it out, whether by communicating through the press, through social media, through collective action, or directly with your leaders. Citizenship is your right, but it's also your responsibility.
Never forget this: "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead. I sincerely hope I will be one of those thoughtful people.
