Apathy (Photo credit: Toban Black)
“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” – Elie Wiesel
I avoid politics in the social media world. I figure that since I am not defined by my political viewpoint, neither are others. Frankly, I’m tired of the campaign slogans, the same old “scandals,” and skewed numbers trotted out on Facebook. Who are these things supposed to convince?
I am not even really sure I understand “undecided.” “Conflicted” I can get – there has never been a candidate for any office in my lifetime who has been without flaws or perfectly in line with my beliefs and priorities. But, I make a decision.
I don’t fit some cookie-cutter description of either political side. This is also why I know I love people who will not vote the same way I will.
But I love people who will vote.
What I truly can’t fathom are people who don’t vote. (And I love some of these people too by the way.) I just don’t get it. Every time I hear the statistics about the number of eligible voters versus actual votes cast, I feel a little sick.
Voting is a right. It is a responsibility. It is a privilege.
I think of Elie Wiesel. I consider the history of Rwanda, South Africa, Sarajevo, Armenia. All over the world and throughout history, people have lived without basic human rights and dignity. They have had their very existence threatened – all made possible by the indifference of others.
It may seem dramatic to compare genocide with not voting, but I don’t think so. To claim your vote “doesn’t matter” is to show an indifference to a basic American right. The very act of showing up at your polling place and taking a ballot shows that you care about the future of your city, your state and your nation.
Please vote.
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- A Conversation With Elie Wiesel (theatlantic.com)
alenaslife 
I sent in my overseas ballot 3 weeks ago. I hope the right man wins.
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Congratulations. Way to exercise your rights.
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Fantastic post! I am in total agreement. So many people have fought and made sacrifices and given their lives so that I could have the right to vote. As a U.S. citizen, it’s my duty to use that right (a right denied so many others around the world) and take part in the government that has such an impact on my life. I think there are a lot of problems with our political system, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do my part.
Also, it’s my opinion that if you don’t vote you shouldn’t be allowed to complain about anything the government does. You had a chance to make a difference, and you wasted it.
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I am so with you on the right to complain. Thanks Leah.
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You are not wrong. I feel conflicted too, and never more so than with this most recent election. But I will vote. I promise. And, to quote Didi, I hope the right man wins.
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It’s the best we can hope for, right? One thing is certain for me — I would never aspire to politics. It’s a rough and fairly thankless business.
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