Every vote matters.

I awoke one morning with the words every life matters and be proud of the majority of Americans finally realizing that each vote matters, and despite the pandemic making their voice heard .

“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.”― Abraham Lincoln

I love the no nonsense quote – this extends to the votes of the elected officials on laws and matters of state. When given the right to vote we need to remember that it is a right and privilege that many people do not have. If we do not like our government we have the right to vote the lawmakers out of office. If we do not vote we don’t have a right to complain for we did not care enough to vote.

To the surprise of many who have been in control of what happens in the past, this year people who have never voted decided to stand up and make their voice heard and to hopefully bring about change.

It is time for those elected to begin to vote for what is right for all people and not just a few.

“And if we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity. For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”  –“Commencement Address at American University in Washington, D.C. (232),” June 10, 1963, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1963.

I realize that is not easy, but if the vote is for the greater good of as many people as possible, all those of good morals will see that there is sufficient for all and as we uplift others we too are blessed.

There are ones who will continue to disbelieve that we had a fair and just election. That their might have been small problems in some areas is not the major but the minor factor. Millions stood up for the first time and made their voice heard through their vote.

Just as in every election whether one party or the other wins, it is always asked but seldom actualized that all must let go of partisan views and work together for the benefit of the whole. This seldom happens unfortunately.

My hope is that in the days and years ahead these new voters and the young voters will begin to step forward and begin to participate more and even run for office. PERHAPS – even create a new party which can bring balance to a dualistic system that truly serves the greater good of ALL. For they are not jaded and have an optimistic and undefiled point of view.

Too many in office forget what it is like to be poor, working class, elderly or even young. We have too many people who are not represented by politicians, who look out only for their own ability to stay in power.

This is the time for change.

Let love guide your heart and mind. Know that change is needed and peacefully work to bring it about.

“For one true measure of a nation is its success in fulfilling the promise of a better life for each of its members. Let this be the measure of our nation.”  –“Special message to the Congress on National Health Needs (65),” February 27, 1962, Public Papers of the Presidents: John F. Kennedy, 1962.