When you’re young politics is a foreign language, hell even a foreign country. So, I was rather surprised last night when my younger sister volunteered into the conversation last night regarding today’s election. After informing my parents of the election and the candidates—without offering an opinion, because we all know where that would have led—my little sister informs me of a project she had to do in researching both of my district’s congressional candidates.
“Who should I vote for then?” I quickly asked, since she had done the research. Without hesitation she responded with the Republican candidate’s name. Curious, I questioned why. I received the usual answers, including that his opponent only talked about the issues, not what he has done or what he will do. When I pointed out the opponent has never served office, is a doctor, and cannot make promises regarding polices as the whole House has to vote, she quickly added another reason. This one being something about the Republican candidate wanting to do more with education and make Pell grants more available; questioned why the country should take on more debt when we already have 13 trillion in debt, she gave up.
I noticed the defeat on her face and informed her that my mind had already been made up and was not trying to make her feel bad. I was simply illustrating the point that politics and political decisions are complex and not for the faint at heart. There’s a reason why there is a voting age, it is so you can make your own decisions instead of regurgitating your parents and peers.
Remember to vote today. No matter your political affiliation, vote. It could really mean the difference between the past and the future.
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