Apathy has gone wild

Who is responsible for our nation’s decline: dishonest, self-serving politicians or uninformed, apathetic citizens?

In the May primary election, some of the Pulaski County precincts had a voter turnout of less than 10 percent.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes off his shoes . . .” We are blessed with freedom and every city crammed with voting precincts; but only he who cares puts on his shoes and votes.

Disregarding the privilege to vote dishonors those who died to provide that opportunity. I believe we were born for a purpose; dying without commitment to a worthy cause would waste a God-given life.

Our voting choices are our future’s voices. When “We the People” don’t vote, “We the People” squander our freedoms. Furthermore, comparison of our election turnouts to turnouts in Third World countries indicates that those with the least freedoms appreciate them most.

Having served on submarines during the Korean War, in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, coupled with voting in 16 presidential elections (beginning in 1948), I treasure my freedom.

Please, if you’re not registered, register, get informed and vote.

A dentist said, “You don’t need to floss all your teeth; just those you want to keep.” So, if you want to keep your teeth, floss; but to keep your freedom, vote. ROBERT C. SOWELL

Hot Springs