Inspect the party platforms, don’t throw away your vote
No, this opinion is not about Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.
It is about the youth and independents who are plenty aggravated about what went on with the Democratic National Committee. It’s about my frustration with people who will throw away their vote because tantrums of change and exclusion in the election process have replaced common sense.
Yes, I knew Bernie Sanders was getting the runaround almost nine months ago. Once I saw the debate schedule, I knew something was fishy. Yet no one complained. I saw the writing on the wall with Donald Trump who is trying to take America back to the 1950s with the meme “Make American Great Again,” which has the underlying meaning of “Make America White Again.”
I am a male over 70 who votes independent. Florida has closed elections that excluded me from voting my choice. I have voted in both primary and general elections since John Kennedy. I have tried to stay engaged by reading both conservative and moderate-leaning newspapers.
My parents told me long ago about fascism with the likes of Mussolini. I never believed in my lifetime that any candidate would run on that sort of platform.
Jon Stewart said it best by saying “nobody owns America.” No race, creed or color. Our Constitution says so. Jesse Jackson ran with reference to the Rainbow Coalition. Truly, this is what makes this country great.
This election is way beyond the ugliness of Donald Trump and the dishonesty of Hillary Clinton. I’ve wondered how Hillary’s dishonesty or trust would affect me if she would be elected. I don’t get it, but maybe it’s my age. I know what it would be with Donald Trump. The presidency is not a throne.
In my opinion, this election is about the Supreme Court. It’s about the values that you care about in this country. Looking at the platforms of each party is a must. See where you fit.
I know the Bernie Bros are not happy, and, yes, he did get cheated by the DNC, but let’s be clear. If you care about voters’ rights, better and cheaper education, women’s rights and a host of other issues that will affect my grandkids and your future, think twice about throwing your vote away to the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, or for that matter, Donald Trump or, not voting at all. Would the alternative to voting Democratic give you what you want?
Change takes time. It is not earned through frustration or anger. Social media has its limit on change. Washington will not listen by using Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You need to take your frustration and anger to the streets of Washington and to Congress. Show this country you care. Stay engaged. Know the facts behind the politics.
Voting is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Sometimes you have to think out of the box and take the path most likely to support your views.
The choice is yours, but don’t waste this valuable resource (your vote). There is no place for anger and frustration at the ballot box.