Why Black People Should Vote

My fellow Black Americans. Here's my opinion on the Black vote, even though I'm not sure there is such as thing "THE" Black vote. We're all so different in our perspectives and opinions that it's hard to think of our votes existing as a collective. Nevertheless...here is my opinion. Yes, I know what they say about opinions, but I fully intend to take advantage of the privilege of expressing mine. This is done in an effort to encourage your participation in the political process.

Please read further, seriously consider the content, and feel compelled to exercise your privilege with a sense of urgency. You may well know everything I'm about to say. If so, then let it serve as a reminder and a celebration of the privilege you and I have been given at no cost.

If you've already pondered what's at stake and have decided not to vote, then there's just no getting through to you. You're a lost cause. Not voting also renders you mute and insignificant. Although, I can't help the feelings of overwhelming curiosity as to why you don't think you should vote. So, in your case, treat the title of this article as a call for response from you to the question of "Why Black People Shouldn't Vote". In this response, please share details about how you came to your decision. Perhaps you never actually decided not to vote. In that case, you desperately need to be informed that indecision is a decision.

Voting is a privilege that was hard to come by. It was many years that women and minorities could not let their voices be heard in the political arena. People were brutalized and murdered so that you and I can have the luxury of going to the polls to vote, free of charge and without anyone standing in our way. Come to think of it, we don't even have to physically be there. Have you ever heard of the term, "absentee"? Check out this link to find local voter registration and absentee ballot information. The state of affairs is out of control in this country. I could easily write a book as thick as War and Peace about it but I'll leave that to another. Here's the take-home message: we need change, and we need it yesterday.

Are you one of the many strange creatures I've heard of that has never voted? Have you been deceived into believing that your vote doesn't count? Well, it does. Did you know that best way to control a person does not involve force? Discouragement will keep a person from ever trying to do better, despite the fact that they know better. It takes a lot less energy to keep you from trying to vote than it does to stop you by force, doesn't it? Take the shackles of your mind and let your voice be heard.

If you have ever complained about the current state of affairs in this country (of course you have) then by all means, either vote or shut up! The time to speak is at the polls. Vote now or forever (4 more years of George McCain will seem like forever) hold you peace.

If you're a parent, then this is more of an issue of privilege for you. It's an absolute obligation. A good parent leaves an inheritance for their children. What will your choices pass down?