Daraius’ Diary: You Can’t Vote “Wrong”

Daraius: We’ve got a great team at Million Mile Secrets helping with posts. But I miss writing as much as I did in the old days! So here I am writing about stuff that I really care about (and which isn’t all miles-and-points related).

Left. Or. Right.

Republican. Or. Democrat.

Independent. Or. Spaghetti Monster.

There is no “wrong” choice, as long as you VOTE.

Left or Right – as Long as You Vote – There is no “Wrong” Candidate

Yeah, I suspect that many folks aren’t thrilled with the choice of candidates. And that perhaps folks feel a sense of helplessness, disappointment, and disgust when they switch on the TV, or scroll through their Facebook feed or browse the internet. So folks would rather not venture out to vote.

There Is No Perfect Candidate

But in my opinion there has NEVER been a perfect candidate for president. And there has never been an unblemished leader either. The folks we elect and trust in leadership positions, always have their scandals, petty feuds, and chinks in the armor. I have my faults. And I see having faults as part of being human!

I feel sad when I hear folks and the media demonize candidates. Sure, I do have a candidate I prefer. But I categorically refuse to believe that the other candidate and his/her supporters are weak, bigots, unpatriotic, close-minded, etc.

I’d like to think that we all have the same needs. For example, we’d all (regardless of political affiliation) like safety, compassion, belonging, peace, etc. BUT we have different strategies (folks who we entrust with our vote) to achieve those needs.

Not showing up to vote also means that you don’t get to vote for candidates to Congress, the Senate, sheriffs, county, and state officials. Folks who may impact you much more than the President!

We Inspire Much of the World

In my experience traveling, I know that voting is a HUGE privilege which we often take for granted in the US.

Regardless of who is elected President in the US, there are no coups, no riots, and no torture. The previous President gracefully fades out and the new President and Congress take over.

I was very touched when I read this letter which former President H. W. Bush, on leaving the Oval Office, left former President Clinton.

“Your Success Now Is Our Country’s Success. I am Rooting Hard For You”

Much of the rest of the world sees elections in the US as a source of inspiration. By feeling disgusted and not voting, I beleive we are as much culpable for the malaise as the politicians we disdain.