Staying Realistic with the Recent Election

Here we are with a brand-new president and with that, brand-new promises, and restored hope for a tomorrow better than yesterday. Around this time, we as a people or, in this case “the people”, can be very vulnerable, naive, and gullible. We tend to often have too much faith and trust in the president, especially if what’s being promised during election campaigns is what we’re wanting to hear so badly. Then again many of us have a complete lack of faith and confidence in those who make up our government, therefore not holding them accountable enough. That being said, I believe there’s a few things we should keep in mind.

For starters, remember that during election campaigns, a candidate may not necessarily be blatantly dishonest, but they do want and need your vote. They will tell you what they believe is what you want to hear. Have you paid close attention during political debates, especially when it comes to emotional issues such as gay marriage or abortion? When asked about their beliefs, candidates will not directly say they do believe or do not believe in abortion, but rather merely imply they do or don’t believe in it. How strongly they imply their belief oftentimes depends upon their audience. It’s a balancing act of appearing to have strong moral values while still appearing favorable to both sides. Don’t invest too much in lip service. It’s as the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Do your research on a candidate to see where their heart and allegiance truly lies with such important issues.

Furthermore, keep in mind that no matter how strong a stand a candidate could make on an issue or how much they truly want to see change for the better, our president can only do so much. He/she may promise you the moon and whether or not that promise is fulfilled depends greatly on Congress. In most cases, in only takes two-thirds of Congress to disagree with the president to keep him from fulfilling that very promise. This is the very reason voting for other office-holding positions should be just as important and taken just as seriously as voting for our president should be.

In closing, while on the very issue of voting, please remember in the future that not voting is in itself voting. It’s simple just the silent type of voting. As frustrating as the government can be, and as pointless as voting can sometimes seem, wouldn’t knowing you at least tried to make a difference by voting be better than not voting at all? Think of it this way: voting entitles us to be able to complain about how things are because we at least try, whether we succeed or not, to bring about the change we need. A person is in no place to complain, however, if they don’t vote. Voting is pointless only if it’s not done with the proper respect and attention it calls for, and if it’s not done by every single enabled American to give it the power it potentially has.