Why We Should Talk About Politics And VOTE

Why We Should Talk About Politics And VOTE via Afrolly News USA Whether or not youre happy with the election results, there was something different this time around. Scrolling down Facebooks timeline, you noticed more and more I Voted, Did You? statuses from your friends. Well, at least I did here in Florida. According to U.S. News and World Report, the midterm turnout increased in only 12 states, but decreased in the remaining states (in comparison with the 2010 midterm elections). However, only 13 percent of voters in this years election were under 30 years old. So whats the deal? Its very likely that people who chose to vote have simply become more vocal about it. Florida, especially, was very vocal about the legalization of medical marijuana â€" which gained a lot of support from college kids (what a surprise). Then, everyone was even louder when the amendment didnt pass. Choosing to not vote, I can understand but I dont agree with it. Its easy to feel a distrust of the government after growing up hearing about the thousands of soldiers dying overseas, witnessing 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina at young ages and the recent unrest in Ferguson. The government and authorities aren’t perfect by any means. Many see not voting as a protest to the government, but really, its just making things worse; instead of the government hearing how unhappy you are with the laws and politicians, theyre hearing NOTHING. Now, sometimes you’re put in a difficult situation where you don’t like ANY of the candidates, but in that case you have to weigh the pros and the cons and narrow it down. It can be tough, but you have to figure out what’s best for you and your community. Midterm elections are known for not getting as many voters to the polls, but what we need to remember is that it’s really the local government that affects us directly. I feel the same pain in having to watch political ad after political ad, not knowing what’s true and whats false. But its our duty to educate ourselves. Talks on politics were always on the hush-hush around friends and family because of the easy transition from debate into all-out war.  It’s frowned upon to express your opinion on politics and deep topics. But what’s so wrong about talking about politics â€" as long as everyone is respectful and (at least trying to be) factual. Don’t be THAT guy via E! Online While I am encouraging that we all participate in healthy political debates among our peers, there is definitely a line you don’t want to crossbasically anything that is vulgar, disrespectful or fabricated. Keep it to facts as much as possible. If you state your opinion, back it up by facts and evidence. (FYI, citing biased “news sources” does not count as facts.) OK, sometimes politicians are unanimously called “idiots” by all parties and deserve it, but who put that idiot into office? You, even if you didn’t vote actually, especially since you didn’t vote. However, know the line between debate and the beginning of a screaming match. For example, Ben Stein (the guy in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off  who repeats ‘Bueller, Bueller, Bueller …’) decided to go on Fox News  to give some “commentary” on President Obama and how he is doing in the White House. While he is entitled to his opinion, he crossed the line right here: “This president is the most racist president there has been in America.” That is a sentence taken word-for-word that Ben Stein said on camera, without batting an eye. By no means does anyone have to like the president or agree with all of his policies. But this is a strong comment to say on national television. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure that twelve presidents have actually owned slaves, and eight of those owned slaves while holding office. By default, Obama should be no more than the 12th most racist president, if he is considered racist at all. If Ben Stein would have used facts to back up this claim, instead of more and more opinion, then it could be taken seriously. Instead, he just angered a large portion of America by making such a loud, obnoxious opinion. Turn Out For What via Instagram On a better note, there was one celebrity that made it clear he would do anything to make his voice heard in this year’s election. Lil’ Jon posted on Instagram that he had to catch a last minute flight back to his hometown in Atlanta in order to cast his ballot. Apparently, Atlanta had some issues with absentee ballots this year and Lil’ Jon is fortunate enough (rich enough) to be able to go to the extremes to vote. While he showed that he was a proud voter, he also made light on the issues that people face when voting. Lil Jon was not alone because Atlanta experienced issues all over the city with absentee ballots not being sent out. Hopefully, it won’t be an issue come next election. Politics hasn’t always been the thing to give people “cool points,” but maybe with celebrities being more vocal and present in the voting eye, people will see that their voice can be heard and SHOULD be heard. Whether you have specific issues you are voting for or not, make your vote and voice count.