Why I Voted
Thirty-nine years ago, I raised my right hand and repeated an oath that I would recite many times over the 26 years of my military career and, many times, led other service members who were under my leadership in that same oath. Over the past several years, military service has decreased to the point where fewer than 6% of the American population have served in the armed forces with less than 1% of our population presently serving. What is more disappointing is that we also know that the percentage of Americans who participated in other forms of public service has also drastically decreased. Now, I don’t expect anyone who reads this to just jump up and join the military. But today, I was reminded how all Americans can and should serve each other.
Yes, I voted today.
I rushed from work to a nearby polling place, getting there about 30 minutes before closing. I hoped that the line would have shortened by then, but the line stretched beyond my ability to see the end. I decided I would stick it out. I was truly encouraged by the line of people making a choice to vote, choosing to serve by exercising their right to vote. We know democracy doesn’t work if citizens fail to take ownership of their inalienable right to participate and express their opinions. Even if we disagree with each other about some issues, we become united when we vote in hopes of moving forward into a better future. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we’re not ruled by a privileged few but governed by the people and for the people.
As I progressed through the voting queue, I then saw an even better picture of service: the voting judge volunteers. After making small talk with one of them, it was clear to me that he had been there all day — leading and instructing citizens, preserving our right to vote. He and the other judges were tired, but still smiling and, actually, thanking us for voting. I thanked him gratefully, knowing that this volunteer’s sacrifice and those of his colleagues’ were enabling my voting service. It took over an hour for me to vote and, as I was leaving, it appeared that it would likely take at least another 30 minutes for the remaining people in line to vote due to volunteers checking ID, explaining the process, directing voters through the process; serving.
This type of service may not seem as sacrificial as deploying in the military or other varied civil service positions. However, it is just as honorable and necessary, and worthy of gratitude. So, I thanked this judge again, as well as others, for their service and sacrifice. In the same way, I hope I can thank you for voting and for making America stronger by doing so. I hope the great American citizens who helped me vote today can inspire you to find places of service: community organizations, school volunteer positions, places of worship, non-profit organizations, and other opportunities. Let’s make a difference together.
“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”
– Author Unknown
“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
– John F. Kennedy
Listening Library: Do Something (Matthew West)
Do Something
I woke up this morning
Saw a world full of trouble now, thought
How'd we ever get so far down, and
How's it ever gonna turn around
So I turned my eyes to Heaven
I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"
Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of
People living in poverty
Children sold into slavery
The thought disgusted me
So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, "God, why don't You do something?
"He said, "I did, yeah, I created you"
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yeah
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
I'm so tired of talking about
How we are God's hands and feet
But it's easier to say than to be
Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves
It's alright, "somebody else will do something"
Well, I don't know about you
But I'm sick and tired of life with no desire
I don't want a flame, I want a fire and
I wanna be the one who stands up and says"I'm gonna do something"
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it's time for us to do something, yes it is, come on
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
Oh oh, it's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
We are the salt of the earth
We are a city on a hill
We're never gonna change the world
By standing still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
No, we won't stand still
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now
It's time for us to do something
If not now, then when
Will we see an end
To all this pain
It's not enough to do nothing
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
It's time for us to do something
Writer: Matthew WestPublisher: Anthem Entertainment, Concord Music Publishing LLC,
Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Reading this was inspirational,
Chris, as I read, I was reminded about the incredible privilege of voting. I think we take it for granted and do not realize how important out vote is. This country asks very little of us as citizens. The simplest, most basic and important thing we're "asked" to do? Vote!
Thank you, Chris for writing this. I agree that it is a great thing to notice people's work and to thank them, eye to eye, to make sure that they know that they are appreciated. Sometimes it comes back to you in unexpected ways.
I so agree with you on this, Chris. Thank you for articulating what a great privilege and responsibility it is for us to be able to vote.
AND, thank you so much for your many years of service to and for our great country!
Blessings!