Civil Right Or Camouflaged

Is the right to vote, really a given. We know that people died and marched, for what was supposed to be automatic. I was perplexed, as to what I really wanted to say. Or if I wanted to say anything at all. About these issues, following yesterdays election. In my personal opinion, the primary's don't mean a whole lot. I have two things that I feel are paramount, in the voting process. At least from my perspective. I think this voting thing, is a loaded proposition. You have to compromise to a degree, just to participate. Especially at the primary stages. Seeing that many of us don't understand, or know it's importance. Is voting a mechanism supposedly designed to keep us equal? Ultimately being used, to hold us down? Based on the outcome of some of our local races. I can't help but wonder.

As an Independent, I feel slighted. In order to vote in the primary, you have to declare. I'm not a Democrat or a Republican, either one. What am I supposed to declare? I think the Independent party is growing rapidly. I hear more and more people claiming the designation. We shouldn't be pidgeonholed into supporting a candidate, because of their party affiliation. It's like if I don't choose between the two. My choice doesn't matter. Less and less, are people claiming a particular party. They support the individuals themselves. After looking at the results. This primary is merely a screening process. None of the winners yesterday, are guaranteed their seats. It only give the politicians an idea of what the people will accept. I think we would get a better idea of the peoples ideas, with an Independent party choice. That would be the only way, to find out what I think.

The other issue I have, is voter education. There seems to be a developing trend of electing the incorrigible. People are being elected on name recognition alone. That's not a bad thing, but it's not a deal closer either. Candidates have been elected with no platforms, or known positions. We have elected people, that we have never even seen before. Another thing I want to say. Single motherhood is not a prerequisite, to knowing the needs of the community. In fact it amounts to a negative sign, to a degree. Depending on the nature of how it came about. Being young isn't an excuse either. It shows a lack of judgment, on their part. How can you deal with the problems of the city, when you can't handle your personal lives? Then we have the criminals in office. Those politicians already convicted, or presently facing charges. Everybody can change, and turn their lives around. Public office is not the place, to get yourself together.

What has happened here is the focus has changed, for all involved. Instead of representing their constituents as a whole. Their representation is fragmented at best. They cater to special interest groups, and the highest bidder. As witnessed by the "Tennessee Waltz". The politician has learned to capitalize on the ignorance, of the voter. It's no longer about a majority of people supporting a cause. It's about how many people, won't do their homework. Or how many voters you can mislead. Is voting a civil right that's been camouflaged?