Ah, yes, everyone’s favorite topic: politics.
For me, politics has been a front-runner in my mind, something that I eat, sleep and breathe. It makes sense, after all–I am a political science major.
As many people know, this election has brought some major issues into public view. In fact, it seems as though whenever someone asks me about my major, I have to follow up with “I also have a concentration in international politics.” (As if that really makes it better.)
Most people often reply with, “Well, who are you voting for then?” To which I normally respond, “I’ll vote for the candidate I agree with most.”
The person I’m conversing with will often start bashing one of the presidential candidates. I understand their frustration. But it’s important for everyone to note that, while Trump’s rhetoric may be a reason for concern and Clinton’s emails sketchy, both candidates (or the ideologies behind the candidates) want to make America “better.” They have very different ways of going about that, no doubt, but they do want what they think is best for the American people.
Everyone has a right to their opinion.
Also, I will not say that the world of politics isn’t corrupt. Sometimes the system is very confusing, and people do sometimes take advantage of that. If you have watched the news or the national conventions on TV, the divide is clearly very big and very ugly.
And here’s the kicker: One of the reasons there are two polarized parties is because moderates/independents/apathetic people don’t vote. Think of it this way:
According to a 2012 Pew Research study, almost 46 percent of eligible voters are moderates. These moderates don’t think anyone accurately represents them, so they don’t vote. So, guess who does the voting? Extremists on both sides. Politicians know this, so what do they do then? Appeal to the extremists on both sides.
See where I’m going here? If moderate/apathetic people would just vote, then politicians who appeal to their needs would get nominated! In the 2012 election of Barack Obama, the millennials (18- to 29-year-olds) decided the election, but only 24 percent of them actually voted. This means one thing: Our voices are not being accurately represented. So, what do we do about this? You and I need to vote–we all do. Before election day in November, look up all the candidates or take a quiz (a great resource is isidewith.com).
And please, vote. Vote for the candidate that best represents you. The great thing about democracy is that voters do matter, and public policies are created by, well, the public.
If you want something changed, it starts with you.