Democracy

Lately, I have been casually talking with people about my new blog. Surprisingly I have been caught off guard by the amount of people with whom I interact, who have little or no interest in current politics or policies; including those in my immediate family.

The root of the word "Democracy" comes from the Greek in origin; "Demo" or "Dem" which means people while "Crat" means rule or ruler. Therefor meaning, ruled by the people

John Adams, the second President of the United States of America and the first Vice President of our great country said "Democracy... while it lasts is more bloody than either aristocracy or monarchy. Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There is never a democracy that did not commit suicide."

Within the historical record there have been a few societal groups that gave democracy a try. The Greeks tried initially to demonstrate the integrity of democracy, giving all an equal voice but were eventually brought down by Alexander The Great, a representative of Macedonia.

Later, the Romans nearly mirrored the fallen Greek ideology, but eventually succumbed to the inherent conflicts of religion and societal values.

When the founding fathers contemplated the imminent government of the Americas, they settled on, after much debate, a version of past democracies. Ultimately it was decided that a system of check and balances, including The Executive Branch, The Congressional Branch (which includes The Senate and The House of Representatives) and the Judicial Branch, would be the most effective.

In our most recent presidential election, only 56.8% of eligible voting Americans showed up to the polls. In an election where such polarizing affects could be present, why would so few turn out to cast their vote?

We live in an incredible nation where we are fortunate enough to have an actual "say" in our politics. Many Americans feel as though their vote doesn't count, but I call "Bull Shit" on this. . .clearly the Electoral College has an effect on our presidency, but the voters declare their state governors, senators and congressional representatives.

In the past, I was the most complacent of Americans. I felt as though my vote did not count, my views were inapplicable and my voice meant nothing, but after casting my vote for President Obama, I waited and witnessed the inauguration of our first African American president I was overwhelmed by the importance of what had transpired. I was now a part of history. The question of "What would happen first; an African American president or a female president had been answered. I am in awe of the progress made within our country in just forty years, but at times am saddened by the lack of progress made within the being of some individuals.

Voters and non-voters: I appeal to you. Our republic, our democracy is built on public participation. Our forefathers gave us a voice and it is our responsibility to voice our opinions and contribute to the fate of our nation. If we choose not to participate in our innate American voting rights. our government and country will fold upon itself as was predicted by John Adams over 200 years ago

Our government has, to this point, been the exception of past democracies. To continue all, must participate in the voting process and cast out vote and opinion about our city, our state and our nation, or else the American experiment we call our government will be no longer.