The Laughing Wolf

Today Is The Day

We always hear about rights in this country: the right to this, the right to that. Newton was correct when he postulated that for every reaction, there was an equal and opposite reaction. For every right, there is a responsibility, and there is no greater responsibility – and honor – than to vote as a Citizen.

We are not subjects to anyone other than to ourselves and that Union which we have agreed to form. We bend knee to no one and no thing, and our ability to choose our leaders and our destiny comes with a high cost. That cost is being informed, of taking the time to study issues, candidates, and platforms. That cost is setting aside fear, hatred, and prejudice to vote on the basis of merit rather than on loyalty to any other thing or set of beliefs. That cost requires time, effort, and both skull and physical sweat on our part to carry out, but that is a burden we should cheerfully shoulder. For others have paid a far higher cost, one of blood, life, and limb, so that we have this unprecedented opportunity. Those that defend us continue to pay that price.

We take this responsibility for granted, and denigrate it as a right rather than face what it truly is. Around the world, others are literally dying for even the chance at shouldering such a burden,. In Afghanistan, males and females risked bodily harm and death just for the chance to take up such a responsibility, and in so doing they set an example for us all. Yes, it does require time and effort on your part to study and learn; it is difficult to set aside the crutch of emotionalism and the abdication of party line; and, it will require you to stand in line with your fellow Citizens and give of your time so that your vote and voice will be heard. That is nothing compared with your ability to do so and the return that comes to us all from active and informed participation. It is nothing compared to what others have endured and given so that you can do so, and it is even less than nothing compared to what others have endured merely to start down this road.

Shoulder your burden and do your duty to yourself, your family, and the Nation of which you are a part. It is not merely enough to vote, instead one must vote on an informed basis. Spend the time today to do so, and in so doing express pride in our Republic and contempt to all enemies of freedom, wherever they may be.

LW