Categories
Topic

Should I Head to the Polls?

Your Vote

Voting season is here. As this election will be coming to a close soon, there was a monumental change in the running. The current president of the United States dropped out of the race for re-election. Consequently, the vice president, has decided to accept the nomination for office. In light of this some people may wonder if they should head to the polls.

Have you ever really stopped to think about the reasons you go to the polling place? Are you someone who thinks, why should I vote? If so, what makes you question the privilege of exercising your vote? Some will say that their one vote does not count and will not matter. If I vote, nothing will change.

Others will say that they vote in every election, it’s just what they do. It’s the American way to vote. It’s my civic duty to go to the polls. Do you feel that by not voting, the entire process will go away, and citizens will no longer be able to vote at all? I’m sure you have heard these sentiments at one time or another.

Numerous reasons will be cited for going to the polls to vote. Why do you vote? Is it a tradition for each election and something you just do. Do you want the free pen, button and sticker that says, “I voted”. Is it that you stand behind a certain candidate and are showing support. Do you cast your vote with the notion that it will make a positive change?

You Decide

It can be said that some people have a better sense of well -being when they participate in the process. Taking advantage of the freedom to vote holds a level of empowerment.

Voting is your way of standing for what you believe in and making your voice heard. The process of voting can positively affect the future of society. While the actual method of the way we hold elections may be flawed there are perks to voting.

I am not asking who you vote for or your political affiliation. I am just posing the question of your reason(s) for heading to the polls. What appeals most to you about the voting process?

As always, thank you for reading.

Image credit: Image by kalhh from Pixabay

Categories
Topic

Running the United States

Politics is not my thing; but the United States is. What I mean is that I am no political buff but since I do live in the US, I take note of the changing times. The land of the free and the home of the brave. The land of plentiful opportunity. The United States is such a progressive place. A place where many immigrate to for a better life.

In the years lately, I find myself scratching my head wondering why this country continues to drown in debt, homelessness is growing, housing costs are high. What about Veterans? What do they get after fighting for the people? The country is guided by old principles that are centuries old.

Fair living wages are an issue. People are striking in the auto industry and writers as well. It is a domino effect and all trickles down to affect everyone in the end. If you think for a second that it will not affect you too, wake up!

The United States of America has three requirements to be president. You must be at least 35 years of age, must be a natural born citizen of the United States, and have resided in the US for 14 years. I’m sure there are other rules to hold this seat but those are some of the basics.

Running the United States

Three points to review

Must be at least 35 years of age. Yes, this is reasonable. On the other side of things, there should be a cut off age. As humans, when we age, certain things start to decline. Health, cognitive function, etc. The older we are the less apt we will be to make certain decisions and perform certain tasks.

It’s time to shake things up and revise these rules. At the time of inauguration, Barack Obama was 47 years of age, Donald Trump was 70 years of age and the current POTUS, Joe Biden was 78. The median age should fall somewhere between 50-55 years old.

Must be a natural born citizen of the United States. Yes. Absolutely. A criteria that should be in place. It makes sense.

Must have been a resident of the United States for 14 years. Again, yes good rule. It makes sense for someone making decisions for and about the country to have lived here for over a decade. At least they will have some idea of what goes on and how things are done. They can identify the areas and opportunity for change.

Three points to consider

Age Limit. As I mentioned earlier, should there be an age limit due to the decline in functions as we age. Yes, the world is continually being ruled by older and older people. We need some middle ground with younger people, while maintaining the minimum age of 35 years.

Legal trouble. Should there be a rule about certain legal troubles? If the person in office is charged with a crime and later found guilty; are they still allowed to hold the seat of president?

Financial Crisis. How does the US run up such a tab and owe astronomical amounts of money. The trillions…We, as a country are in debt but manage to help other countries. How does that work? It’s always good to have ally countries, yes. When is the United States going to lower its debt?

Running the United States needs an overhaul. If we continually rely on antiquated principles and laws, will we ever progress? The world is changing constantly, as such, some of the laws need to be re-written and updated. The way of life centuries ago, is not the same as life today.

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Categories
Diversity Topic

Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight on Sports, Music, Writing, Politics

Hispanic Heritage Month is underway. Take a look into some influencers from the Hispanic and Latin American communities.

Sports- Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player.

Baseball
Video by Tomislav Jakupec from Pixabay

The Pittsburg Pirates is the team for which he played 18 seasons of major league Baseball. The first Latin-American player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. During the off-season of Baseball, he would deliver food and baseball equipment to those who needed it. Roberto Clemente died at the early age of 38 in a plane crash. This plane crash happened while on the way to help victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Not only did he make his mark in Baseball but also he will be remembered as a humanitarian.

Quote- “A nation without heroes is nothing.” Roberto Clemente

Music/Entertainment-Jennifer Lopez– A Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress.

Performer
Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Jennifer Lopez also called J Lo, has been going strong for many years. She has released music, starred in movies and also was a dancer on the show, In Living Color as one of the Fly Girls. While encompassing motherhood and married life, J Lo has not shied away from her aspirations. Not only has she acted in movies but also produced several of the same. Most recently she has won the Icon Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this year. She also has clothing and perfume. Needless to say, Jennifer Lopez is successful in her multi-faceted career. She has many accolades to her name and is a very influential person in the music and movie industries.

Quote- “Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for.” Jennifer Lopez

Writer-Julia Alvarez-A Dominican American writer.

Writer
Image by Chen from Pixabay

Julia Alvarez writes poems, essays and novels. Her poem, Exile reflects upon the time her family had to run to the United States. In 2013, she received a National Medal of Arts award. This award was presented to Julia Alvarez by president, Barack Obama. The highest award given by the United States government for artists and art patrons. Some of her notable works include, In the Time of the Butterflies, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and Yo!.

Quote- “A book does not discriminate against anyone. All are welcome to the table of literature.” Julia Alvarez

Politics-Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez– A very visible political figure.

Politics
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, New York. She was on the campaign trail in 2016 with Bernie Sanders. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) attended the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in North Dakota. Also, AOC was there in support of the Flint, Michigan water crisis. In 2018 she was elected into the House of Representatives. In support of climate change, she has been outspoken and is involved in the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal encompasses the reduction of air and water pollution, addressing wages and union jobs. Creating green jobs and ending use of fossil fuels is the goal.

Quote- “I don’t think any person in America should die because they are too poor to live.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez