Do You Have a Moral Right to Preach About Politics if You Do Not Vote?
The most important election of our lifetime beckons. I recently read a disturbing Facebook post that shed light on a troubling passivity.
I was utterly incensed last night.
I had noticed an old friend was posting political advice. Of course, there is nothing wrong there; I’d be disingenuous if I said otherwise, especially as I have not exactly been shy in expressing my own political opinions.
But those with whom I engage, regardless of political viewpoints, are part of the machine. That is to say, they are involved and care enough about their opinion to exert their right as a U.S. citizen and vote.
Instead, last night I read post after post from this individual of questionable platitudes to the point where I had an epiphany.
For the rest, I will share my own Facebook post on the matter, which I was compelled to post as a response.
The specifics will be self-explanatory …
From 10–24–2020:
I’m going to say this once, let it sit for a few minutes, then delete it. It is absolutely directed to someone here who will see it and maybe think before they respond.
IF they respond.
Posting platitudes about “dignity” when it comes to our public officials is utterly meaningless and disingenuous if you don’t vote.
Specifically, I read a preachy post from a friend a few minutes ago that set me off. Paraphrased, the post said anyone who attacks either presidential candidate has no “dignity.“
When an honest dialog started, it was easier for this person to erase the comments than address them.
I then asked if he’s voting. As expected he erased the question. This person then erased my followup requesting him to not respond in this public forum, as clearly I hit a nerve, but to consider one’s power lies within one’s vote.
The talkback to that post from others that has not been erased largely shares this person’s view that asserting one’s legal privileges is “wrong“ and ”aggressive.”
Sorry, buddy.
I wasn’t going to make a stink of this, but it’s clear you have no right at all to preach to anyone if you’re not so much as voting.
By erasing all civil and constructive comments you don’t like on your post, while portraying yourself as the second coming of Jesus and preaching some seriously empty words … you have no credibility.
To my mind, no one should discuss politics in public or private, much less preach about what’s right and wrong with someone’s political views, IF YOU DON’T FUCKING VOTE!!
I’m not going to out anyone. But damn I’m seriously disappointed.
I learned something from my friend’s original series of posts: I learned that I resent those who attempt to enforce their opinions on others for the sake of cultivating an image, which is exactly what my friend was doing.
He believes politics is ugly. He’s right. It is.
He believes were should all simply love one another. He’s right. We should.
But that’s not reality.
He believes many voters have become ugly as a result. He’s right. We have.
And we have too a long road to recovery.
Pollyanna attitudes will not change the state of the world today. Voting en masse holds the promise of enabling elected leadership to do exactly that.
We swapped a couple of texts last night and my words were dismissed.
That’s unfortunate. Passivity, especially during these volatile times, is every bit as reckless and dangerous as blindly accepting today’s status quo.
I believe that statement to be imperative.
Thank you for reading.
