Why I Voted

Thirty-nine years ago, I raised my right hand and repeated an oath that I would recite many times over the 26 years of my military career and, many times, led other service members who were under my leadership in that same oath. Over the past several years, military service has decreased to the point where fewer than 6% of the American population have served in the armed forces with less than 1% of our population presently serving. What is more disappointing is that we also know that the percentage of Americans who participated in other forms of public service has also drastically decreased. Now, I don’t expect anyone who reads this to just jump up and join the military. But today, I was reminded how all Americans can and should serve each other.

Yes, I voted today.

I rushed from work to a nearby polling place, getting there about 30 minutes before closing. I hoped that the line would have shortened by then, but the line stretched beyond my ability to see the end. I decided I would stick it out. I was truly encouraged by the line of people making a choice to vote, choosing to serve by exercising their right to vote. We know democracy doesn’t work if citizens fail to take ownership of their inalienable right to participate and express their opinions. Even if we disagree with each other about some issues, we become united when we vote in hopes of moving forward into a better future. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we’re not ruled by a privileged few but governed by the people and for the people.

As I progressed through the voting queue, I then saw an even better picture of service: the voting judge volunteers. After making small talk with one of them, it was clear to me that he had been there all day — leading and instructing citizens, preserving our right to vote. He and the other judges were tired, but still smiling and, actually, thanking us for voting. I thanked him gratefully, knowing that this volunteer’s sacrifice and those of his colleagues’ were enabling my voting service. It took over an hour for me to vote and, as I was leaving, it appeared that it would likely take at least another 30 minutes for the remaining people in line to vote due to volunteers checking ID, explaining the process, directing voters through the process; serving.

This type of service may not seem as sacrificial as deploying in the military or other varied civil service positions. However, it is just as honorable and necessary, and worthy of gratitude. So, I thanked this judge again, as well as others, for their service and sacrifice. In the same way, I hope I can thank you for voting and for making America stronger by doing so. I hope the great American citizens who helped me vote today can inspire you to find places of service: community organizations, school volunteer positions, places of worship, non-profit organizations, and other opportunities. Let’s make a difference together.

“Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”

 – Author Unknown

“And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

 – John F. Kennedy

Listening Library: Do Something (Matthew West)

https://youtu.be/b_RjndG0IX8

Do Something

I woke up this morning

Saw a world full of trouble now, thought

How'd we ever get so far down, and

How's it ever gonna turn around

So I turned my eyes to Heaven

I thought, "God, why don't You do something?"

Well, I just couldn't bear the thought of

People living in poverty

Children sold into slavery

The thought disgusted me

So, I shook my fist at Heaven

Said, "God, why don't You do something?

"He said, "I did, yeah, I created you"

If not us, then who

If not me and you

Right now, it's time for us to do something, yeah

If not now, then when

Will we see an end

To all this pain

Oh, it's not enough to do nothing

It's time for us to do something

I'm so tired of talking about

How we are God's hands and feet

But it's easier to say than to be

Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves

It's alright, "somebody else will do something"

Well, I don't know about you

But I'm sick and tired of life with no desire

I don't want a flame, I want a fire and

I wanna be the one who stands up and says"I'm gonna do something"

If not us, then who

If not me and you

Right now, it's time for us to do something, yes it is, come on

If not now, then when

Will we see an end

To all this pain

Oh oh, it's not enough to do nothing

It's time for us to do something

We are the salt of the earth

We are a city on a hill

We're never gonna change the world

By standing still

No, we won't stand still

No, we won't stand still

No, we won't stand still

If not us, then who

If not me and you

Right now

It's time for us to do something

If not now, then when

Will we see an end

To all this pain

It's not enough to do nothing

It's time for us to do something

It's time for us to do something

It's time for us to do something

Writer: Matthew WestPublisher: Anthem Entertainment, Concord Music Publishing LLC,

Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.