Election time creates an atmosphere of intense social interaction. Everyone seems to awaken to the fact that they have a voice, a choice, and an opinion. The concept that we are able, in part, to choose the direction and character of our future translates to many of us becoming emboldened to share the opinions and ideas that we would otherwise keep silent. And not only do we share them, but we often insist upon them, creating division and intolerance towards anyone with an opposite view. Most of this “sharing” or “discussion” is happening on an impersonal basis. While we still seem to be obeying the old laws of not discussing politics or religion in public, we have realized that the media, meaning all forms of media, from the press to social media, are more of a mouthpiece for opinions then they are a forum for open and understanding discussion. While this has become commonplace in news media through the skewing of facts and opinions to support a one-sided view, it has also taken hold in social media outlets like Facebook. I’m sure most of you who are reading this are familiar with the phenomenon I’m talking about, and probably many of you have taken part in it as well. The silent shouting and badgering, sarcastic mockery and outright hate for not only an individual, but also the entire demographic he stands for. And yes, the incessant and unrelenting instruction that you VOTE!
While these sort of sentiments are partly responsible for the perpetuation of the illusion that we can rely on something or someone else to do anything, or change anything for us, they also remind us that the failure to make this chose may result in our lives changing without our O.K. When you go to vote it’s referred to as going to the polls and more then anything this speaks to the truth of the power of the vote: the ability to have your voice be heard, to show your support for certain environmental, financial and social standpoints.
While there are indeed many negative aspects that elections bring out in us, I honestly do believe they also manifest many of our best qualities. Mainly, election time gives rise to the understanding that our society, and government is capable of change. Weather or not you believe our current democratic system facilitates that change, the concept of choosing a leader has the effect of opening our eyes to the fact that this person, and the system he operates in is capable of directly influencing our lives. When we come to understand this reality, we begin to wrap our minds around all the things we’d like to make better, all the things we think maybe aren’t doing any good, and for many people, all the things we don’t want to loose. In his first election President Obama capitalized on this sentiment, making the catch phrase or keyword for his campaign “change”. This pretty well captured the underlying sentiment in America that we want to make things healthier, safer, more sustainable, and generally better. The motivation to make our nation, and our world a better place is one that we often lose sight of, and elections have the capacity to renew that impetus in all of us.
Additionally, we come to realize how close these goals of ours are. While the bureaucracy of our democracy may cause many of us frustration with it’s snails pace, that’s only because we are simultaneously aware of the speed at which decisions, and thus changes, can be made. These “changes”, like the creation of a sustainable food-system or the restructuring of a renewable and efficient energy-grid, may seem lofty, but we are painfully aware how easily achievable they are. For examples of this we need only look to the reality of how quickly we can build and operate a new coal powered plant, or the seemingly magical decision to create Obamacare that gave me medical insurance without me having to do a thing…except vote.
The Vote.
Now that the election is over, the real voting continues. Believe what you will about the four-year cycle, presidential elections, and polling stations, you vote every, single, day. You vote with your actions, you vote with your words, and yes, even with your thoughts. Every time we drive we’re voting for the expansion of domestic and foreign oil production. Each time we buy a food from a local farm or sustainable source, we’re voting for the local and sustainable production of healthy food. Every time we appreciate a tree or the beauty of a natural phenomenon, we’re voting for the health and diversity of the environment.
As the clothing company Patagonia proudly proclaims, “I Voted The Environment”, we have the choice every day to take action and facilitate those changes we’d like to see in the world. Support renewable energy? Ride your bike to do one errand each week. 40% of all car trips are within two miles of home. If American drivers were to make just one 4 mile round trip each week with a bicycle instead of a car we would save nearly 2 billion gallons of gas. At $4 a gallon we would save over $7 Billion a year. Walking or biking makes 12% of all trips in the U.S., yet these modes of transportation only receive 1.6% of federal transportation spending. If you want cleaner air and safer streets, there’s only one sure-fire way to show your support, and that’s to get out and ride your bike. Vote with your actions.
Make Your Own.
When we speak of stupidity, ignorance, hate and fear, we are using our words to vote for division and animosity. We are not two teams but one. By fostering understanding of those we see as our enemies, we are voting for the unity and support we will need to move this nation and our world forward in the sustainable movement. We all want to be healthy and safe, we all want the same things. We are not reliant upon others for our lot in life, yet we are more capable, and productive, when we work together. Maybe Obama knows you support solar power and the mandatory rise in fuel efficiency standards, but every day you have a chance to show your vote by shutting off some lights and driving a little less.
So stay stoked on exercising your right to vote, do it every day. Vote with your actions, your words, and your thoughts. Keep an open mind and try to be understanding of others you think might be supporting the other guy, he probably doesn’t want to burn your house, shoot your dog, or take your money, he probably wants to keep his family safe, happy, and healthy, just like you and me.
